Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout the life of a person. These symptoms can have a major impact on work and family as adults.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have been present since the early years of your life (technically before age 12). Your evaluator will review your medical and personal background.
They may also talk to your spouse, your coworkers, friends or partner. This allows them to view your challenges from a different point of view.
Diagnosis
As with diagnosing children, adults who have ADHD must meet specific criteria to receive a diagnosis. The symptoms must be present for a minimum of two years and cause serious problems with everyday functioning. This issue could be related to work, school relationships, 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 conditions such as depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms can cause small disruptions in social or work interactions. Severe symptoms make it difficult to hold the job or maintain relationships.
People who have ADHD can experience an extreme point at which they can no longer manage life's demands. They might lose their focus and make a lot of mistakes. diagnosed with adhd may also be hyperactive or impulsive which can cause problems in accomplishing goals and fulfilling responsibilities. They might have difficulty remembering details or forgetting what they were taught.
Ask for an appointment if you're struggling with your daily life and suspect that you may have ADHD. Your GP may refer you to a psychiatrist or other professional who can do an assessment. You can ask a therapist or a family member you know to recommend a person with experience in ADHD evaluations.
A psychologist or health care professional will examine your medical history and perform a physical examination. They will also discuss your current health concerns 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 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 an authority's approval prior to prescribing medication. This is an additional step that New Zealand regulations require for people with ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will work with your GP and you to ensure that the medication works.
Medication
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medication however, it's not the only option. Other therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications can also aid. NIMH recommends speaking with your healthcare provider to learn more about the options available to you.
To diagnose adult ADHD the doctor who diagnoses ADHD will ask you questions about your childhood and your life currently, as well as a physical exam and psychological test (these aren't typically required). Your evaluator may also ask you to speak to your partner, family members or other family members close to you in order to get an alternative view of your behavior.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD is based on whether your symptoms are mild or severe. The symptoms must last for at minimum six months, and they must interfere with your relationships and work. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This means that your symptoms are not explained by another mental illness or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH recommends that you talk to your doctor about your options. This includes strategies for managing behavior and medication. Many primary care providers regularly examine and treat ADHD among children. Adults who suspect that they may have the disorder should seek a referral to a specialist.
Stimulants, which are the drugs used to treat ADHD in adults, may cause side effects, such as stomach problems, or increased anxiety and depression. They can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. Certain people develop tics which are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinks or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD have difficulty sleeping when they are taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends that you speak with your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the side effects of medications or possible clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies which test new methods to identify, prevent or treat diseases. Participants in clinical trials learn more about their own health and could have the chance to help others. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to find out more about clinical trials and select the one that is suitable for you.
Therapy
It is essential that adults with ADHD collaborate with their physician to manage the symptoms. There are a variety of medication that can be used to treat ADHD. You may need to try various dosages and medications to determine which one is most effective for you. A therapist can assist you to comprehend your condition and to better cope with its effects. They can also teach you strategies to improve your attention span, self-management and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are constantly lagging at work, in school and in their relationships. Their behavior can be a strain on the patience of even the most forgiving co-workers, friends and partners. They might be prone to forgetting appointments or missing deadlines and making impulsive choices which don't always work out well.
Alongside medication therapy can assist adults suffering from ADHD become more organized, create strategies to cope and improve their quality of life. They can learn to recognize and modify problematic behaviors such as using rewards for motivation or playing computer solitaire to relax after answering emails. One-on-one cognitive behavior therapy can be beneficial too and help turn negative experiences into positive ones. Therapists can help adults who have ADHD understand that their impulsivity doesn't necessarily indicate a bad character. It's a normal response to high levels in the brain.
People who suffer from ADHD are more prone for depression and anxiety and a therapist could also teach them coping skills to manage these issues. Other psychosocial treatments could include family therapy as well as support groups for groups and classes focused on communication skills and conflict resolution. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a service called Access to Work, which aids in the payment of workplace accommodations, including ADHD for those who are employed.
It is important to keep in mind that not all therapists are the same, and you should choose carefully. You should pick someone with whom you feel comfortable and who is able to empower you following a session, and who is knowledgeable about the kind of therapy you're interested in. Ask your doctor for recommendations if you are looking for a psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists are particularly knowledgeable about ADHD treatment and can refer you.
Support
Individuals with ADHD may experience symptoms that are so disruptive they need to be evaluated by a doctor. The evaluation involves a discussion about the person's life, from childhood to present and how their issues affect school, work as well as relationships and other aspects of daily life. It is crucial that those who suffer from ADHD talk about their problems without fear of ridicule or shame.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD for adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria a medical provider will consider during the evaluation.
It is essential to bring any documents that can help you understand your symptoms during your visit to a healthcare professional. This could include old report cards or notes from friends or parents. The person who conducts the exam will likely inquire about the person's family background and personal life, as well as conduct a physical examination and some psychological tests.
It's important to remember that just because someone displays inattention and impulsivity does not mean they don't have the appropriate abilities for their job or other pursuits. For instance an ADHD person may be creative and productive in many ways including writing stories, painting to designing things.
When people are diagnosed as having ADHD, they can feel a variety of emotions. They may feel guilt-ridden about past mistakes or feel relieved that they finally know why they have struggled. "There is a lot that needs to be done in terms of grief work, but when people have a concrete explanation and all the pieces fall into place and they can really move on," Matlen explains.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood by their coworkers, friends, and family. They may have trouble staying focussed in conversations or meetings and can be distracted by video games or social media. Certain people with ADHD are told that they're lazy or apathetic.
Being a supporter for someone with ADHD can help them manage their symptoms at home and work. They can use tools and strategies to improve their organization, such as daily planners or apps for smartphones and can also get treatment options from a behavioral therapist 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 instance an accommodation could be a step stool that allows people who are shorter to access higher shelves or other surfaces.