Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout the life of a person. These symptoms can have a significant impact on family and work as adults.
For a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have begun in the early years of your life (technically, prior to the age of 12). The evaluator will look over your medical and personal background.
They can also talk with your spouse or your friends, colleagues and partners. This can help them understand your problems from different angles.
Diagnosis
Like children who are diagnosed adults with ADHD must meet certain criteria to receive a diagnosis. The symptoms should have been present for a minimum of 2 years and cause significant problems in everyday functioning. The problem could be caused by work, school relationships, daily activities. Individuals may experience mild or moderate ADHD symptoms. Mild symptoms do not interfere with daily functioning and are often misdiagnosed as other conditions such as anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to social or work-related interactions. Severe symptoms can make it difficult to maintain relationships or keep the job.
People with ADHD may reach a point where they are unable to manage life's routines. They might become unorganized or make a few erroneous mistakes. They may also be impulsive and hyperactive and be unable to meet objectives and responsibilities. They may have trouble remembering things or forget what they have been told.
Request referral if you're struggling with your day-to-day life and think you might have ADHD. Your GP may recommend you to psychiatrists, or a different professional who can conduct an assessment. You can also request a therapist you are familiar with or a family member to recommend someone with experience in ADHD evaluations.
A health care provider or psychologist may want to review your medical history, conduct an examination of your body and discuss your current concerns with you. They'll also inquire about your experiences dealing with ADHD as a kid. They'll also speak to your partner as well as any other people that are important to you, like 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 request special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. This is an extra step that New Zealand regulations require for people with ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will work with your GP and you to ensure that the medication works.
Medication
Medical treatments can be a beneficial treatment for adults suffering from ADHD but they're not the only option. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications can also be helpful. NIMH recommends that you speak with your physician to find out more about your options.
To diagnose adult ADHD, your healthcare professional will interview you about your childhood as well as your life currently, as well as a physical exam and psychological test (these aren't usually needed). The evaluator could also ask you to talk to your partner, family members, or any other close to you in order to get a different perspective on your behavior.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD is based on whether your symptoms are mild or moderate. They should be present for a minimum of six months and must interfere with two major areas of your life, such as work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic requirements, such as that your symptoms aren't better explained by another mental health issue or substance use disorder.
NIMH recommends that you talk with your doctor about your options. This includes strategies for managing behavior and medication. A lot of primary care doctors regularly evaluate and treat ADHD in children however, adults who believe they may have it should ask for a referral to a mental health specialist.
Stimulants, the medications that treat ADHD for adults, can cause adverse side effects like stomach issues or an increase in anxiety and depression. They can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. Certain people develop tics, frequent, erratic movements, or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearance. Some people with ADHD also have difficulty sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends talking to your health care professional regarding any concerns you may have about the side effects of medication or about possible clinical trials that could be appropriate for you. Clinical trials are research studies which test new methods to detect, prevent or treat diseases. Clinical trials allow people to gain knowledge about their health and themselves and also the opportunity to help others. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to learn more about clinical trials and find one that is right 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 have to test different dosages and medications to find the one that best suits your needs. A therapist can help get to know your condition and how to better manage its effects. They can also help you learn techniques to improve your self-management, attention and organization.
get diagnosed with adhd who have not been diagnosed with ADHD often feel as if they're constantly falling behind in work, school and in their relationships. Their behaviors can strain the patience of the most accommodating coworkers, friends and partners. They might forget appointments or deadlines and make impulsive decisions.
Therapy can help adults with ADHD to become more organized and learn to manage their ADHD and improve their quality of life. They can learn to identify and change their problematic behaviors by rewarding themselves to encourage themselves or playing computer solitaire after answering emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is conducted in a one-on-one setting, can be extremely helpful. It can help frame negative situations in positive ways. For example therapy can help adults with ADHD realize that their impulsivity is not an indication of a bad character; it's an instinctual response to high levels of stimulation in the brain.
A therapist 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 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 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 the same and you must choose carefully. Choose someone you feel comfortable speaking with, 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 looking for a therapist that uses psychosocial methods Ask your doctor to suggest someone. Children psychiatrists, specifically, have a good understanding of the treatment for ADHD and can recommend an expert.
Support
Individuals suffering from ADHD may experience symptoms that are so disruptive they require the evaluation of an expert doctor. This evaluation involves a conversation with the patient about their experiences from childhood to present and how their symptoms impact work and school relationships, as well as other aspects of daily life. It is crucial that those who suffer from ADHD talk about their problems without fear or resentment.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD in adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria a medical professional will look at during the evaluation.
It's important to bring along any documents that may provide insight into your condition when you visit an expert in healthcare. This includes old report cards or notes from your friends or parents. The person doing the evaluation will likely also inquire about the patient's life and family history, and conduct a physical exam and some psychological tests.
Remember that inattention or impulsivity does not necessarily mean that they lack the ability to complete their job or do other things. An ADHD person, for example can be creative and productive in many different ways, including writing stories, painting, or even designing things.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can bring up many complicated emotions, from guilt over past mistakes to a sense of relief when they finally realize why they've had to struggle for so long. "There is a lot to be done in terms of grief work but when people have a concrete explanation and all the pieces fall into place, they really take off," Matlen explains.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood by their coworkers, friends, and family. They may struggle to stay focussed in conversations or meetings and can be distracted by video games or social media. Certain people who suffer from ADHD may even be told they're inactive or over-focused.
Helping a loved one who suffers from ADHD can help them gain control over their symptoms, both at home and at work. They can use tools to help them organize their lives, like smartphone apps or daily planners, and they can seek treatment options from a behavioral expert who specializes in ADHD. Treatments can include psychotherapy, also known as therapy for talking, as well as accommodations or other tools or modifications in a person's surroundings that assist them in managing their condition. A possible accommodation is an aid to help those who are smaller to climb higher shelves or reach for higher surfaces.