Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many, the symptoms of ADHD continue throughout their life. These symptoms can have a major impact on work and family as they grow older.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, your symptoms must have been present since childhood (technically before age 12). Your evaluator will go over your medical and personal background.
You may also wish to discuss your issues with your partner, friends or coworkers. This can help them see your challenges from other perspectives.
Diagnosis
In the same way as diagnosing children, adults who have ADHD must meet specific criteria to be considered for diagnosis. The symptoms must have been present for at least 2 years and cause significant problems in everyday functioning. This issue could be related to work, school relationships, daily activities. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild symptoms do not affect everyday functioning and are often mistaken for other conditions, like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to work or social interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to maintain relationships or hold a job.
People who have ADHD can experience an extreme point at which they can no longer manage life with its usual demands. They may lose their focus or make careless errors. They could also be hyperactive and impulsive, causing them to be unable to meet goals and obligations. They may have difficulty remembering things and are often unable to remember what they've been taught.
Request an appointment if you're having trouble with your daily routine and think you might have ADHD. Your GP could refer you to a psychiatrist or any other professional who can perform an assessment. You may ask a therapist, or a family member you know to recommend someone who has experience in ADHD assessments.
A health professional or psychologist may want to examine your medical history, take an examination of your body and discuss your current problems with you. They will also ask about your experiences dealing with ADHD as a kid. They'll want to talk to the person you live with and other important people in your life including your spouse or parents. 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 need to apply for special authority approval before prescribing medication. This is an extra step that New Zealand regulations require for those with ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will also work with you and your GP to ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from taking medication, but it's not the only option. Other treatments, such as 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 whether you suffer from adult ADHD the doctor who diagnoses ADHD will interview you about your childhood as well as your life currently, as well as conducting a physical examination and psychological tests (these aren't usually needed). Your evaluator may also ask to talk to your family or partner or any other family members who know you to gain a different perspective on how your behavior affects your life.
The severity of your symptoms will determine whether you suffer from adult ADHD. They should be present for at least six months and must be interfering 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 explained by a mental health issue or a substance use disorder.
NIMH suggests talking with your health-care provider about your options, which include medication and behavioral strategies. Many primary care providers regularly evaluate and treat ADHD in children however adults who suspect they might have ADHD should request an appointment with an expert in mental health.
Stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults can cause side effects like stomach problems depression, anxiety, or stomach issues. They can also increase your blood pressure and heart rate. Some people experience tics, which are sudden, repetitive movements, or sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearance. adults diagnosed with adhd suffering from ADHD have difficulty sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests talking with your physician regarding any concerns you might have about side effects of treatments or potential clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies that try new methods to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. Participants in clinical trials can gain knowledge about their own health and be able to assist other people. Learn more about clinical trials and locate the right one for you by visiting the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It's important that an adult with ADHD collaborate with their physician to manage the symptoms. Medication is one way to treat ADHD and there are different kinds of medications available. You may have to try different medications and dosages before you find the right one for you. A therapist can assist you to comprehend your condition and how to better manage its effects. They can also instruct you on strategies to improve your self-management, attention and organization.
Adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD often feel as if they're constantly falling behind in school, at work and in their relationships. Their actions can test the patience of the most tolerant coworkers, friends and partners. They may forget appointments or deadlines and make impulsive choices.
Therapy can help adults with ADHD become more organized and learn to manage their ADHD and improve their lives. They can be taught to recognize and change their problematic behaviors for example, rewarding themselves to encourage themselves or playing computer solitaire following the answer to emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is carried out one-on-one, can be very helpful. It can help reframe negative situations in a more positive way. A therapist can assist adults with ADHD recognize that their impulsivity does not suggest a negative character. It's an normal response to high levels of activity in the brain.
People who suffer from ADHD are more prone for anxiety and depression A therapist may teach them coping strategies to manage these conditions. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy, group support networks and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution. For those employed, the Department of Work and Pensions can provide a service known as Access to Work that helps to pay for workplace accommodations for people with disabilities, including ADHD.
It is important to keep in mind that not all therapists are alike and you should pick carefully. You should choose a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and who is able to empower you following the session, and is knowledgeable about the type of therapy that you are interested in. For instance, if you're searching for a therapist that uses psychosocial techniques consult your doctor to recommend someone. Child psychiatrists are particularly knowledgeable about ADHD treatment and are able to recommend you.
Support
Individuals with ADHD might experience symptoms that are so disruptive, they need to be evaluated by a doctor. This evaluation involves a conversation with the patient about their life from childhood to now and how the symptoms affect work and school, relationships, and other aspects of life. It is essential that those who suffer from ADHD talk about their problems without fear 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 that a medical provider will consider during the evaluation.
It is important to bring any documents that could shed light on your symptoms when you visit a healthcare professional. These include old reports cards or notes from friends or parents. The person who is conducting the exam will also likely ask questions about the person's life and family history, as well as perform a physical examination and some psychological tests.
It is important to keep in mind that just because someone is afflicted with inattention and impulsivity doesn't mean that they don't have the appropriate abilities for their job or other activities. For instance an ADHD person may be creative and productive in a variety of ways including writing stories, painting and even designing things.
When people are diagnosed as having ADHD and are diagnosed with it, they may be afflicted with a variety of emotions. They might feel guilt-ridden about past mistakes or relieved that they finally know why they have struggled. "There is a lot to be done in terms of grief work but when people have a clear explanation and all the pieces fit together it's like they're flying," Matlen explains.
Individuals with ADHD often feel that they are not understood by colleagues or friends and family. They may have trouble staying focussed in conversations or meetings and may be distracted by video games or social media. Some people with ADHD might even be told that they are lazy or attention-seeking.
Being a supporter for someone with ADHD can assist them to gain control of their symptoms at home and at work. They can employ tools and strategies to improve their organization, like daily planners or smartphone apps, and they can seek out treatment options from a behavioral specialist who specializes in ADHD. Treatments may also include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, and accommodations or other tools or modifications in a person's surroundings that help them better manage their condition. For example, an accommodation might be a step stool that allows people who are shorter to reach higher shelves or other surfaces.