Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many people, the symptoms of ADHD continue throughout their life. As adults, these symptoms can have a significant impact on family and work.
To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must have begun in the early years of your life (technically prior to the age of 12). Your evaluator will review your personal and medical history.
You may also want to talk to your friends, family members or coworkers. This can help them understand your issues from different perspectives.
Diagnosis
Like children who are diagnosed, adults who have ADHD must meet certain criteria to receive a diagnosis. The symptoms should have been present for at least two years and be causing significant problems in everyday functioning. The problem could be a result of school or relationships, work, or everyday activities. ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild symptoms do not interfere with the daily activities of people and are often mistakenly interpreted as other conditions such as anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms cause minor disruptions to social or work-related interactions. Severe symptoms make it difficult to keep jobs or maintain relationships.
People with ADHD might reach a tipping point when they are unable to manage life's routines. They may lose their focus or make a few erroneous mistakes. They may also be impulsive and hyperactive which can cause them to be unable to meet goals and responsibilities. They may have difficulty remembering things and are often unable to remember the things they've been taught.
Ask for an appointment if you're struggling with your day-to-day life and think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP may recommend a psychiatrist, or another professional who can conduct an assessment. You may also ask a therapist you know or a family member to recommend someone with experience in ADHD assessments.
A health professional or psychologist will review your medical history and conduct a physical exam. They will also discuss your current issues with you. They'll also inquire about your experiences having ADHD as a kid. They'll want to speak to the person you live with as well as other important people in your life, as well, like your parents or spouse. They'll use this information to decide if you have ADHD and what type of ADHD you have--inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or combined.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will need to apply for an authority's approval prior to prescribing medication. This is an additional step that New Zealand regulations require for people who have ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will also work with you and your GP to ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
The use of medication can be a successful treatment for adults with ADHD, but they're not the only option. Other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy or lifestyle changes can also be helpful. NIMH recommends talking to your health care provider to learn more about your options.
Your healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood, and how your life is now, and perform a physical exam and psychological tests. (These aren't usually required). Your evaluator might also ask you to speak to your partner or family members or any other family members who know you, to gain a different perspective on how your behavior affects your life.
The severity of your symptoms will determine whether you have adult ADHD. They have to be present for at least six months and must be interfering with two important areas of your life, including your work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria, which includes that your symptoms aren't explained by a mental health issue or addiction disorder.
NIMH suggests talking with your doctor about options. This includes behavioral strategies and medications. Many primary care providers regularly assess and treat ADHD in children. adult diagnosis adhd who suspect they may have the condition should seek a referral to a specialist.
Stimulants, the drugs that treat ADHD in adults, can cause side effects such as stomach problems, or increased depression and anxiety. They can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. Certain people develop tics, frequent, erratic movements, or sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD have trouble sleeping when they are taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends that you speak with your doctor regarding any concerns you might have about side effects of medications or possible clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies that test new methods to detect, prevent or treat illnesses. Clinical trials let people gain knowledge about themselves and their health, as well as the opportunity to help others. You can learn more about clinical trials and find one that's right for you by going to the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It is essential that adults with ADHD consult with their doctor to manage their symptoms. Medication is one way to manage it and there are different kinds of medications available. You may have to test several medications and dosages to determine which is most effective for you. A therapist can help understand your condition and learn how to better manage its effects. They can also help you learn techniques to improve your self-management, organization and attention.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are constantly lagging at work, in school and in their relationships. Their actions can test the patience of even the most tolerant coworkers as well as friends and partners. They may miss deadlines or appointments, and make impulsive decisions.
Therapy can help people with ADHD improve their organization as well as develop coping skills to improve their quality of life. They can learn to identify and alter their bad habits for example, rewarding themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire after answering emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is carried out in a one-on-one setting, can be extremely beneficial. It can assist in change negative situations into positive ways. For example, a therapist can assist adults suffering from ADHD realize that their impulsivity does not an indication of a bad character; it's an instinctual response to high levels of stimulation in the brain.
A therapist can teach them ways to cope with anxiety and depression. People who suffer from ADHD have a higher likelihood of suffering from anxiety and depression. Other psychosocial treatments include group therapy and family networks and classes that are focused on conflict resolution and communication skills. For individuals employed by the Department of Work and Pensions offers a program called Access to Work that helps with workplace accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including ADHD.
Be cautious when choosing an therapist. They aren't all the same. You should pick one who you are comfortable with and who can empower you after the session, and is knowledgeable about the type of therapy that you are interested in. For instance, if you're searching for a therapist who employs psychosocial techniques Ask your psychiatrist to suggest someone. Child psychiatrists are especially well-versed in ADHD treatment and can provide you with recommendations.
Support
For individuals with ADHD the symptoms could be such that they require to see a physician for an evaluation. This evaluation is a conversation about the person's personal life, from childhood to present, and how their symptoms impact school, work as well as relationships and other aspects of daily life. It is essential that those who suffer from ADHD openly discuss their issues without fear or resentment.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria a medical professional will take into consideration when evaluating.
When you visit the healthcare professional to conduct an evaluation, it's beneficial to bring any records that could shed light on symptoms such as old reports and notes from parents or friends. The person conducting the evaluation will likely ask about the family history of the patient and lifestyle, and will also conduct a physical exam and some psychological tests.
It's important to remember that just because someone has inattention or impulsivity, it does not mean they don't have the appropriate skills for their job or other tasks. An ADHD person, for instance is able to be productive and creative in many different ways, like painting, writing stories or designing things.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can bring up many complicated emotions, ranging from guilt over past mistakes to relief that they now understand why they've struggled so much. "There is a lot to be done in the area of grief work, but when people have a solid explanation and all the pieces fit together and they can really move on," Matlen explains.
Individuals with ADHD are often misunderstood, whether by coworkers or friends and family. They may struggle to stay focused during meetings or conversations, and they can be prone to distractions like social media and video games. A few people who suffer from ADHD are told they're lazy or apathetic.
Helping a loved one who suffers from ADHD can assist them in gaining control over their symptoms, both at home and at work. They can use tools and strategies to improve their organization, like daily planners or smartphone apps and also seek out treatment options from a behavioral specialist who specializes in ADHD. Treatments may include psychotherapy or talk therapy, as in addition to accommodations, such as tools or modifications to the way a person's environment is designed that will help them better manage their condition. For instance, an accommodation might be a step stool that allows a shorter person to reach higher shelves or other surfaces.