Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can last throughout a person's life. As adults, these issues can have significant impacts on work and family.
To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must have been evident since the early years of your life (technically, prior to the age of 12). Your evaluator reviews your medical and personal history.
You may also want to speak with your friends, partners or colleagues. This allows them to view your issues from a different point of view.
Diagnosis
As with diagnosing children, adults who have ADHD must meet specific criteria to receive a diagnosis. The symptoms have to be present for at least two years and cause major difficulties with daily functioning. This issue could be related to school, work, relationships or daily activities. People may have mild or moderate ADHD symptoms. Mild symptoms do not affect everyday functioning and are often confused with other conditions, such as depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions in social or work interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to maintain relationships or keep the job.
People who have ADHD might reach an extreme point at which they find it difficult to cope with life's routines. They may become disorganized or make a few erroneous mistakes. They may also be hyperactive or impulsive which can cause problems in accomplishing goals and fulfilling responsibility. They may have trouble remembering things or forget what they were taught.
Request an appointment if you're struggling with your daily life and suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD. Your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist or any other specialist who can conduct an assessment. You may also consult a therapist that you know or a family member to recommend someone who has experience with ADHD evaluations.
A health professional or psychologist will want to examine your medical history, conduct physical examination, and discuss your current problems with you. They will also ask about your experience having ADHD as a kid. They'll also want to talk to your spouse as well as any other important people in your life such as 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 require special authority approval prior to prescribing medication. New Zealand law requires that those suffering from ADHD undergo an additional procedure to receive medication. The psychiatrist will work with your GP and you to make sure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medication however it's not the only option. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications can also be helpful. NIMH suggests talking to your healthcare provider to learn more about your options.
Your healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood and what your life is like now, and perform a physical exam and psychological test. (These aren't usually required). Your evaluator might also ask you to speak with your partner or family members or other people 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 should be present for a minimum of six months, and they must interfere with two major areas of your life, like your work and relationships. You must also meet diagnostic requirements, such as that your symptoms aren't explained by a mental health issue or substance use disorder.
NIMH recommends speaking with your health care provider about your options, which include medication and behavioral strategies. A majority of primary care physicians regularly examine and treat ADHD among children. diagnosis of adhd who suspect that they might have the condition should seek a referral to an expert.
Stimulants, the medications that treat ADHD in adults, can cause side effects such as stomach issues or an increase in depression and anxiety. They also can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Some people develop tics - rapid, repetitive movements or sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearance. Some people suffering from ADHD also have difficulty sleeping while taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests that you talk with your physician about any concerns you have regarding the side effects of medications or possible clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies which test new methods for detecting, preventing or treat diseases. Clinical trials allow people to gain knowledge about themselves and their health, as well as the opportunity to help others. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to learn more about clinical trial and choose the one that is suitable for you.
Therapy
When an adult has ADHD it is essential to consult with a physician to manage the symptoms. There are many types of medications available to treat ADHD. You may have to try various dosages and medications before you can find the best one for you. A therapist can aid you in understanding your condition and help you cope better with its effects. They can also instruct you on methods to improve your self-management skills, organization and attention.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD feel constantly behind at work, in school and in their relationships. Their behavior can be a strain on the patience of even the most tolerant coworkers, friends and partners. They could forget appointments or deadlines and make decisions based on impulsivity.
In addition to medications therapy can assist adults suffering from ADHD organize themselves, develop strategies for dealing with the disorder and improve their quality of life. They can learn to identify and alter bad habits, like rewarding themselves for motivation or playing computer solitaire to relax after responding to emails. One-on-one cognitive therapy can also be helpful, and it can reframe negative situations into positive ones. A therapist can help adults who have ADHD understand that their impulsivity does not suggest a negative character. It's normal to experience high levels in the brain.
People suffering from ADHD are more prone for anxiety and depression and a therapist could also teach them coping skills to manage these issues. Other psychosocial treatments can include family therapy, group support networks and classes focused on communication skills and conflict resolution. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a program called Access to Work, which assists in paying for workplace accommodations, including ADHD for those who are employed.
You should be careful when choosing an counselor. They aren't all alike. Choose someone you can trust and who inspires you after a session and has an expertise in the type of therapy that you're interested in. Ask your psychiatrist for recommendations if looking for a psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists are knowledgeable about ADHD treatment and are able to recommend you.
Support
For those with ADHD the symptoms could be so disruptive that they need to see a physician for an evaluation. The evaluation is a discussion about the person's life from childhood to present and how their conditions impact school, work as well as relationships and other aspects of daily living. It is crucial that those who suffer from ADHD talk about their problems without fear of ridicule or shame.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), fifth edition, is a clinical guideline from the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing ADHD in adults. These are the criteria that a medical professional will look at during the evaluation.
When meeting with medical professionals to conduct an assessment, it's helpful to bring any records that might help identify the cause of the symptoms such as old reports and notes from parents or friends. The person conducting the examination will likely ask about the person's family background and life, and conduct a physical exam and some psychological tests.
It is important to remember that inattention or impulsivity doesn't mean they lack the skills to perform their job or other activities. For instance, an ADHD person could be extremely creative and productive in a variety of ways, from writing stories to painting to designing things.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can trigger many complicated emotions, from guilt over past mistakes to a sense of relief when they finally realize why they've struggled so much. "There is a lot that needs to be done in terms of grief work but when people have a solid explanation and all the pieces fall into place and they can really move on," Matlen explains.
People suffering from ADHD often feel misunderstood by colleagues or family members. They may have trouble staying focused in meetings or conversations and are easily distracted by video games and social media. Some people with ADHD might even be told that they are inactive or over-focused.
Being a caregiver for a loved one suffering from ADHD can help them gain control over their symptoms at home and at work. They can use tools to help them organize their lives, like apps for smartphones or daily planners, and can seek solutions from a behavioral professional who specializes in ADHD. Treatments can also include psychotherapy, also known as therapy for talking, as well as accommodations or other tools or modifications in a person's surroundings that aid in managing their condition. A possible accommodation is an adjustable stool that helps a shorter person reach higher shelves or surfaces.