Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many, the symptoms of ADHD persist throughout their lives. These symptoms can have a major impact on family and work as adults.
For a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have started in childhood (technically prior to the age of 12). Your evaluator reviews your medical and personal history.
They might also speak with your spouse or your coworkers, friends or partner. This helps them view your problems from a different angle.
Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD must also meet certain criteria in order to be diagnosed. The symptoms must be present for at least two years and cause major difficulties with daily functioning. This problem can be related to school, relationships, work, or everyday activities. ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. The symptoms that are mild do not interfere with everyday functioning and are often misdiagnosed as other conditions such as depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to work or social interactions. Severe symptoms make it difficult to keep a job or maintain relationships.
People with ADHD might reach a tipping point when they find it difficult to cope with life's routines. They may lose their focus or make mistakes that are not their fault. They could also be impulsive or hyperactive, leading to trouble fulfilling their goals and responsibility. They might have trouble recalling information and frequently forget what they've been taught.
Ask for a referral if you are having trouble with your daily routine and suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD. Your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist or any other professional who can perform an assessment. You can also consult a therapist that you know or someone from your family to recommend someone who has experience with ADHD assessments.
A health care provider or psychologist will review your medical history, take a physical exam, and discuss your current concerns with you. They'll likely ask about your experiences having ADHD as a child, as well. They'll want to speak to the person you live with and other important people in your life too, such as 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 are diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will need to apply for special authority approval before 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 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 treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes can also be helpful. NIMH suggests talking to your health care provider to find out more about your options.
Your healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood and the way you live your life currently, and conduct an examination of your body and psychological tests. (These aren't usually required). Your evaluator may also ask you to talk to your partner, family members, or any other close to you in order to get an outsider's view of your behavior.
The severity of your symptoms will determine whether you suffer from adult ADHD. They must be present for at least six months and must interfere with two major areas of your life, such as work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria, including that your symptoms can't be better explained by a mental health condition or substance use disorder.
NIMH recommends speaking with your health-care provider about your options, which include medication and behavioral strategies. A lot of primary care doctors regularly evaluate and treat ADHD in children however adults who suspect they might have it should seek the referral to a mental health specialist.
Stimulants, the medications that treat ADHD for adults, can cause side effects, such as stomach problems, or increased anxiety and depression. They can also raise your blood pressure and heart rate. Some people experience tics, which are rapid, repetitive movements or sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD are unable to sleep when taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests talking with your doctor about any concerns you might have about the side effects of medication or potential clinical trials that may be appropriate for you. Clinical trials are research studies that test new methods to detect, prevent or treat diseases. People who participate in clinical trials gain knowledge about their own health and could have the opportunity to help others. Visit adhd adults diagnosis to learn more about clinical trial and find one that is appropriate for you.
Therapy
If an adult suffers from ADHD it is important to consult with a physician to manage the symptoms. Treatment with medication is one way to manage it, and there are many different types of pills available. It is possible to try various dosages and medications before you can find the best one for you. A therapist can assist you in understanding the condition and learning to cope better with its effects. They can also help you learn techniques to improve your focus, self-management, and organization.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD are constantly lagging in school, at work and in their relationships. Even the most accommodating colleagues, friends and partners can become frustrated by their behaviors. They may find themselves ignoring appointments or missing deadlines, and making impulsive choices that don't always go well.
In addition to medication, therapy can assist adults suffering from ADHD become more organized, create strategies for dealing with the disorder and improve their quality of life. They can learn how to recognize and modify bad habits, like motivating themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire to relax after responding to emails. One-on-one cognitive therapy can also be beneficial and can help to transform negative situations into more positive ones. Therapists can help people with ADHD understand that their impulsivity does not suggest a negative character. It's normal to experience high levels of activity in the brain.
People suffering from ADHD are more prone for depression and anxiety A therapist may teach them coping strategies to manage these issues. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy and group support networks, as well as classes that focus on the ability to resolve conflicts and improve communication. For those employed, the Department of Work and Pensions offers a program called Access to Work that helps to pay for workplace accommodations for people who have disabilities, such as ADHD.
It is important to keep in mind that not all therapists are the same and you should pick carefully. You should pick one who you are comfortable with and who can empower you after an appointment, and who is knowledgeable about the kind of therapy that you are interested in. For instance, if you're looking for a therapist who uses psychosocial techniques consult your psychiatrist to recommend someone. Child psychiatrists are especially adept at ADHD treatment and can recommend you.
Support
For individuals with ADHD, their symptoms may be such that they require to visit a doctor to be evaluated. The evaluation is a discussion about the person's life, from childhood to present and how their conditions impact school, work as well as relationships and other aspects of everyday life. It is crucial that those with ADHD talk about their problems without fear or shame.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD in adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria that a medical provider will consider when evaluating.
It's important to bring along any documents that can shed light on your symptoms during your visit to a healthcare professional. This could include old report cards or notes from family members or parents. The person doing the evaluation will likely also inquire about the patient's family and life history, as well as conduct a physical examination and psychological tests.
It is important to keep in mind that just because someone has inattention and impulsivity does not mean they don't have the appropriate abilities for their job or other pursuits. A ADHD person, for example can be creative and productive in a variety of ways, including painting, writing stories, or creating things.
If adults are diagnosed with ADHD, they can feel a variety of emotions. They may feel guilty about previous mistakes or be relieved they finally know the reason they 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 it's like they're flying," Matlen explains.
People suffering from ADHD are often misunderstood and mistreated by their colleagues, friends, and family. They may have trouble staying focused during meetings or conversations and can be distracted by video games and social media. Some people with ADHD are told that they're lazy or apathetic.
Helping a loved one who suffers from ADHD can help them gain control over their symptoms, both at home and at work. They can employ tools and strategies to improve their organization, like daily planners or apps for smartphones and can also get treatment options from a behavioral specialist who is skilled in ADHD. Treatments can include psychotherapy, or therapy for talking, as well as accommodations or other tools or modifications in a person's environment that assist them in managing their condition. For instance an accommodation could be a step stool to allow a shorter person to reach higher shelves or other surfaces.