Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many, the symptoms of ADHD continue throughout their life. As adults, these symptoms can have a significant impact on work and family.
To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must have begun in the beginning of your childhood (technically, prior to the age of 12). The evaluator will look over your personal and medical history.
You may also wish to talk to your friends, partners or colleagues. This helps them to see your problems from different angles.
Diagnosis
In the same way as diagnosing children, adults who have ADHD must meet certain requirements to be diagnosed. The symptoms have to be present for a minimum of two years and cause significant problems with everyday functioning. This issue could be a result of school or work, relationships or daily activities. People can have mild moderate, severe, or mild ADHD symptoms. Mild symptoms don't interfere with normal functioning and are often confused with other disorders, like depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms cause minor disruptions in work or social interactions. Severe symptoms make it difficult to hold a job or maintain relationships.
ADHD sufferers may hit a tipping point when they're not able to cope with the demands of everyday life. They might lose their focus and make careless mistakes. They may also be hyperactive and impulsive which can cause them to be unable to meet objectives and responsibilities. They might have difficulty recalling information or forgetting what they were taught.
If you're having difficulty in your everyday life and you suspect that you may have ADHD you should seek a referral to an individual who is a mental health professional or specialist. Your GP could recommend a psychiatrist, or another professional who can carry out an assessment. You can also ask a therapist you know or a family member to recommend someone with experience in ADHD evaluations.
A doctor or psychologist will want to examine your medical history, conduct a physical exam and discuss your current problems with you. They'll also inquire about your experience having ADHD as a kid. They'll likely want to talk to the person you live with and any other important people in your life, as well, like 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 will require special authority approval prior to prescribing medication. New Zealand law requires that people with ADHD take an additional step to be prescribed medication. The psychiatrist will work with your GP and you to ensure that the medication works.
Medication
The use of medication can be a successful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD but they're not the only option. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications, can also help. NIMH suggests talking to your health care provider to find out more about the options available to you.
To determine if you have ADHD, your healthcare professional will interview you about your childhood as well as your life currently, as well as a physical exam and psychological test (these aren't usually needed). Your evaluator might also ask you to speak to your partner, family members or other people close to you in order to get an outsider's view of your behavior.
The severity of your symptoms will determine whether you have adult ADHD. The symptoms must last at minimum six months, and they must interfere with your relationships and work. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This includes that your symptoms can't be explained by another mental disorder or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH suggests talking to your doctor about options. This includes behavioral strategies and medications. A lot of primary care doctors routinely evaluate and treat ADHD in children, but adults who think they may be suffering from it should ask for a referral to an expert in mental health.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can trigger adverse effects such as stomach issues, anxiety, and depression. They can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. Some people experience tics, which are sudden, repetitive movements, or sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD have difficulty sleeping when they are taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests that you talk with your doctor regarding any concerns you might have regarding the side effects of treatments or potential clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies that test new methods for detecting, preventing or treat diseases. Participants in clinical trials are able to learn more about their own health and be able to assist other people. You can learn more about clinical trials and find one that's right for you by going to the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
If you are an adult with ADHD it is essential to consult with a physician to treat the symptoms. The use of medication is one method to manage ADHD and there are a variety of different kinds of drugs available. You may need to test various dosages and medications before you discover the right one for you. A therapist can assist you to comprehend your condition and to better cope with its effects. They can also teach you strategies to improve your focus, self-management and organization.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD often feel that they are constantly falling behind at school, at work and in their relationships. Their behavior can be a strain on the patience of the most tolerant coworkers as well as friends and partners. They could miss deadlines or appointments and make impulsive choices.
Therapy can help people with ADHD become more organized and learn to manage their ADHD and improve their quality-of-life. They can learn to identify and modify their problematic behaviors for example, rewarding themselves to encourage themselves or playing computer solitaire after answering emails. One-on-one cognitive behavior therapy can also be beneficial and can help to transform negative situations into positive ones. For instance, a therapist can help people suffering from ADHD realize that their impulsivity does not an indication of bad character, it's just an inherent response to high levels of stimulation in the brain.
get diagnosed with adhd who suffer from ADHD are at greater risk for depression and anxiety, so a therapist can teach them strategies for coping to manage these issues. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy and support group networks, as well as classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication skills. For individuals who are employed by the Department of Work and Pensions can provide a service known as Access to Work that helps with workplace accommodations for individuals who have disabilities, such as ADHD.
Be cautious when choosing an therapist. There are many different therapists who are not the same. You should select one who you are comfortable with, who empowers you after an appointment, and who is knowledgeable about the type of therapy that you are interested in. For instance, if you're looking for a therapist that uses psychosocial methods, ask your psychiatrist to recommend someone. Children psychiatrists, specifically, have a good understanding of the treatment options for ADHD and can recommend a specialist.
Support
For those who suffer from ADHD their symptoms could be such that they require to see a physician for an evaluation. This evaluation is a conversation about the person's personal life, from childhood to the present and how their conditions impact school, work relationships, and other aspects of everyday living. It is essential that those who suffer from ADHD speak up without fear or resentment.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), fifth edition is a clinical guideline from the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing ADHD in adults. These are the guidelines a medical professional will look at during the assessment.
It's important to bring along any documents that may shed light on your symptoms during your visit to medical professionals. These include old reports cards or notes from family members or parents. The person conducting the evaluation will likely inquire about the patient's life and family background, and also conduct a physical exam and some psychological tests.
Remember that inattention or impulsivity does not mean they lack the skills to complete their job or perform other tasks. A ADHD person, for instance, can be creative and productive in a variety of ways, such as painting, writing stories, or designing things.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can trigger a variety of complicated emotions, from guilt over past mistakes to a sense of relief when they finally realize why they've struggled so much. "There is a lot that needs to be done in terms of grief work, but when people have a solid explanation and all the pieces fit together and they can really move on," Matlen explains.
Individuals with ADHD often feel that they are not understood by colleagues or family members. They may struggle to stay focused in conversations or meetings and they may be at risk of distractions from social media and video games. Some people with ADHD are told they're lazy or apathetic.
Supporting a loved one with ADHD can assist them in gaining control over their symptoms at home and at work. They can make use of tools to help them organize their lives, like smartphone apps or daily planners. They can seek solutions from a behavioral specialist who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments can also include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, and accommodations, or tools or changes in the environment of a person to assist them in managing their condition. For example an accommodation could be a step stool to allow a shorter person to access higher shelves or other surfaces.