Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can last throughout the life of a person. As adults, these issues can have significant impacts on family and work.
For a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have started in the early years of your life (technically, before the age of 12). The evaluator will look over your personal and medical history.
You may also wish to discuss your issues with your partner, friends or coworkers. This lets them see your challenges from a different angle.
Diagnosis
Adults who suffer from ADHD must also meet certain criteria to be diagnosed. The symptoms must be present for at least two years and cause significant difficulties with daily functioning. The problem could be related to school, work, relationships, or everyday activities. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. The symptoms that are mild do not interfere with daily functioning and are often mistakenly interpreted as other disorders like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions in social or work-related interactions. Severe symptoms make it difficult to hold jobs or maintain relationships.
People who have ADHD may reach a tipping point when they find it difficult to cope with life's routines. They might become disorganized and make mistakes that aren't their fault. They could also be impulsive and hyperactive which can cause them to have difficulty meeting objectives and responsibilities. They might have trouble recalling information and frequently forget what they've been told.
Ask for an appointment if you're struggling with your daily life and think you might have ADHD. Your GP may refer you to a psychiatrist or another professional who can perform an assessment. You can also consult a therapist that you know or a family member to recommend someone who has experience with ADHD evaluations.
A psychologist or health care provider will review your medical history and conduct a physical examination. They'll also discuss your current issues with you. They'll likely ask you about your experiences having ADHD as a child, too. They'll likely want to talk to the person you live with and other important people in your life including 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 will need to 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
Medical treatments can be a beneficial treatment for adults suffering from ADHD however they're not the only option. Other treatments like cognitive behavior therapy or lifestyle changes are also effective. NIMH suggests talking with your physician to find out more about your options.
Your healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood, and the way you live your life now, and perform a physical exam and psychological test. (These aren't usually required). Your evaluator may also request that you speak to your family, friends, members or other people close to you to gain an alternative view of your behavior.
The severity of your symptoms will determine if you suffer from adult ADHD. They should be present for six months or more, and they must interfere with two important areas of your life, like relationships and work. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This means that your symptoms cannot be caused by a mental disorder or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH suggests talking 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 may have the condition should seek a referral to an expert.
Stimulants, the drugs that treat ADHD in adults, can cause side effects such as stomach problems or increased anxiety and depression. They can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. Some people develop tics, which are rapid repeated movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD have trouble sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends talking to your health-care professional regarding any concerns you may have regarding the adverse effects of medication or about possible clinical trials that might be appropriate for you. Clinical trials are research studies that test new methods to detect, prevent or treat diseases. Clinical trials help people discover more about their health and themselves, as well as the opportunity to help others. You can find out more about clinical trials and select the right one for you by visiting the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It's important that an adult with ADHD work with their doctor to treat the symptoms. There are a variety of medication that can be used to treat ADHD. You may have to test several medications and dosages to determine which one works best for you. A therapist can aid you in understanding the condition and learning to cope better with its effects. They can also teach methods to improve your self-management skills, organization and attention.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD often feel like they are constantly being behind in school, at work and in their relationships. Their behavior can be a strain on the patience of even the most accommodating coworkers, friends and partners. They might miss deadlines or appointments, and make impulsive choices.
Therapy can help adults with ADHD improve their organization and learn to manage their ADHD and improve their quality of life. They can be taught to recognize and alter their bad habits for example, using rewards to motivate themselves or playing computer solitaire after responding to emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is conducted in a one-on-one setting, can be extremely helpful. It can help change negative situations into positive ways. For instance, a therapist can help adults with ADHD recognize that their impulsivity is not a sign of bad character; it's a natural response to high levels of stimulation in the brain.
People with ADHD are more prone for depression and anxiety and a therapist could teach them strategies for coping to manage these issues. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy and support group networks, as well as classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication skills. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a program called Access to Work, which aids in the payment of workplace accommodations, including ADHD, for individuals who are employed.
It's important to remember that not all therapists are alike, and you should choose carefully. You should select a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and who is able to empower you following a session, and who is knowledgeable about the type of therapy that you are interested in. Ask your psychiatrist for recommendations if you are looking for a psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists are well-versed in ADHD treatment and are able to provide you with recommendations.
Support
Individuals with ADHD may experience symptoms that are so disruptive, they require evaluation by medical professionals. This evaluation is a conversation about the person's life, from childhood to present, and how their symptoms impact school, work relationships, and other aspects of everyday living. diagnosis for adhd in adults is essential that those with ADHD openly discuss their issues without fear or resentment.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria medical professionals review during the assessment.
When visiting the healthcare professional for an assessment, it's helpful to bring any records that could shed light on symptoms like old reports and notes from parents or friends. getting diagnosed with adhd doing the evaluation will likely also ask questions about the person's family and life history, as well as conduct a physical exam and some psychological tests.
It is important to keep in mind that just because someone displays inattention or impulsivity, it does not mean they don't have the right abilities for their job or other activities. For example, an ADHD person can be very imaginative and productive in a variety ways from writing stories to painting and even designing things.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can trigger a variety of complicated emotions, ranging from guilt over past mistakes to relief that they finally recognize the reason they've been struggling so much. "There's plenty of grief work to be done however once all the pieces are in place and people have that concrete explanation, they really get going," Matlen says.
People suffering from ADHD are often misunderstood by their coworkers, friends, and family. They may have trouble staying focused during meetings or conversations and may be distracted by video games or social media. A few people who suffer from ADHD are told that they're lazy or attention-seeking.
Helping a loved one who suffers from ADHD can help them gain control over their symptoms at home and at work. They can make use of tools to improve their organization such as smartphone apps or daily planners, and may seek treatments from a behavioral expert who specializes in ADHD. Treatments can also include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, and accommodations, or tools or changes in a person's environment that assist them in managing their condition. For example an accommodation could be a step stool that allows people who are shorter to access higher shelves or other surfaces.