Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many, the symptoms of ADHD continue throughout their life. As adults, these symptoms can have significant impacts on work and family.
For a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have been evident since the early years of your life (technically, before the age of 12). Your evaluator evaluates your medical and personal history.
They may also talk to your spouse, partner, friends and coworkers. This can help them see your challenges from other perspectives.
Diagnosis
Adults suffering 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. The problem could be related to school, work, relationships or daily activities. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild symptoms do not affect daily functioning and are often mistaken for other conditions, like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions in work or social interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to maintain jobs or maintain relationships.
diagnosis of adhd can get to a point where they're not able to cope with the demands of everyday life. They might lose their focus and make mistakes that aren't their fault. They could also be hyperactive or impulsive, leading to trouble fulfilling their goals and responsibility. They may have trouble remembering details or forgetting the things they were taught.
If you're struggling in your everyday life and you suspect that you may have ADHD and need help, request an appointment with an individual who is a mental health professional or specialist. Your GP may recommend you to a psychiatrist, or another professional who can conduct an assessment. You can ask a therapist or family member you know to recommend someone who has experience in ADHD evaluations.
A psychologist or health care provider will examine your medical history and perform an examination. They will also discuss your current issues with you. They'll also inquire about your experiences dealing with ADHD as a kid. They'll likely want to talk to the person you live with and any 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, your psychiatrist will require special authority approval prior to prescribing medication. New Zealand law requires that people suffering from ADHD must take a second step to receive medication. The psychiatrist will collaborate with your GP and you to ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Medical treatments can be a beneficial treatment for adults suffering from ADHD but they're not the only option. Other therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes can also aid. NIMH recommends talking to your healthcare provider to learn more about your options.
Your healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood, and how your life is today, and will conduct physical and psychological tests. (These aren't typically required). Your evaluator may also ask you to speak to your family, friends, members or other family members close to you in order to get an outsider's view of your behavior.
The severity of your symptoms will determine whether you have adult ADHD. They must be present for at least six months, and they must interfere with two major areas of your life, like work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This means that your symptoms can't be caused by a mental illness or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH recommends speaking with your health care provider about your options, including medication and behavioral strategies. A lot of primary care doctors regularly examine and treat ADHD among children. Adults who suspect that they may have the disorder should seek a referral to a specialist.
Stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can cause side effects like stomach problems as well as depression, anxiety, and stomach problems. They also can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Some people experience tics, which are rapid repetitive movements or sounds that resemble eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD also have trouble sleeping while taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends speaking with your health care professional regarding any concerns you may have regarding the adverse effects of medication or possible clinical trials that could be suitable for your needs. Clinical trials are research studies that test new methods to detect, prevent or treat illnesses. Participants in clinical trials are able to gain knowledge about their own health and may have the chance to help others. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to learn more about clinical trial and choose one that is appropriate for you.
Therapy
When an adult has ADHD it is important to consult with a physician to manage symptoms. Treatment with medication is one way to manage it, and there are many different kinds of drugs available. You may need to try various dosages and medications to determine which best suits your needs. A therapist can assist you to get to know your condition and how to better manage its effects. They can also instruct you on methods to improve your self-management skills, focus and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD often feel that they are constantly falling behind in work, school and in their relationships. Their behavior can be a strain on the patience of even the most accommodating coworkers or friends. They might forget appointments or deadlines and make decisions based on impulsivity.
Therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD become more organized as well as develop coping skills to improve their quality of life. They can learn to recognize and modify bad habits, like rewarding themselves for motivation or playing computer solitaire to relax after responding to emails. One-on-one cognitive therapy can be beneficial too and help turn negative situations into positive ones. Therapists can help people with ADHD recognize that their impulsivity does not suggest a negative character. It's normal to experience high levels in the brain.
A therapist can help them learn ways to cope with anxiety and depression. People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be at risk of depression and anxiety. Other psychosocial treatments could include family therapy, group support networks and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution. For individuals employed by the Department of Work and Pensions can offer a service called Access to Work that helps to pay for workplace accommodations for people who have disabilities, such as ADHD.
Be cautious when choosing an therapist. There are many different therapists who are not the same. Choose someone you feel comfortable speaking with and who inspires you after a session, and who has experience in the kind of therapy you're interested in. For instance, if you're looking for a therapist who employs psychosocial techniques, ask your psychiatrist to recommend someone. Child psychiatrists are especially knowledgeable about ADHD treatment and can provide you with recommendations.
Support
For people with ADHD their symptoms could be so disruptive that they have to see a physician to be evaluated. The evaluation is a discussion about the person's life from childhood to the present and how their issues affect work, school relationships, and other aspects of everyday living. It is essential that those with ADHD are honest about their experiences without fear or shame of criticism.
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 that medical professionals review during the assessment.
When visiting the healthcare professional for an evaluation, it's beneficial to bring any documentation that may help identify the cause of the symptoms like old report cards and notes from parents or friends. The person conducting the evaluation will likely inquire about the person's family background and lifestyle, and will also conduct a physical examination and some psychological tests.
It is important to keep in mind that just because someone has inattention or impulsivity, it does not mean they don't have the appropriate abilities for their job or other tasks. For instance an ADHD person can be very imaginative and productive in a variety ways from writing stories to painting to designing things.
If adults are diagnosed with ADHD and are diagnosed with it, they may be afflicted with a variety of emotions. They might feel guilty about past mistakes or relieved that they now know the reason they struggled. "There's lots of grieving work that needs to happen and when all the pieces are in place and people have that concrete explanation, they really get going," Matlen says.
People with ADHD often feel that they are not understood by their coworkers or family members and friends. They may have trouble staying focussed in conversations or meetings and are easily distracted by video games and social media. Some people with ADHD are told they are lazy or over-focused.
Supporting a loved one with ADHD can help them gain control over their symptoms, both at home and at work. They can use tools and strategies to improve their organization, such as daily planners or smartphone apps and can also seek treatment options from a behavioral specialist who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments can include psychotherapy or talk therapy, as also accommodations, like tools or changes to the way a person's environment is designed that can help them better manage their condition. For instance, an accommodation might be a step stool to allow a shorter person to reach higher shelves or other surfaces.