Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many people, the symptoms of ADHD persist throughout their lives. As adults, these symptoms can have significant effects on work and family.
For a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have started in the beginning of your childhood (technically, prior to the age of 12). Your evaluator evaluates your medical and personal background.
They might also speak with your spouse or your friends, colleagues and partners. This helps them view your issues from a different perspective.
Diagnosis
As with diagnosing children adults, those with ADHD must meet certain criteria to be considered for diagnosis. The symptoms must be present for a minimum of 2 years and be causing significant difficulties in the way they function. This problem may be related to school, work, relationships, or everyday activities. ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. Mild symptoms are not a problem with daily functioning and are often misdiagnosed as different disorders like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to social or work-related interactions. Severe symptoms can make it difficult to maintain relationships or hold the job.
People with ADHD might reach an extreme point at which they can no longer manage life with its usual demands. They might become disorganized and make careless mistakes. They can also be impulsive and hyperactive and have difficulty meeting objectives and responsibilities. They may have difficulty remembering details or forgetting the things they were taught.
Ask for an appointment if you're struggling with your day-to-day life and suspect you have ADHD. Your GP could recommend you to a psychiatrist, or another professional, who can perform an assessment. You may ask a therapist, or a friend you have to recommend someone who has experience in ADHD evaluations.
A psychologist or health care professional will review your medical history and perform a physical exam. They'll also discuss your current concerns with you. They'll likely inquire about your experiences with ADHD as a child as well. They'll also talk to your partner and other people who are important 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 are diagnosed with ADHD Your psychiatrist must apply for special authority approval before prescribing medication. New Zealand law requires that people with ADHD undergo an additional procedure to be prescribed medication. The psychiatrist will collaborate with your GP and you to make sure that the medication works.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from medications however, it's not the only option. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or lifestyle modifications are also effective. NIMH recommends that you speak with your physician to find out 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 are not usually required). Your evaluator may also request that you speak to your partner, family members, or any other close to you to get an alternative view of your behavior.
The severity of your symptoms will determine whether you suffer from adult ADHD. They should be present for at least six months, and they must interfere with two major areas of your life, like your work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria, which includes that your symptoms aren't explained by another mental health condition or substance use disorder.
NIMH suggests that you speak with your doctor about options. This includes behavioral strategies and medications. A majority of primary care physicians regularly examine and treat ADHD in children. Adults who suspect they might have the disorder should seek a referral to an expert.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can trigger adverse effects such as stomach issues depression, anxiety, or stomach issues. They also can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Some people develop tics - frequent, erratic movements, or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD have difficulty sleeping when they are taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends that you speak to your doctor about any concerns you have about side effects of drugs or clinical trials that may be in the pipeline. Clinical trials are research studies which test new methods to detect, prevent or treat diseases. Clinical trials help people learn more about their health and themselves and also the opportunity to help others. You can learn more about clinical trials and find one that's right for you by visiting NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
If you are an adult with ADHD it is important to work with a doctor to manage the symptoms. Treatment with medication is one way to treat it and there are different kinds of drugs available. You may have to test various dosages and medications to find the one that is most effective for you. A therapist can assist you to comprehend your condition and how to manage its effects. They can also teach you strategies to improve your attention span, self-management, and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD feel constantly behind in school, at work and in their relationships. Their behavior can be a strain on the patience of the most accommodating coworkers as well as friends and partners. They could miss deadlines or appointments and make impulsive decisions.
Therapy can help adults with ADHD to become more organized and learn to manage their ADHD and improve their lives. They can be taught to recognize and modify their problematic behaviors, such as rewarding themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire following the answer to emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is carried out in a one-on-one setting, can be extremely helpful. It can help change negative situations into positive ways. A therapist can help people with ADHD understand that their impulsivity doesn't necessarily indicate a bad character. It's an normal response to high levels of brain activity.
People with ADHD are more prone for depression and anxiety, so a therapist can also teach them coping skills to manage these conditions. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy as well as support groups for groups and classes focused on communication skills and conflict resolution. The Department of Work and Pensions provides a service known as Access to Work, which assists in paying for workplace accommodations, such as ADHD, for individuals who are employed.
Be adult diagnosis adhd when choosing a therapist. There are many different therapists who are not the same. You should pick one with whom you feel comfortable and who is able to empower you following the session, and is knowledgeable about the kind of therapy that you are interested in. Ask your psychiatrist for recommendations if looking for psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists, in particular, have a good understanding of the treatment options for ADHD and can recommend an expert.
Support
Individuals suffering from ADHD might experience symptoms that are so disruptive, they need to be evaluated by medical professionals. The evaluation involves a discussion with the patient about their life from childhood to the present and how symptoms affect work and school as well as relationships and other aspects of everyday living. It is crucial that people suffering from ADHD are honest about their experiences without fear or shame of criticism.
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 take into consideration during the evaluation.
When you visit a healthcare professional to conduct an evaluation, it's helpful to bring any records that might help identify the cause of the symptoms, including old reports and notes from parents or friends. The person who is conducting the exam will also likely inquire about the patient's life and family history, and conduct a physical examination and psychological tests.
It's important to remember that just because someone has impulsivity and inattention does not mean they don't have the right skills for their job or other pursuits. For example, an ADHD person could be extremely imaginative and productive in a variety ways including writing stories, painting to designing things.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can trigger many complicated emotions, ranging from guilt over past mistakes to relief that they finally understand why they've been struggling for so long. "There's lots of grieving work that needs to happen, but when all the pieces are in place and people have a specific explanation, they can really begin to take off," Matlen says.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood and mistreated by their colleagues or friends. They might have difficulty staying focused in meetings or conversations, and they can be at risk of distractions from social media and video games. Certain people with ADHD are told they're lazy or attention-seeking.
Being a caregiver for a loved one suffering from ADHD can help them gain control over their symptoms, both at home and at work. They can utilize strategies and tools to improve their organization, such as daily planners or smartphone apps and also seek out treatment options from a behavioral specialist who specializes in ADHD. Treatments can include psychotherapy or talk therapy, as well as accommodations, such tools or modifications to the environment of a person that can help them better manage the condition. An accommodation could be an aid to help people who are shorter to reach higher shelves or surfaces.