Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can be persistent throughout the course of a person's life. As adults, these issues can have a significant impact on family and work.
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 will go over your personal and medical history.
They can also talk to your spouse, your friends, colleagues and partners. This helps them to see your issues from different perspectives.
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 have caused significant difficulties in daily functioning. This problem can be related to school or work, relationships or daily activities. ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild symptoms are not a problem with everyday functioning and are often misdiagnosed as different disorders like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to social or work interactions. The severity of the symptoms makes it difficult to maintain jobs or maintain relationships.
People who have ADHD can experience a tipping point when they can no longer manage life with its usual demands. They may become disorganized or make a few erroneous mistakes. They could also be hyperactive or impulsive and have difficulty meeting goals and responsibility. They might have difficulty recalling information or forgetting what they were taught.
If you're having difficulty in your everyday life and you suspect that you may have ADHD and need help, request the referral to an individual who is a mental health professional or specialist. Your GP could refer you to psychiatrists, or a different professional, who can perform an assessment. You may ask a therapist, or family member you know to recommend someone with experience in ADHD evaluations.
A health professional or psychologist will review your medical history, perform physical examination, and discuss your current problems with you. They'll likely inquire about your experiences with ADHD as a child too. They'll want to speak to the person you live with as well as other important people in your life, too, 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, the psychiatrist will seek special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. New Zealand law requires that those suffering from ADHD undergo an additional procedure to receive medication. The psychiatrist will collaborate with your GP and you to ensure that the medication works.
Medication
The use of medication can be a successful treatment for adults with ADHD, but they're not the only option. Other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy or lifestyle modifications can also prove beneficial. NIMH recommends speaking with your health care provider to learn more about your options.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your childhood and how your life is currently, and conduct a physical exam and psychological test. (These aren't typically required). Your evaluator might also ask you to speak to your partner or family members or any other family members who know you to gain an outside view on how your behavior affects 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 relationships and work. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This includes that your symptoms cannot be explained by another mental disorder or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH recommends speaking with your health care provider about your options, including behavioral strategies and medications. A lot of primary care doctors regularly examine and treat ADHD in children, but adults who think they may have it should seek an appointment with an expert in mental health.
Stimulants, which are the drugs used to treat ADHD in adults, can cause adverse side effects like stomach problems, or increased anxiety and depression. They also can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Some people develop tics, which are sudden repetitive movements or sounds that resemble eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD also have difficulty sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends speaking with your doctor about any concerns you have about the side effects of medication or about potential clinical trials that may be suitable for you. Clinical trials are research studies that test new ways to prevent, detect, or treat illnesses and conditions. Clinical trials allow people to learn more about their health and themselves and also the opportunity to help others. Learn more about clinical trials and find the one that is right for you by going to the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It's important that an adult with ADHD collaborate with their physician to manage the symptoms. There are many types of medication that can be used to treat ADHD. It is possible to test different dosages and medications to determine which best suits your needs. A therapist can assist you in understanding your health condition and how to deal better with its effects. They can also instruct you on methods to improve your self-management skills, attention and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD feel constantly behind at work, in school and in their relationships. Their actions can test the patience of even the most tolerant coworkers or friends. They could miss deadlines or appointments, and make impulsive decisions.
Alongside medication therapy can help adults with ADHD organize themselves, develop strategies to cope and improve their lives. They can learn to identify and alter their bad habits by using rewards to motivate themselves 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 beneficial. It can help change negative situations into positive ways. For example therapy can help people suffering from ADHD recognize that their impulsivity does not a sign of bad character; it's an instinctual response to intense levels of brain stimulation.
adhd diagnosis adults suffering from ADHD are at greater risk for depression and anxiety A therapist may also teach them coping skills to manage these issues. Other psychosocial treatments could include family therapy as well as group support networks. classes that focus on communication skills and conflict resolution. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a program called Access to Work, which aids in the payment of workplace accommodations, including ADHD for those who are employed.
It is important to keep in mind that not all therapists are alike, and you should choose carefully. Look for someone you can trust and who inspires you after a session and who has an expertise in the type of therapy you're interested in. For instance, if you're searching for a therapist who uses psychosocial methods, ask your doctor to suggest someone. Child psychiatrists, in particular, have a good understanding of the treatment of ADHD and can recommend an expert.
Support
For individuals with ADHD, their symptoms may be such that they require to see a doctor for an evaluation. This evaluation is a conversation about the person's life from childhood to present, and how their symptoms affect work, school, relationships and other aspects of everyday living. It's important that people with ADHD open up honestly without fear or shame of being judged.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD for adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria that a medical professional will look at during the assessment.
It is important to bring any documents that could shed light on your symptoms during your visit to a healthcare professional. This includes old report cards or notes from family members or parents. The person conducting the examination will likely ask about the person's family background and personal life, as well as conduct a physical examination and some psychological tests.
It is important to remember that inattention or impulsivity doesn't mean they are not able to perform their job or do other things. For instance an ADHD person could be extremely imaginative and productive in a variety ways, from writing stories to drawing to creating things.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can trigger many complicated emotions, ranging from guilt about past mistakes to relief that they now realize why they've had to struggle so much. "There is a lot that needs to be done in terms of grief work but when people have a concrete explanation and all the pieces are in place and they can really move on," Matlen explains.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood and mistreated by their colleagues or friends. They may struggle to stay focused during meetings or conversations and are easily distracted by video games or social media. People who suffer from ADHD may be told they're inactive or over-focused.
Helping someone suffering from ADHD can assist them to gain control of their symptoms at home and at work. They can utilize strategies and tools to improve their organization, such as daily planners or smartphone apps and can also seek treatment options from a behavioral therapist who is skilled in ADHD. Treatments could include psychotherapy or talk therapy, as also accommodations, like devices or changes to a person's surroundings which will assist them to better manage the condition. A possible accommodation is an aid to help those who are smaller to climb higher shelves or reach for higher surfaces.