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 they grow older.
For a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have started in the early years of your life (technically prior to the age of 12). The evaluator will review your medical and personal background.
You might also want to discuss your issues with your partner, friends or colleagues. This can help them see your challenges from other perspectives.
Diagnosis
In the same way as diagnosing children adults with ADHD must meet certain criteria to be considered for diagnosis. The symptoms are required to be present for at least two years and cause serious problems with everyday functioning. This issue could be a result of school or relationships, work, or everyday activities. ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. Mild symptoms don't interfere with normal functioning and are often mistaken for other disorders, like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions in work or social interactions. The severity of the symptoms makes it difficult to keep a job or maintain relationships.
ADHD sufferers can get to a point where they're unable to handle the demands of daily life. They may become disorganized or make mistakes that are not their fault. They may also be hyperactive and impulsive, causing them to have difficulty meeting objectives and responsibilities. They may have trouble remembering things or forget what they have been told.
Ask for a referral if you are struggling with your day-to-day life and think you might have ADHD. Your GP might recommend you to psychiatrists, or a different professional, who can perform an assessment. You may also ask a therapist you know or a family member to recommend someone with experience in ADHD assessments.
A doctor or psychologist may want to review your medical history, perform an examination of your body and discuss your current concerns with you. They'll also inquire about your experience having ADHD as a child. They'll also want to talk to your spouse and any other important people in your life 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 doctor must apply for special authority approval prior to prescribing medication. This is an additional step that New Zealand regulations require for people who have ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will collaborate with your GP and you to make sure that the medication works.
Medication
Adults with ADHD may benefit from taking medication, but it's not the only option. Other treatments, like 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 whether you suffer from adult ADHD the healthcare professional will conduct an interview with you about your childhood and life today, as do a physical examination and psychological test (these aren't typically required). Your evaluator might also ask you to speak with your family or partner or any other family members 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 least six months and interfere with your work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria, which includes that your symptoms aren't explained by another mental health condition or substance use disorder.
NIMH recommends talking to your health care provider about your options, including medication and behavioral strategies. A majority of primary care physicians regularly evaluate and treat ADHD in children. Adults who suspect they may have the condition should seek referral to an expert.
Stimulants, the medications that treat ADHD for adults, can cause adverse side effects like stomach problems or increased depression and anxiety. 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 with ADHD have trouble sleeping when they are taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends that you speak with your doctor regarding any concerns you might have regarding side effects from treatments or potential clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies which test new methods for detecting, preventing or treat diseases. Clinical trials allow people to gain knowledge about themselves and their health, as well as the opportunity to assist others. You can find out more about clinical trials and select the right one for you by visiting NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
When an adult has ADHD, it's important to consult with a physician to manage symptoms. The use of medication is one method to treat it and there are a variety of different kinds of drugs available. You may need to try several medications and dosages to find the one that best suits your needs. A therapist can assist you in understanding your condition and help you cope better with its effects. They can also help you learn methods to improve your self-management, attention and organization.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD often feel that they're always falling behind at school, work and in their relationships. Even the most tolerant colleagues, friends and partners can become annoyed by their behavior. They might miss deadlines or appointments, and make decisions based on impulsivity.
In addition to medication therapy can also assist adults suffering from ADHD become more organized, create strategies for dealing with the disorder and improve their quality of life. They can be taught to identify and change undesirable behaviors, such as motivating themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire to unwind after completing emails. One-on-one cognitive behavior therapy can also be beneficial, and it can reframe negative situations into positive ones. Therapists can help adults who have ADHD understand that their impulsivity doesn't indicate a bad character. It's a normal response to high levels in the brain.
A therapist can teach them ways to cope with depression and anxiety. People with ADHD are more likely to be at chance of developing depression and anxiety. Other psychosocial treatments can include family therapy, group support networks and classes focused on communication skills and conflict resolution. The Department of Work and Pensions provides a service known as Access to Work, which assists in paying for workplace accommodations, including ADHD, for individuals who are employed.
You should be careful when choosing a therapist. They aren't all alike. You should select someone who you are comfortable with and who can empower you after a session, and who is knowledgeable about the type of therapy that you are interested in. For instance, if you're searching for a therapist who employs psychosocial methods Ask your doctor to recommend someone. Child psychiatrists, in particular, have a good understanding of the treatment for ADHD and can recommend an expert.
Support
For people with ADHD the symptoms could be so disruptive that they need to visit a doctor to be evaluated. adhd diagnosis in adult is a discussion about the person's personal life, from childhood to present and how their conditions affect work, school, relationships and other aspects of daily life. It is important that people with ADHD openly discuss their issues without fear of ridicule or shame.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria medical professionals will look over when evaluating.
It is essential to bring any documents that may shed light on your symptoms when you meet with a healthcare professional. These include old reports cards or notes from your friends or parents. The person who conducts the exam will likely ask about the person's family background and lifestyle, and will also conduct a physical exam as well as some psychological tests.
You should remember that someone's inattention or impulsivity does not mean they lack the skills to perform their job or perform other tasks. An ADHD person, for instance, can be productive and creative in many ways, including painting, writing stories, or designing things.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can bring up many complicated emotions, ranging from guilt over past mistakes to relief that they finally recognize the reason they've been struggling 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 a concrete explanation, they really begin to take off," Matlen says.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood by coworkers as well as their friends and family. They may struggle to stay focussed in conversations or meetings and are easily distracted by video games and social media. Some people with ADHD are told they're lazy or attention-seeking.
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 strategies and tools to improve their organization, like daily planners and smartphone apps, and they can seek out treatment options from a behavioral therapist who is skilled in ADHD. Treatments can also include psychotherapy, also known as therapy for talking, as well as accommodations or modifications in a person's surroundings that aid in managing their condition. A possible accommodation is an aid to help those who are smaller to reach higher shelves or surfaces.