Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout the course of a person's life. These symptoms can have a significant impact on family and work as they grow older.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD, your symptoms must have begun in childhood (technically before the age of 12). Your evaluator will go over your personal and medical background.
diagnosis for adhd in adults may also talk to your spouse, your friends, colleagues and partners. This can help them see your issues from different perspectives.
Diagnosis
In the same way as diagnosing children adults, those with ADHD must meet specific criteria to be considered for diagnosis. The symptoms must be present for a minimum of two years and cause major problems with everyday functioning. This problem can be a result of school or relationships, work or other daily activities. People may have mild or moderate ADHD symptoms. Mild symptoms don't interfere with normal functioning and are often confused with other conditions, like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms cause small disruptions in social or work interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to maintain 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 unorganized or make careless errors. They may also be hyperactive or impulsive and have difficulty fulfilling their goals and responsibilities. They might have trouble remembering things and are often unable to remember what they've been taught.
Ask for referral if you're struggling with your daily life and think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP could refer you to a psychiatrist, or another professional who can conduct an assessment. You could ask a therapist or a friend you have to recommend a person with expertise in ADHD evaluations.
A health professional or psychologist may want to review your medical history, take a physical exam, and discuss your current issues with you. They'll likely inquire about your experiences having ADHD as a child as well. They will also want to talk to your spouse and other people that are important to you, like your parents or your 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, the psychiatrist will request special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. New Zealand law requires that people suffering from ADHD take an additional step to receive medication. The psychiatrist will work with your GP and you to make sure that the medication is effective.
Medication
The use of medication can be a successful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD however they're not the only option. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or lifestyle modifications are also effective. NIMH recommends that you speak with your doctor to find out more about the options available to you.
To determine whether you suffer from adult ADHD the healthcare professional will interview you about your childhood and life today, as a physical exam and psychological tests (these aren't usually needed). Your evaluator might also ask you to speak to your partner or family members or other people who know you to gain a different perspective about how your actions impact your life.
The severity of your symptoms will determine whether you suffer from adult ADHD. The symptoms should last for at minimum six months and cause disruption with your work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This includes that your symptoms are not explained by another mental illness or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH recommends talking to your health care provider about your options, which include medications and strategies for managing behavior. A lot of primary care doctors regularly evaluate and treat ADHD among children. Adults who suspect they might have the condition should seek referral to a specialist.
Stimulants, the drugs that treat ADHD for adults, can cause adverse side effects like stomach problems, or increased depression and anxiety. They can also raise your blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people develop tics, rapid, repetitive movements or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD also have difficulty sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends talking to your doctor about any concerns you might have about the side effects of medication or about potential clinical trials that may be suitable for your needs. Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. Clinical trials allow people to learn more about themselves and their health, as well as the opportunity to assist others. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to find out more about clinical trials and find the one that is suitable for you.
Therapy
If you are an adult with ADHD, it's important to work with a medical professional to manage symptoms. Medication is one way to treat ADHD and there are a variety of different types of pills available. It is possible to test several medications and dosages to find the one that is most effective for you. A therapist can help 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 often feel as if they're constantly falling behind in school, at work and in their relationships. Their actions can test the patience of even the most tolerant coworkers, friends and partners. They might be prone to forgetting appointments or missing deadlines and making impulsive decisions that don't always go well.
In addition to medication therapy can help adults with ADHD become more organized, create strategies for dealing with the disorder and improve their lives. They can learn to recognize and alter their bad habits, such as rewarding themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire after answering emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is carried out in a one-on-one setting, can be extremely helpful. It can help to reframe negative situations in a more positive way. For instance therapy can help adults with ADHD recognize that their impulsivity is not an indication of bad character, it's just a natural response to high levels of stimulation in the brain.
People who suffer from ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression A therapist may teach them coping strategies to manage these conditions. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy and group support networks and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication skills. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a service called Access to Work, which assists in paying for workplace accommodations, such as ADHD for those who are employed.
Be careful when selecting the right therapist. There are many different therapists who are not the same. You should choose someone who you are comfortable with, who empowers you after the session, and is knowledgeable about the kind of therapy that you are interested in. For instance, if your goal is to search for a therapist who uses psychosocial techniques, ask your doctor to recommend someone. Child psychiatrists, in particular have a thorough understanding of the treatment of ADHD and can recommend a specialist.
Support
People with ADHD might experience symptoms that are so disruptive that they require the evaluation of medical professionals. The evaluation is a discussion about the person's personal life, from childhood to present and how their conditions affect school, work, relationships and other aspects of daily life. It is crucial that those who suffer from ADHD talk about their problems without fear or shame.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), fifth edition is a guideline for clinical use from the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing ADHD among adults. These are the criteria that medical professionals will look over during the assessment.
It is important to bring any documents that could shed light on your symptoms when you visit an expert in healthcare. These include old reports cards or notes from family members or parents. The person who conducts the exam will likely inquire about the family history of the patient and life, and conduct a physical exam and some psychological tests.
It's important to remember that just because someone displays impulsivity and inattention does not mean they don't have the right abilities for their job or other tasks. For instance, an ADHD person could be extremely imaginative and productive in a variety ways, from writing stories to drawing to creating things.
When people are diagnosed as having ADHD and are diagnosed with it, they may be afflicted with a variety of emotions. They may be resentful of previous mistakes or be relieved they finally know why they've struggled. "There's a lot of grief work that needs to happen, but when all the pieces are in place and people have a concrete explanation, they really get going," Matlen says.
People suffering from ADHD are often misunderstood and mistreated by their colleagues, friends, and family. They may have trouble staying focused during meetings or conversations and they may be at risk of distractions from video games and social media. People who suffer from ADHD might even be told they're unmotivated or apathetic.
Being a caregiver for a loved one suffering from ADHD can assist them in gaining control over their symptoms at home and at work. They can utilize tools and strategies to improve their organization, including daily planners and smartphone apps and also seek treatment options from a behavioral therapist who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments may include psychotherapy or talk therapy, as also accommodations, like tools or changes to the way a person's environment is designed which will assist them to better manage their condition. A possible accommodation is a step stool to help a shorter person reach higher shelves or surfaces.