Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many people, the symptoms of ADHD persist throughout their lives. These symptoms can have a major impact on family and work as adults.
To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must have begun in childhood (technically, prior to the age of 12). Your evaluator will review your medical and personal history.
They can also talk with your spouse or your coworkers, friends or partner. This can help them see your challenges from other perspectives.
Diagnosis
In the same way as diagnosing children, adults who have ADHD must meet certain criteria to be considered for diagnosis. The symptoms must have been present for a minimum of 2 years and cause significant difficulties in daily functioning. This problem may be related to school, work or relationships, or even daily activities. ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe. The symptoms aren't affecting normal functioning and are often confused with other conditions, like depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms cause small disruptions in social or work interactions. Severe symptoms make it difficult to hold a job or maintain relationships.
ADHD sufferers may reach a tipping-point when they're not able to cope with the demands of daily life. They may become disorganized or make mistakes that are not their fault. They may also be impulsive and hyperactive, causing them to have difficulty meeting goals and obligations. They may have trouble remembering things and often forget the things they've been taught.
Get a referral if you are struggling with your day-to-day life and suspect you have ADHD. Your GP could refer you to a psychiatrist or another professional who can perform an assessment. You could also request a therapist you are familiar with or a family member to suggest someone who has experience with ADHD evaluations.
A psychologist or health care professional will go over your medical history and conduct a physical exam. They will also discuss your current health concerns with you. They will also ask about your experiences having ADHD as a kid. They'll want to talk to the person you live with and any other important people in your life as well, 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 seek special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. New Zealand law requires that those suffering from ADHD must take a second step to receive a medication. The psychiatrist will also collaborate with you and your GP to ensure that the medication works.
Medication
Medical treatments can be a beneficial treatment for adults suffering from ADHD however they're not the only option. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes can also be helpful. NIMH recommends speaking with your healthcare provider to learn more about the options available to you.
To determine if you have ADHD the healthcare professional will interview you about your childhood and current life, as well as a physical exam and psychological test (these aren't typically required). The evaluator could also ask to talk 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.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD depends on whether your symptoms are mild or moderate. They have to be present for six months or more and must be interfering with two major areas of your life, such as your work and relationships. You must also meet diagnostic requirements, such as that your symptoms aren't explained by a mental health issue or substance use disorder.
NIMH recommends talking to your health care provider about your options, including medications and strategies for managing behavior. Many primary care physicians regularly examine and treat ADHD in children however adults who suspect they may be suffering from it should ask for a referral to a mental health specialist.
Stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can trigger negative side effects, such as stomach problems as well as depression, anxiety, and stomach problems. They also can increase the heart rate and blood pressure. Certain people develop tics which are rapid repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinks or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD also have trouble sleeping while taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests talking with your health-care professional about any concerns you might have regarding the potential side effects of medication or about possible clinical trials that might be appropriate for you. Clinical trials are research studies that try new methods to prevent, detect or treat diseases and conditions. People who participate in clinical trials are able to learn more about their personal health and have the opportunity to help other people. Learn more about clinical trials and locate one that's right for you by visiting the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It is crucial that a person with ADHD consult with their doctor to manage the symptoms. There are many types of medication that can be used to treat ADHD. It is possible to test various dosages and medications to determine which one works best for you. A therapist can assist you to understand your condition and learn how to better manage its effects. They can also instruct you on methods to improve your self-management skills, organization and attention.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD often feel like they're always being behind in school, work and in their relationships. Even the most forgiving colleagues, friends and partners can become unhappy with their actions. They might find themselves forgetting appointments or ignoring deadlines, and making impulsive choices that don't always go well.
Therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD become more organized, learn coping skills and improve their quality of life. They can learn to recognize and modify bad habits, like using rewards for motivation or playing computer solitaire to relax after answering emails. One-on-one cognitive behavior therapy can be beneficial too and can help to transform negative situations into positive ones. A therapist can help people with ADHD understand that their impulsivity doesn't suggest a negative character. It's normal to experience high levels of activity in the brain.
People suffering from ADHD are at greater risk for depression and anxiety, so a therapist can teach them coping strategies to manage these conditions. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy and support group networks, as well as classes that are focused on communication and conflict resolution. The Department of Work and Pensions provides a service known as Access to Work, which assists in paying for workplace accommodations, including ADHD for those who are employed.
It's important to remember that not all therapists are created equal and you should pick carefully. Look for someone you can trust and who can make you feel confident after a session and who has experience in the type of therapy you're interested in. Ask your doctor for recommendations if you are looking for a psychosocial therapist. Children psychiatrists, specifically have a thorough understanding of the treatment options for ADHD and can recommend a specialist.
Support
For people with ADHD their symptoms could be so disruptive that they have to see a physician to be evaluated. This evaluation involves a conversation with the patient about their life from childhood to the present and how symptoms affect school and work, relationships, and other aspects of life. It is important that people who suffer from ADHD talk about their problems without fear of ridicule or shame.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), fifth edition, is a clinical guideline from the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing ADHD among adults. These are the criteria medical professionals review during the evaluation.
It is important to bring any documents that may help you understand your symptoms during your visit to an expert in healthcare. diagnosis for adhd includes old report cards or notes from friends or parents. The person conducting the examination will likely ask about the person's family history and personal life, as well as conduct a physical exam as well as some psychological tests.
Remember that inattention or impulsivity doesn't mean they lack the skills to complete their job or do other things. For example, an ADHD person can be very creative and productive in many ways including writing stories, painting and 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 recognize the reason they've been struggling for so long. "There's plenty of grief work that needs to happen and when all the pieces are in place and people have that clear explanation, they truly get going," Matlen says.
People suffering from ADHD are often misunderstood and mistreated by their colleagues or friends. They may have trouble staying focused in conversations or meetings and are prone to distractions like social media and video games. Certain people with ADHD are told they're lazy or attention-seeking.
Being a supporter for someone with ADHD can help them gain control of their symptoms at home and at work. They can employ strategies and tools to improve their organization, including daily planners and smartphone apps, and they can seek out treatment options from a behavioral expert who specializes in ADHD. Treatments may also include psychotherapy, or therapy for talking, as well as accommodations, or tools or changes in a person's surroundings that help them better manage their condition. For example, an accommodation might be a step stool for someone who is shorter to reach higher shelves or other surfaces.