Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can be persistent throughout a person's life. These symptoms can have a significant impact on work and family as adults.
To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must have started in the early years of your life (technically before age 12). Your evaluator will go over your personal and medical history.
They may also talk to your spouse, your friends, colleagues and partners. This can help them understand your challenges from other perspectives.
Diagnosis
Like children who are diagnosed adults, those with ADHD must meet specific criteria to be considered for diagnosis. The symptoms have to be present for at least two years and cause serious difficulties with daily functioning. This problem may be caused by work, school, relationships, or everyday activities. Individuals may experience mild moderate, severe, or mild ADHD symptoms. The symptoms that are mild do not interfere with everyday functioning and are often misdiagnosed as different illnesses like depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms can cause small disruptions in social or work interactions. Severe symptoms can make it difficult to maintain relationships or keep a job.
People who have ADHD can experience a tipping point when they are unable to manage life's routines. They might become unorganized or make mistakes that are not their fault. They can also be impulsive and hyperactive, causing them to struggle to meet objectives and responsibilities. They might have trouble remembering things and often forget the things they've been taught.
Get referral if you're having trouble with your daily routine and suspect that you may have ADHD. Your GP might recommend you to a psychiatrist or another professional who can carry out an assessment. You may ask a therapist, or a family member you know to recommend someone who has expertise in ADHD evaluations.
A health professional or psychologist will review your medical history, perform an examination of your body, and discuss your current issues with you. They'll likely inquire about your experiences having ADHD as a child, as well. They'll also talk to your spouse and any other important people in your life, such as 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 are diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will need to apply for an authority's approval prior to prescribing medication. This is an additional step that New Zealand regulations require for people who have ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will also work with you and your GP to help ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medications however it's not the only option. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications can also be helpful. NIMH recommends speaking with your health care provider to find out more about the options available to you.
Your healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood and how your life is today, and will conduct a physical exam and psychological test. (These are not usually required). Your evaluator may also request that you speak to your spouse, family members, or any other close to you in order to get a different perspective on your behavior.
The severity of your symptoms will determine if you have adult ADHD. 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 can't be better explained by another mental health issue or addiction disorder.
NIMH suggests that you speak to your doctor about your options. This includes behavioral strategies and medication. Many primary care providers regularly assess and treat ADHD among children. Adults who suspect that they may have the condition should seek referral to an expert.
Stimulants, which are the drugs used to treat ADHD in adults, may cause adverse side effects like stomach problems or increased depression and anxiety. They can also raise your heart rate and blood pressure. Some people develop tics - frequent, erratic movements, or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearance. Some people suffering from ADHD also have difficulty sleeping while taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends talking to your health care professional about any concerns you have regarding the adverse effects of medications or about possible clinical trials that could be appropriate for you. Clinical trials are research studies that look at new methods 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. Learn more about clinical trials and locate the right one for you by visiting NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It is essential that adults with ADHD consult with their doctor to manage the symptoms. Medication is one way to manage it and there are a variety of different kinds of drugs available. You may have to test several medications and dosages to determine which one best suits your needs. A therapist can help you get to know your condition and to better cope with its effects. adhd diagnosis adult can also help you learn techniques to improve your focus, self-management and organization.
Adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD often feel like they are constantly being behind in work, school and in their relationships. Their behavior can be a strain on the patience of the most accommodating coworkers or friends. They may miss deadlines or appointments and make impulsive decisions.
In addition to medications therapy can also assist adults suffering from ADHD become more organized, create strategies for dealing with the disorder and improve their quality of life. They can be taught to identify and alter bad habits, like rewarding themselves for motivation or playing computer solitaire to unwind after completing emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is done one-on-one, can be very helpful. It can assist in frame negative situations in a more positive way. For instance therapy can assist adults suffering from ADHD realize that their impulsivity isn't an indication of a bad character; it's a natural response to intense levels of stimulation in the brain.
A therapist can teach them coping techniques to manage anxiety and depression. People who suffer from ADHD are at a higher chance of developing depression and anxiety. Other psychosocial treatments include group therapy and family networks and classes that are focused on communication and conflict resolution. For individuals who are employed in the Department of Work and Pensions offers a program called Access to Work that helps pay for workplace accommodations for those who have disabilities, such as ADHD.
It is important to keep in mind that not all therapists are created equal, and you should choose carefully. You should choose someone with whom you feel comfortable, who empowers you after an appointment, and who is knowledgeable about the type of therapy that you are interested in. Ask your doctor for recommendations if seeking psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists are adept at ADHD treatment and can provide you with recommendations.
Support
For people who suffer from ADHD, their symptoms may be such that they require to see a physician to be evaluated. The evaluation involves a discussion with the patient about their experiences from childhood to now and how symptoms affect work and school as well as relationships and other aspects of everyday living. It is crucial that those with 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 a medical professional will look at during the assessment.
It is important to bring any documents that can shed light on your symptoms during your visit to medical professionals. These include old reports cards or notes from family members or parents. The person conducting the evaluation will likely also inquire about the individual's life and family background, and also conduct a physical examination and a few psychological tests.
It's important to remember that just because someone is afflicted with inattention and impulsivity doesn't mean that they don't have the necessary skills for their job or other tasks. For example an ADHD person may be creative and productive in many ways from writing stories to painting and even designing things.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can bring up many complicated emotions, ranging from guilt over past mistakes to relief that they now understand why they've been struggling for so long. "There is a lot to be done in terms of grief work but when people have a solid explanation and all the pieces fall into place, they really take off," Matlen explains.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood and mistreated by their colleagues or friends. They might have difficulty staying focused in meetings or conversations and are at risk of distractions from social media and video games. Certain people who suffer from ADHD might even be told they're unmotivated or apathetic.
Helping a loved one who suffers from ADHD can assist them in gaining control over their symptoms at home and at work. They can utilize strategies and tools to improve their organization, such as daily planners and smartphone apps and also seek out treatment options from a behavioral therapist 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 environment that assist them in managing their condition. An accommodation could be an adjustable stool that helps a shorter person climb higher shelves or reach for higher surfaces.