Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout a person's life. These symptoms can have a significant impact on family and work as adults.
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD, your symptoms must have been present since childhood (technically before age 12). The evaluator will look over your medical and personal background.
They can also talk with your spouse or your coworkers, friends or partner. This helps them to see your issues from different 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 be present for at least 2 years and be causing significant difficulties in the way they function. This issue could be caused by work, school, relationships, or everyday activities. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. The symptoms that are mild do not interfere with daily functioning and are often mistakenly interpreted as other illnesses like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause small disruptions in work or social interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to keep a job or maintain relationships.
People with ADHD might reach a point where they can no longer manage life with its usual demands. They might become disorganized and make careless mistakes. They may also be impulsive or hyperactive and have difficulty fulfilling their goals and responsibility. They might have trouble recalling information and frequently forget the things they've been taught.
Get referral if you're struggling with your daily life and think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist or another professional who can do an assessment. You could ask a therapist or family member you know to recommend a person with experience in ADHD evaluations.
A psychologist or health care professional will go over your medical history and perform an examination. They will also discuss your current health concerns with you. They'll also inquire about your experience with ADHD as a child. They'll likely want to talk to the person you live with and any other important people in your life, too, such as 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, the psychiatrist will request special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. New Zealand law requires that people suffering from ADHD undergo an additional procedure to receive a medication. The psychiatrist will work with your GP and you to make sure that the medication works.
Medication
Medications can be an effective treatment for adults with ADHD, but they're not the only option. Other therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes can also be helpful. NIMH suggests talking to your doctor to learn more about the options available to you.
To determine if you have ADHD, your healthcare professional 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 request that you speak to your spouse, family members or other family members close to you to get an outsider's view of your behavior.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD is based on whether your symptoms are mild or moderate. The symptoms must last for at least six months and interfere with your work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This means that your symptoms cannot be caused by a mental illness or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH recommends that you talk with your doctor about the options available to you. This includes strategies for managing behavior and medications. Many primary care physicians regularly examine and treat ADHD in children however, adults who believe they may have it should ask for a referral to an expert in mental health.
Stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults can cause negative side effects, such as stomach problems, anxiety, and depression. They can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. Some people develop tics, which are rapid repeated actions or sounds such as eye blinks or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD also have trouble sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends talking to your health-care professional about any concerns you might have regarding the adverse effects of medication or potential clinical trials that may be suitable for you. Clinical trials are research studies that look at new methods to prevent, detect or treat illnesses and conditions. Clinical trials allow people to learn more about themselves and their health, as well as the opportunity to help others. You can learn more about clinical trials and select the one that is right for you by going to the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
If an adult suffers from ADHD it is essential to consult with a physician to treat the symptoms. There are a variety of medication available to treat ADHD. You may have to test various dosages and medications to find the one that best suits your needs. A therapist can help you in understanding your condition and help you cope better with its effects. They can also help you learn techniques to improve your attention, self-management, and organization.
Adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD often feel like they are constantly being behind in school, at work and in their relationships. Even the most forgiving colleagues, friends and partners may be unhappy with their actions. They could miss deadlines or appointments, and make impulsive choices.
Therapy can help people with ADHD to become more organized, learn coping skills and improve their quality of life. They can be taught to recognize and change their problematic behaviors for example, rewarding themselves to encourage themselves or playing computer solitaire after responding to emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is carried out one-on-one, is extremely beneficial. It can help change negative situations into positive ways. For instance a therapist can help adults with ADHD see that their impulsivity isn't an indication of bad character; it's simply an inherent response to intense levels of stimulation in the brain.
People who suffer from ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression and a therapist could teach them strategies for coping to manage these issues. 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 offers a service called Access to Work, which assists in paying for workplace accommodations, including ADHD, for individuals who are employed.
Be cautious when selecting the right therapy provider. There are many different therapists who are not the same. Choose someone you can trust and who makes you feel empowered after a session, and who has experience in the type of therapy that you're interested in. Ask your psychiatrist for recommendations if you are seeking psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists are knowledgeable about ADHD treatment and can refer you.
Support
Individuals suffering from ADHD may have symptoms that are so disruptive they require evaluation by a doctor. This evaluation involves a conversation with the patient about their life from childhood to the present and how their symptoms impact school and work as well as relationships and other aspects of everyday living. It is important that people with ADHD speak up without fear or shame.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD for adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria a medical provider will consider when evaluating.
When you visit a healthcare professional for an evaluation, it's beneficial to bring any documentation that could provide insight into the condition like old reports and notes from friends or parents. The person doing the evaluation will likely also ask questions about the person's family and life history, as well as conduct a physical examination and some psychological tests.
It is important to remember that inattention or impulsivity does not necessarily mean that they lack the ability to complete their job or other activities. For instance, an ADHD person may be creative and productive in many ways, from writing stories to painting and even designing things.
When adults are diagnosed with ADHD and are diagnosed with it, they may experience a range of emotions. They might feel guilty about past mistakes or feel relieved that they understand the reason they struggled. "There's lots of grieving work to be done and once all the pieces are in place and people have a specific explanation, they can really take off," Matlen says.
People suffering from ADHD are often misunderstood by their coworkers or friends and family. They may have trouble staying focussed in conversations or meetings and can be distracted by video games or social media. A few people who suffer from ADHD are told that they're lazy or attention-seeking.
Being a caregiver for a loved one suffering from ADHD can help them gain control over their symptoms at home and at work. They can use tools to improve their organization like apps for smartphones or daily planners. adhd diagnosing may seek solutions from a behavioral specialist who specializes in ADHD. Treatments can also include psychotherapy, or therapy for talking, as well as accommodations or modifications in a person's surroundings that help them better manage their condition. For example an accommodation could be a step stool that allows a shorter person to access higher shelves or other surfaces.