Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many, the symptoms of ADHD continue throughout their life. These symptoms can have a major impact on family and work as adults.
To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must have begun in childhood (technically prior to the age of 12). The evaluator will review your medical and personal background.
They may also talk with your spouse or your coworkers, friends or partner. This can help them see your problems from different angles.
adhd diagnosis in adults with ADHD must also meet certain criteria to be diagnosed. The symptoms are required to be present for a minimum of two years and cause major difficulties with daily functioning. This problem can be related to school, relationships, work, or everyday activities. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Mild symptoms do not affect daily functioning and are often mistaken for other disorders, like depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions in social or work-related interactions. The severity of the symptoms can make it difficult to maintain relationships or keep the job.
People with ADHD may reach an extreme point at which they can no longer manage life with its usual demands. They may lose their focus or make mistakes that are not their fault. They could also be impulsive or hyperactive, leading to trouble meeting goals and responsibilities. They might have trouble remembering things and are often unable to remember the things they've been taught.
Get a referral if you are struggling with your day-to-day life and think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP could recommend you to psychiatrists, or a different professional who can carry out an assessment. You could also request a therapist you are familiar with or a family member to suggest someone with experience in ADHD evaluations.
A psychologist or health care provider will go over your medical history and conduct a physical exam. They will also discuss your current health concerns with you. They'll likely ask you about your experiences having ADHD as a child as well. They'll want to talk to the person you live with and any 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're diagnosed with ADHD, the psychiatrist will apply for special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. New Zealand law requires that people with ADHD undergo an additional procedure to be prescribed medication. The psychiatrist will collaborate with your GP and you to make sure that the medication works.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from medication however, it's not the only option. Other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy or lifestyle modifications can also prove beneficial. NIMH recommends talking to your healthcare provider to find out more about your options.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your childhood, and the way you live your life now, and perform an examination of your body and psychological tests. (These are not usually required). Your evaluator may also ask you to talk to your family, friends, members, or any other close to you to get an alternative view of your behavior.
The severity of your symptoms will determine whether you have adult ADHD. The symptoms must last for at minimum six months and cause disruption with your relationships and work. You must also meet the diagnostic requirements, such as that your symptoms aren't explained by another mental health issue or substance use disorder.
NIMH suggests talking to your doctor about your options. This includes strategies for managing behavior and medication. A lot of primary care doctors regularly examine and treat ADHD in children however, adults who believe they may be suffering from ADHD should request a referral to a mental health specialist.
Stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults can cause side effects like stomach problems as well as depression, anxiety, and stomach problems. They can also increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Some people develop tics - frequent, erratic movements, or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD also have difficulty sleeping while taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends talking to your health care professional regarding any concerns you may have regarding the potential side effects of medication or possible clinical trials that could be suitable for your needs. Clinical trials are research studies that test new methods to prevent, detect or treat conditions and diseases. Clinical trials allow people to gain knowledge about their health and themselves and also the chance to help others. You can find out more about clinical trials and select the one that is right for you by visiting NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
If an adult suffers from ADHD it is important to work with a doctor to treat the symptoms. There are a variety of medications available to treat ADHD. You may need to try different dosages and medications to find the one that is most effective for you. A therapist can help you in understanding your health condition and how to deal better with its effects. They can also instruct you on techniques to improve your self-management skills, focus and organization.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD often feel that they're constantly falling behind in work, school and in their relationships. Even the most forgiving colleagues, friends and partners may be unhappy with their actions. They may forget appointments or deadlines and make impulsive decisions.
In addition to medications therapy can also assist adults suffering from ADHD organize themselves, develop coping strategies and improve their quality of life. They can learn to recognize and modify problematic behaviors such as rewarding themselves for motivation or playing computer solitaire to unwind after completing emails. One-on-one cognitive behavioral therapy can also be beneficial, and it can reframe negative situations into more positive ones. For example therapy can help people suffering from ADHD see that their impulsivity does not an indication of bad character; it's an inherent response to intense levels of stimulation in the brain.
People with ADHD are at greater risk for depression and anxiety A therapist may also teach them coping skills to manage these conditions. Other psychosocial treatments include group therapy and family networks and classes that concentrate on the ability to resolve conflicts and improve communication. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a service called Access to Work, which assists in paying for workplace accommodations, such as ADHD, for individuals who are employed.
You should be careful when choosing an therapy provider. Not all are the same. You should pick one who you are comfortable with and who can empower you after a session, and who is knowledgeable about the kind of therapy you're interested in. For instance, if you're searching for a therapist who employs psychosocial techniques consult your psychiatrist to suggest someone. Children psychiatrists, specifically, have a good understanding of the treatment for ADHD and can recommend an expert.
Support
For those with ADHD, their symptoms may be such that they require to visit a doctor for an evaluation. The evaluation is a discussion about the person's personal life, from childhood to present, and how their symptoms affect work, school, relationships and other aspects of daily living. It is important that people who suffer from ADHD openly discuss their issues without fear of ridicule or shame.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), fifth edition, is a clinical guideline from the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing ADHD among adults. These are the criteria a medical professional will look at during the evaluation.
It is essential to bring any documents that may help you understand your symptoms during your visit to an expert in healthcare. This could include old report cards or notes from family members or parents. The person who is conducting the exam will likely also ask questions about the person's life and family history, and conduct a physical examination and a few psychological tests.
It is important to keep in mind that just because someone is afflicted with inattention and impulsivity doesn't mean that they don't have the appropriate skills for their job or other pursuits. For example, an ADHD person may be creative and productive in many ways including writing stories, drawing to creating 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 been struggling for so long. "There is a lot that needs to be done in the area of grief work, but when people have a clear explanation and all the pieces fit together and they can really move on," Matlen explains.
People suffering from ADHD are often misunderstood by their coworkers, friends, and family. They may struggle to stay focused in meetings or conversations and may be distracted by video games or social media. Some people who suffer from ADHD might even be told they're inactive or over-focused.
Being a caregiver for a loved one suffering from ADHD can help them gain control over their symptoms at home and at work. They can utilize strategies and tools to improve their organization, including daily planners or smartphone apps, and they can get treatment options from a behavioral specialist who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments could include psychotherapy or talk therapy as also accommodations, like tools or changes to the way a person's environment is designed that can help them better manage the condition. An accommodation could be an adjustable stool that helps those who are smaller to get to higher levels of shelves or surfaces.