Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can last throughout the life of a person. These symptoms can have a significant impact on work and family as they grow older.
To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must have begun in the early years of your life (technically before the age of 12). The evaluator will look over your medical and personal history.
They can also talk to your spouse or your coworkers, friends or partner. This can help them understand your issues from different perspectives.
Diagnosis
Adults suffering from ADHD must also meet certain criteria to be diagnosed. The symptoms have to be present for a minimum of two years and cause major problems with everyday functioning. This problem can be a result of school or relationships, work or other daily activities. ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. The symptoms aren't affecting daily functioning and are often confused with other disorders, like depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions in social or work interactions. The severity of the symptoms makes it difficult to hold a job or maintain relationships.
People with ADHD may reach a tipping point when they find it difficult to cope with life's routines. They may lose their focus or make careless errors. They may also be hyperactive or impulsive which can cause problems in meeting goals and responsibilities. They may have difficulty remembering things or forget what they were taught.
If you're having trouble in your everyday life and you suspect that you may have ADHD, ask for the referral to a mental health provider or specialist. Your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist or any other specialist who can conduct an assessment. You can ask a therapist or a friend you have to recommend someone who has expertise in ADHD evaluations.
A psychologist or health care provider will review your medical history and conduct a physical exam. They will also discuss your current issues with you. They'll likely ask you about your experiences having ADHD as a child, too. They'll also speak to your partner as well as any other important people in your life, such as your parents or your 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 request special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. New Zealand law requires that people with ADHD take an additional step to receive a medication. The psychiatrist will collaborate with your GP and you to ensure that the medication works.
Medication
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medication, but it's not the only option. Other therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy or lifestyle modifications are also effective. NIMH recommends speaking to your doctor to learn more about your options.
To diagnose adult ADHD the doctor who diagnoses ADHD will ask you questions about your childhood and your life currently, as well as do a physical examination and psychological test (these aren't required in most cases). Your evaluator might also ask you to talk to your spouse or family members, or any other family members who know you, to gain an outside view about how your actions impact your life.
The severity of your symptoms will determine if you have adult ADHD. They must be present for six months or more and must be interfering with two important areas of your life, including relationships and work. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria, including that your symptoms aren't explained by another mental health issue or substance use disorder.
NIMH suggests that you speak to your doctor about options. This includes strategies for managing behavior and medication. Many primary care providers regularly assess and treat ADHD among children. Adults who suspect they may have the condition should seek referral to a specialist.
Stimulants, the drugs that treat ADHD for adults, can cause side effects, such as stomach issues or an increase in depression and anxiety. They also can increase your blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people develop tics, frequent, erratic movements, or sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearance. Some people with ADHD also have difficulty sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends that you speak to your doctor about any concerns you may have about side effects of treatments or potential clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies that try new ways to prevent, detect or treat conditions and diseases. Clinical trials allow people to learn more about their health and themselves and also the opportunity to assist others. Learn more about clinical trials and find the right one for you by visiting the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It is essential that adults with ADHD collaborate with their physician to treat the symptoms. The use of medication is one method to treat it, and there are many different types of pills available. It is possible to test different dosages and medications to determine which works best for you. A therapist can help you in understanding your condition and help you cope better 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 often feel like they are constantly falling behind in school, work and in their relationships. Their behaviors can strain the patience of even the most tolerant coworkers as well as friends and partners. They may find themselves ignoring appointments or ignoring deadlines, and making decisions based on impulsivity that don't always turn out well.
In addition to medications therapy can also assist adults suffering from ADHD organize themselves, develop coping strategies and improve their lives. They can be taught to identify and alter bad habits, like motivating themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire to relax after answering emails. One-on-one cognitive behavioral therapy can be beneficial too, and it can reframe negative situations into more positive ones. Therapists can help adults who have ADHD to understand that their impulsivity doesn't suggest a negative character. It's normal to experience high levels of activity in the brain.
A therapist can help them learn ways to cope with anxiety and depression. People who suffer from ADHD are at a higher likelihood of suffering from anxiety and depression. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy as well as support groups for groups and classes that focus 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, such as ADHD for those who are employed.
It is important to keep in mind that not all therapists are alike and you must choose carefully. You should pick one who you are comfortable with and who is able to empower you following a session, and who is knowledgeable about the kind of therapy that you are interested in. For instance, if you're searching for a therapist who uses psychosocial techniques, ask your doctor to suggest someone. Child psychiatrists are especially knowledgeable about ADHD treatment and are able to recommend you.
Support
For individuals with ADHD, their symptoms may be such that they require to visit a doctor to be evaluated. The evaluation involves a discussion about the person's life, from childhood to the present and how their conditions affect school, work, relationships and other aspects of everyday life. It is crucial that people suffering from ADHD are honest about their experiences, without shame or fear of being judged.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria that a medical professional will look at during the assessment.
It is essential to bring any documents that could provide insight into your condition when you meet with medical professionals. This could include old report cards or notes from family members or parents. The person who is conducting the exam will likely ask questions about the person's family and life history, as well as perform a physical examination and psychological tests.
It is important to keep in mind that just because someone is afflicted with inattention or impulsivity, it does not mean they don't have the necessary skills for their job or other tasks. An ADHD person, for example is able to be productive and creative in a variety of ways, including painting, writing stories or even designing things.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can bring up many complex emotions, ranging from guilt about past mistakes to relief that they now understand why they've struggled for so long. "There's lots of grieving work that needs to happen, but once 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 focused in meetings or conversations and they may be susceptible to distractions such as video games and social media. Certain people with ADHD are told that they are lazy or over-focused.
Supporting someone with ADHD can help that person get control of their symptoms at home and work. They can utilize tools to help them organize their lives, like smartphone apps or daily planners, and can seek treatments from a behavioral specialist who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments could include psychotherapy or talk therapy, as also accommodations, like tools or modifications to the environment of a person which will assist them to better manage the condition. adhd in adults diagnosis could be a step stool to help people who are shorter to reach higher shelves or surfaces.