Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can be persistent throughout the life of a person. These symptoms can have a major impact on family and work as they grow older.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, your symptoms must have begun in the early years of your life (technically before the age of 12). The evaluator will look over your personal and medical history.
They may also talk with your spouse or your friends, colleagues and partners. This can help them understand your challenges from other perspectives.
Diagnosis
As with diagnosing children adults with ADHD must meet specific criteria to receive a diagnosis. The symptoms must be present for at least 2 years and cause significant difficulties in daily functioning. The problem could be related to work, school relationships, everyday activities. ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild symptoms do not affect everyday functioning and are often mistaken for other conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms cause minor disruptions in work or social interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to keep a job or maintain relationships.
People with ADHD can experience a tipping point when they are unable to manage life with its usual demands. They might become unorganized or make mistakes that are not their fault. They could also be hyperactive or impulsive, leading to trouble meeting goals and responsibilities. They might have trouble recalling information and frequently forget the things they've been taught.
If you're having difficulty in your daily life and you suspect that you may have ADHD and need help, request a referral to an expert in mental health or a specialist. Your GP could refer you to a psychiatrist or another professional who can perform an assessment. You can ask a therapist or a family member you know to recommend a person with expertise in ADHD evaluations.
A health care provider or psychologist will examine your medical history, perform physical examination and discuss your current problems with you. They will also ask about your experience with ADHD as a kid. They'll likely want to talk to the person you live with and other important people in your life, too, such as your spouse or parents. 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 the psychiatrist will seek special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. This is a step that New Zealand regulations require for people with ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will collaborate with your GP and you to make sure that the medication works.
Medication
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medication, but it's not the only option. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes can also aid. NIMH recommends speaking with your health care provider to learn more about the options available to you.
Your doctor 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 ask you to talk to your family, friends, members, or any other close to you to gain an outsider's view of your behavior.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD depends on whether your symptoms are mild or moderate. The symptoms must last at least six months and interfere with your relationships and work. You must also meet the diagnostic requirements, such as that your symptoms aren't better explained by another mental health condition or substance use disorder.
NIMH recommends talking to your health care provider about your options, including behavioral strategies and medications. A majority of primary care physicians regularly examine and treat ADHD in children. Adults who suspect that they might have the disorder should seek a referral to an expert.
Stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults can trigger side effects like stomach problems as well as depression, anxiety, and stomach problems. They also can increase the heart rate and blood pressure. Some people develop tics, which are sudden repeated movements or sounds like eye blinks or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD are unable to sleep when they are taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends speaking with your health-care professional about any concerns you might have regarding the adverse effects of medication or possible clinical trials that might be suitable for your needs. Clinical trials are research studies which test new methods to detect, prevent or treat diseases. People who take part in clinical trials are able to gain knowledge about their own health and be able to assist other people. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to learn more about clinical trial and select the one that is suitable for you.
Therapy
It is essential that adults with ADHD work with their doctor to manage their symptoms. There are a variety of medications available to treat ADHD. You may need to try several medications and dosages to determine which is most effective for you. A therapist can help you understand your condition and learn how to better manage its effects. They can also instruct you on techniques to improve your self-management, organization and attention.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD feel constantly behind at work, in school and in their relationships. Even the most forgiving colleagues, friends, and partners can be unhappy with their actions. They might find themselves forgetting appointments or ignoring deadlines, and making impulsive choices that don't always turn out well.
Therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD improve their organization, learn coping skills and improve their lives. They can learn to recognize and alter their bad habits for example, rewarding themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire after responding to emails. One-on-one cognitive behavioral therapy can also be helpful and help turn negative situations into positive ones. For example therapy can help adults with ADHD recognize that their impulsivity is not an indication of bad character; it's an instinctual response to high levels of brain stimulation.
how to get diagnosed with adhd can help them learn strategies to deal with depression and anxiety. People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be at risk of depression and anxiety. Other psychosocial treatments could include family therapy, group support networks and classes that focus on communication skills and conflict resolution. For those who are employed by the Department of Work and Pensions can offer a service called Access to Work that helps to pay for workplace accommodations for those with disabilities, including ADHD.
It is important to keep in mind that not all therapists are the same, and you should choose carefully. Choose someone you can trust, who inspires you after a session, and who has an expertise in the kind of therapy you're interested in. Ask your psychiatrist for recommendations if you're looking for psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists are knowledgeable about ADHD treatment and are able to recommend you.
Support
For those with ADHD, their symptoms may be so disruptive that they need to visit a doctor for an evaluation. This evaluation involves a conversation with the patient about their lives from childhood to now and how symptoms affect school and work, relationships, and other aspects of life. It's important that people with ADHD open up honestly, without shame or fear of being judged.
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 that a medical provider will review during the evaluation.
When visiting a healthcare professional to conduct an assessment, it's helpful to bring any documentation that could help identify the cause of the symptoms like old report cards and notes from friends or parents. The person conducting the examination will likely ask about the person's family background and life, and conduct a physical exam as well as some psychological tests.
It is important to keep in mind that just because someone displays inattention and impulsivity does not mean they don't have the right abilities for their job or other pursuits. For instance an ADHD person may be creative and productive in a variety of ways, from writing stories to painting and even designing things.
If adults are diagnosed with ADHD the sufferers can experience a range of emotions. They may feel guilty about past mistakes or relieved that they now know the reason they struggled. "There's lots of grieving work to be done and once all the pieces are in place and people have a concrete explanation, they really take off," Matlen says.
Individuals with ADHD are often misunderstood by colleagues or family members and friends. They may have trouble staying focussed in conversations or meetings and can be distracted by video games or social media. A few people who suffer from ADHD are told that they're lazy or apathetic.
Supporting a loved one with ADHD can help them gain control over their symptoms, both at home and at work. They can utilize tools to help them organize their lives, like apps for smartphones or daily planners, and they can seek out solutions from a behavioral expert who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments could include psychotherapy or talk therapy, as well as accommodations, such tools or modifications to a person's surroundings that will help them better manage the condition. For example, an accommodation might be a step stool that allows a shorter person to reach higher shelves or other surfaces.