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 they grow older.
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms you experience must have been present since the early years of your life (technically before age 12). Your evaluator reviews your medical and personal history.
They can also talk to your spouse, partner, friends and coworkers. This can help them see your issues from different perspectives.
Diagnosis
Adults who suffer from ADHD must also meet certain criteria in order to be diagnosed. The symptoms have to be present for a minimum of two years and cause serious difficulties with daily functioning. The problem could be a result of school or work, relationships or daily activities. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Mild symptoms do not affect daily functioning and are often mistaken for other disorders, like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions in social or work interactions. Severe symptoms make it difficult to hold a job or maintain relationships.
ADHD sufferers may hit a tipping point when they're unable to handle the demands of daily life. They may become unorganized and make a lot of mistakes. They could also be impulsive and hyperactive, causing them to have difficulty meeting goals and obligations. They might have trouble remembering things and often forget the things they've been taught.
If you're having difficulty in your daily life and you suspect that you may have ADHD, ask for the referral to an individual who is a mental health professional or specialist. Your GP may refer you to a psychiatrist, or another professional who can carry out an assessment. You can also ask a therapist you know or a family member to suggest someone who has experience with ADHD evaluations.
A health care provider or psychologist will want to examine your medical history, take physical examination and discuss your current problems with you. They'll likely ask about your experiences having ADHD as a child as well. They will also want to speak to your partner and any other people who are important 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 will require special authority approval before prescribing medication. This is a step that New Zealand regulations require for those with ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will also work with you and your GP to ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Medications can be an effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD however they're not the only option. Other therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy or lifestyle changes can also be helpful. NIMH recommends speaking with your doctor to find out more about the options available to you.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your childhood, and what your life is like currently, and conduct an examination of your body and psychological test. (These aren't typically required). adult adhd diagnosis could also ask you to talk to your family, friends, members or other family members close to you to get an outsider's view of your behavior.
The severity of your symptoms will determine if you have adult ADHD. They have to be present for at least six months, and they must interfere with two important areas of your life, including work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria, including that your symptoms aren't better explained by a mental health issue or a substance use disorder.
NIMH suggests talking with your doctor about your options. This includes behavioral strategies and medications. Many primary care providers regularly evaluate and treat ADHD in children however, adults who believe they might have it should seek the referral to an expert in mental health.
Stimulants, which are the drugs used to treat ADHD for adults, can cause side effects such as stomach problems, or increased depression and anxiety. They can also increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Certain people develop tics which are sudden repetitive actions or sounds such as eye blinks or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD have trouble sleeping when they are taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends that you speak 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 try new ways to prevent, detect or treat conditions and diseases. Clinical trials help people discover more about their health and themselves as well as the opportunity to help others. You can learn more about clinical trials and locate the one that is right for you by going to the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It is essential that adults with ADHD collaborate with their physician to manage the symptoms. Medication is one way to manage ADHD and there are a variety of different kinds of medications available. You may need to try various dosages and medications to determine which works best for you. A therapist can help you comprehend your condition and how to better manage its effects. They can also teach you techniques to improve your focus, self-management and organizational skills.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD often feel like they are constantly falling behind at school, at work and in their relationships. Even the most accommodating colleagues, friends and partners may be unhappy with their actions. They might find themselves forgetting appointments or ignoring deadlines, and making impulsive decisions that don't always turn out well.
In addition to medications, therapy can help adults with ADHD become more organized, create strategies for dealing with the disorder and improve their quality of life. They can be taught to recognize and modify their problematic behaviors for example, rewarding themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire after answering emails. One-on-one cognitive therapy can also be helpful, and it can reframe negative situations into more positive ones. For instance, a therapist can assist adults suffering from ADHD recognize that their impulsivity isn't a sign of bad character; it's an instinctual response to high levels of stimulation in the brain.
People with ADHD are at greater risk for depression and anxiety, so a therapist can teach them coping strategies to manage these issues. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy and group support networks, as well as classes that are focused on the ability to resolve conflicts and improve communication. 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 pick carefully. You should choose a therapist who you are comfortable with, who empowers you after the session, and is knowledgeable about the type of therapy you're interested in. Ask your psychiatrist for recommendations if you are seeking psychosocial therapist. Children psychiatrists, specifically are well-informed of the treatment options for ADHD and can recommend an expert.
Support
Individuals suffering from ADHD might experience symptoms that are so disruptive, they require evaluation by an expert doctor. The evaluation involves a discussion about the person's life, from childhood to the present, and how their symptoms affect work, school as well as relationships and other aspects of everyday living. It is essential that those with ADHD openly discuss their issues without fear of ridicule or shame.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria that medical professionals will look over when evaluating.
It is essential to bring any documents that can shed light on your symptoms when you visit medical professionals. This includes old report cards or notes from friends or parents. The person doing the evaluation will also likely inquire about the individual's family and life history, and conduct a physical exam and psychological tests.
It is important to keep in mind that just because someone displays inattention and impulsivity does not mean they don't have the right skills for their job or other tasks. For example, an ADHD person could be extremely imaginative and productive in a variety ways from writing stories to painting and even designing things.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can trigger a variety of complicated emotions, ranging from guilt over past mistakes to relief that they now realize why they've had to struggle so much. "There's a lot of grief work to be done however when all the pieces are in place and people have that concrete explanation, they really take off," Matlen says.
Individuals with ADHD are often misunderstood, whether by coworkers or friends and family. They might have difficulty staying focused in conversations or meetings and are susceptible to distractions such as social media and video games. A few people who suffer from ADHD are told that they're lazy or apathetic.
Helping a loved one who suffers from ADHD can assist them in gaining control over their symptoms, both at home and at work. They can make use of tools to help them organize their lives, such as smartphone apps or daily planners, and they may seek treatment options from a behavioral expert who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments can include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, and accommodations, or tools or changes in a person's surroundings that assist them in managing their condition. For example, an accommodation might be a step stool that allows someone who is shorter to access higher shelves or other surfaces.