Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many, the symptoms of ADHD continue throughout their life. These symptoms can have a significant impact on family and work as they grow older.
To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must have begun in the beginning of your childhood (technically, prior to the age of 12). The evaluator will look over your medical and personal history.
They might also speak to your spouse or partner, friends and coworkers. This lets them see your problems from a different perspective.
Diagnosis
Like children who are diagnosed adults with ADHD must meet specific criteria to be considered for diagnosis. The symptoms have to be present for at least two years and cause serious problems with everyday functioning. This problem can be related to school, work, relationships or daily activities. ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild symptoms do not interfere with daily functioning and are often mistakenly interpreted as other conditions such as depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to social or work-related interactions. The severity of the symptoms makes it difficult to maintain a job or maintain relationships.
ADHD sufferers can reach a tipping-point when they're not able to cope with the demands of everyday life. They may lose their focus or make careless errors. They could also be hyperactive and impulsive which can cause them to struggle to meet objectives and responsibilities. They might have difficulty recalling information or forgetting what they have been told.
If you're struggling in your daily life and suspect you have ADHD you should seek an appointment with a mental health provider or specialist. Your GP might recommend a psychiatrist or another professional who can conduct an assessment. You may ask a therapist, or family member you know to recommend a person with experience in ADHD assessments.
A doctor or psychologist will examine your medical history, perform physical examination, and discuss your current problems with you. They will also ask about your experiences having ADHD as a kid. They'll also talk to your spouse and other people that 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're diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will need to apply for special authority approval prior to prescribing medication. New Zealand law requires that those suffering from ADHD take an additional step to receive medication. The psychiatrist will also collaborate with you and your GP to ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Medications can be an effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD, but they're not the only option. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy or lifestyle changes can also prove beneficial. NIMH recommends speaking with 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 today, and will conduct an examination of your body and psychological test. (These are not usually required). The evaluator could also request that you speak to your family, friends, members or other family members close to you in order to get an alternative view of your behavior.
The severity of your symptoms will determine if you suffer from adult ADHD. They must be present for a minimum of six months, and they must interfere with two important areas of your life, such as your work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This includes that your symptoms cannot be explained by another mental illness or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH recommends that you talk with your doctor about options. This includes strategies for managing behavior and medication. A lot of primary care doctors regularly assess and treat ADHD in children. Adults who suspect they may have the disorder should seek a referral to an expert.
Stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults can cause adverse effects such as stomach issues depression, anxiety, or stomach issues. They can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. Some people develop tics, which are rapid repeated movements or sounds that resemble eye blinks or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD have difficulty sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends that you speak with your physician about any concerns you may have regarding side effects from drugs or clinical trials that may be in the pipeline. Clinical trials are research studies that try new methods to prevent, detect, or treat illnesses and conditions. People who participate in clinical trials can learn more about their personal health and could have the opportunity to help other people. Learn more about clinical trials and find the one that is right for you by visiting NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
If you are an adult with ADHD it is essential to consult with a physician to manage the symptoms. The use of medication is one method to manage ADHD and there are a variety of different kinds of drugs available. You may have to try different dosages and medications before you can find the best one for you. A therapist can assist you to understand your condition and learn how to manage its effects. They can also help you learn strategies to improve your self-management skills, organization and attention.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with 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 forgiving co-workers or friends. They could forget appointments or deadlines and make impulsive choices.
Therapy can help adults with ADHD improve their organization, learn coping skills and improve their quality of life. They can learn to identify and alter undesirable behaviors, such as rewarding themselves for motivation or playing computer solitaire to unwind after completing emails. One-on-one cognitive behavior therapy can be beneficial too and help turn negative situations into positive ones. A therapist can help people with ADHD to understand that their impulsivity does not necessarily indicate a bad character. It's normal to experience high levels of brain activity.
People suffering from ADHD are at greater risk for depression and anxiety A therapist may teach them coping strategies to manage these issues. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy and support group networks, as well as classes that concentrate on communication and conflict resolution. For individuals employed, the Department of Work and Pensions can provide a service known as Access to Work that helps pay for workplace accommodations for individuals who have disabilities, such as ADHD.
Be careful when choosing the right therapist. There are many different therapists who are not the same. You should pick one who you are comfortable with, who empowers you after an appointment, and who is knowledgeable about the type of therapy you're interested in. Ask adhd diagnose for recommendations if you're looking for a psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists, in particular have a thorough understanding of the treatment of ADHD and can refer you to an expert.
Support
For individuals with ADHD the symptoms could be so disruptive that they have to see a doctor to be evaluated. This evaluation involves having a conversation with the patient about their lives from childhood to the present and how the symptoms affect school and work, relationships, and other aspects of everyday living. It is crucial that people suffering from ADHD speak up candidly, without shame or fear of being judged.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD for adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria that a medical provider will review when evaluating.
It is important to bring any documents that can shed light on your symptoms when you meet with an expert in healthcare. These include old reports cards or notes from family members or parents. The person conducting the examination will likely inquire about the family history of the patient and life, and conduct a physical exam as well as some psychological tests.
You should remember that someone's inattention or impulsivity doesn't mean they are not able to perform their job or perform other tasks. For example an ADHD person may be creative and productive in many ways, from writing stories to drawing to creating things.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can trigger a variety of complicated emotions, from guilt over past mistakes to relief that they now recognize the reason they've had to struggle for so long. "There's a lot of grief work that needs to happen, but once all the pieces are in place and people have a clear explanation, they truly get going," Matlen says.
People suffering from ADHD are often misunderstood by coworkers, friends, and family. They may have trouble staying focused in meetings or conversations and are susceptible to distractions such as video games and social media. Some people who suffer from ADHD may be told that they are unmotivated or apathetic.
Helping someone suffering from ADHD can help that person manage their symptoms at home as well as at work. They can utilize strategies and tools to improve their organization, including daily planners or smartphone apps and can also seek out treatment options from a behavioral specialist who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments may include psychotherapy or talk therapy as well as accommodations, such tools or changes to a person's surroundings which will assist them to better manage the condition. An accommodation could be an aid to help a shorter person reach higher shelves or surfaces.