Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many, the symptoms of ADHD persist throughout their lives. As adults, these symptoms can have significant effects on work and family.
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have started in the early years of your life (technically before the age of 12). Your evaluator reviews your medical and personal background.
They can also talk with your spouse or your friends, colleagues and partners. This can help them understand your issues from different perspectives.
Diagnosis
Like children who are diagnosed adults, those with ADHD must meet specific criteria to receive a diagnosis. The symptoms should have been present for a minimum of 2 years and have caused significant difficulties in the way they function. The problem could be related to school, work, relationships, or everyday activities. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. The symptoms aren't affecting everyday functioning and are often mistaken for other conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to social or work interactions. Severe symptoms can make it difficult to maintain relationships or hold an employment.
People with ADHD might reach an extreme point at which they are unable to manage life's routines. They may become unorganized and make a lot of mistakes. They could also be impulsive or hyperactive and have difficulty meeting goals and responsibility. They might have difficulty recalling information or forgetting the things they were taught.
If you're having trouble in your everyday life and suspect you have ADHD and need help, request a referral to an expert in mental health or a specialist. Your GP could refer you to a psychiatrist or another professional who can perform an assessment. You could also ask a therapist you know or someone from your family to recommend someone with experience in ADHD assessments.
A psychologist or health care provider will review your medical history and perform an exam. They will also discuss your current health concerns with you. They'll likely ask about your experiences with ADHD as a child, as well. They'll want to speak 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, the psychiatrist will seek special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. This is an extra step that New Zealand regulations require for those with ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will work with your GP and you to make sure that the medication works.
Medication
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medications, but it's not the only option. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes, can also help. NIMH recommends talking to your healthcare provider to learn more about the options available to you.
Iam Psychiatry will ask you questions about your childhood and what your life is like today, and will conduct a physical exam and psychological tests. (These are not usually required). Your evaluator may also ask to speak with your family or partner or other people who know you to gain a different perspective on how your behaviors affect your life.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD depends on whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. The symptoms must last for at minimum six months, and they must interfere with your work and relationships. You must also meet diagnostic criteria, which includes that your symptoms aren't better explained by a mental health issue or substance use disorder.
NIMH suggests talking with your health-care provider about your options, including behavioral strategies and medications. A lot of primary care doctors regularly examine and treat ADHD in children however adults who suspect they might have it should ask for an appointment with a mental health specialist.
Stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults can cause side effects like stomach problems depression, anxiety, or stomach issues. They can also raise your heart rate and blood pressure. Some people develop tics - sudden, repetitive movements, or sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearance. Some people with ADHD have difficulty sleeping when they are taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests talking with your physician about any concerns you have regarding the side effects of drugs or clinical trials that may be in the pipeline. Clinical trials are research studies that look at new methods to prevent, detect or treat diseases and conditions. Participants in clinical trials learn more about their personal health and may have the opportunity to help other people. You can learn more about clinical trials and find the right one for you by going to the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It is crucial that a person with ADHD collaborate with their physician to manage the symptoms. The use of medication is one method to treat it and there are a variety of different kinds of medications available. You may have 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 help you cope better with its effects. They can also instruct you on strategies to improve your self-management skills, attention and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are constantly lagging in school, at work and in their relationships. Even the most forgiving friends, colleagues and partners may be unhappy with their actions. They could miss deadlines or appointments and make impulsive decisions.
Therapy can help adults suffering from 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, such as rewarding themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire after answering emails. One-on-one cognitive therapy can be beneficial too, and it can reframe negative experiences into positive ones. A therapist can help people with ADHD understand that their impulsivity does not necessarily indicate a bad character. It's a normal response to high levels of brain activity.
A therapist can help them learn coping techniques to manage anxiety and depression. People who suffer from ADHD have a higher likelihood of suffering from anxiety and depression. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy and support group networks, as well as classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication skills. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a program called Access to Work, which aids in the payment of workplace accommodations, including ADHD, for individuals who are employed.
It is important to keep in mind that not all therapists are alike, and you should choose carefully. Choose someone you can trust, who inspires you after a session and has experience in the type of therapy that you're interested in. For instance, if you're searching for a therapist who employs psychosocial techniques Ask your psychiatrist to recommend someone. Child psychiatrists, in particular have a thorough understanding of the treatment options for ADHD and can refer you to an expert.
Support
For individuals with ADHD their symptoms could be so disruptive that they have to visit a doctor to be evaluated. This evaluation involves having a conversation with the patient about their experiences from childhood to present and how symptoms affect school and 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 or resentment.
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 professional will take into consideration during the assessment.
When you visit medical professionals to conduct an evaluation, it's beneficial to bring any records that might shed light on symptoms such as old reports and notes from parents or friends. The person conducting the evaluation will also likely ask questions about the person's family and life history, and conduct a physical exam and some psychological tests.
Remember that inattention or impulsivity doesn't necessarily mean that they lack the ability to complete their job or perform other tasks. For instance, an ADHD person could be extremely creative and productive in a variety of ways including writing stories, painting to designing things.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can bring up many complicated emotions, from guilt about past mistakes to a sense of relief when they finally realize why they've struggled for so long. "There's a lot of grief work that needs to happen, but when all the pieces are in place and people have that concrete explanation, they really begin to take off," Matlen says.
Individuals with ADHD often feel that they are not understood, whether by coworkers or family members. They may have trouble staying focused during meetings or conversations and may be distracted by video games or social media. Some people with ADHD are told they are lazy or over-focused.
Helping a loved one who suffers from ADHD can assist them in gaining control over their symptoms at home and at work. They can use strategies and tools to improve their organization, such as daily planners and smartphone apps and can also seek out treatment options from a behavioral therapist who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments could include psychotherapy or talk therapy as also accommodations, like tools or changes to the environment of a person that will help them better manage the condition. An accommodation could be an adjustable stool that helps a shorter person climb higher shelves or reach for higher surfaces.