Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many people, the signs of ADHD continue throughout their life. These symptoms can have a significant impact on work and family as adults.
To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must have started in childhood (technically, before the age of 12). Your evaluator evaluates your medical and personal history.
You may also want to speak with your friends, partners or coworkers. This lets them see your challenges from a different perspective.
Diagnosis
Like children who are diagnosed adults with ADHD must meet certain criteria to be considered for diagnosis. The symptoms have to be present for at least two years and cause major problems with everyday functioning. This issue could be related to school or work, relationships or daily activities. People can have mild, moderate, or severe ADHD symptoms. Mild symptoms are not a problem with everyday functioning and are often misdiagnosed as different disorders like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms cause minor disruptions to social or work interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to maintain relationships or hold the job.
ADHD sufferers may get to a point where they're unable to handle the demands of everyday life. They might become disorganized and make a lot of mistakes. They could also be hyperactive or impulsive and have difficulty fulfilling their goals and responsibilities. They may have trouble recalling information and frequently forget what they've been taught.
If you're having difficulty in your daily life and think you might have ADHD you should seek an appointment with a mental health provider or specialist. Your GP could refer you to a psychiatrist or any other professional who can do an assessment. You could ask a therapist or family member you know to recommend someone who has experience in ADHD assessments.
A psychologist or health care professional will examine your medical history and conduct an examination. They'll also discuss your current health concerns with you. They will also ask about your experiences having ADHD as a child. They'll likely want to talk to the person you live with and any other important people in your life too, such as 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 adhd diagnosed are diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will require special authority approval prior to prescribing medication. 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 suffering from ADHD can benefit from medication, but it's not the only option. Other therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy or lifestyle modifications can also be helpful. NIMH suggests talking to your healthcare provider to learn more about your options.
To determine if you have ADHD the healthcare professional will conduct an interview with you about your childhood and your life today, as a physical exam and psychological tests (these aren't typically required). Your evaluator may also ask to speak to your family or partner or any other family members who know you, to gain an outside view on how your behaviors affect your life.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD is determined by whether your symptoms are mild or severe. They should be present for at least six months and must be interfering with two major areas of your life, like relationships and work. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This means that your symptoms can't be explained by another mental illness or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH recommends that you talk to your doctor about the options available to you. This includes behavioral strategies and medication. Many primary care providers regularly evaluate and treat ADHD in children however, adults who believe they may be suffering from it should ask for a referral to an expert in mental health.
Stimulants, the medications that treat ADHD in adults, can cause side effects, such as stomach problems or increased anxiety and depression. They can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. Some people experience tics, which are rapid, repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD also have trouble sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends talking to your health-care professional about any concerns you have regarding the adverse effects of medications or about possible clinical trials that might be suitable for you. Clinical trials are research studies that test new methods to identify, prevent or treat illnesses. Clinical trials let people learn more about their health and themselves as well as the opportunity to assist others. Learn more about clinical trials and find the one that is right for you by visiting NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It's important that an adult with ADHD consult with their doctor to manage the symptoms. There are a variety of medication that can be used to treat ADHD. It is possible to try various dosages and medications before you discover the right one for you. A therapist can assist you in understanding your health condition and how to deal better with its effects. They can also teach you techniques to improve your attention, self-management and organization.
Adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD often feel that they're constantly being behind in work, school and in their relationships. Their behaviors can strain the patience of the most accommodating coworkers as well as friends and partners. They might miss deadlines or appointments and make decisions based on impulsivity.
Alongside medication therapy can help adults with ADHD get organized, develop strategies to cope and improve their lives. They can be taught to recognize and change their problematic behaviors, such as using rewards to motivate themselves or playing computer solitaire following the answer to emails. One-on-one cognitive behavioral therapy can also be beneficial, and it can reframe negative experiences into positive ones. For instance therapy can assist adults suffering from ADHD realize that their impulsivity isn't an indication of bad character; it's an inherent response to intense levels of stimulation in the brain.
People with ADHD are more prone for depression and anxiety and a therapist could teach them coping strategies to manage these conditions. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy as well as support groups for groups and classes that focus on communication skills and conflict resolution. For those employed, the Department of Work and Pensions can offer a service called Access to Work that helps with workplace accommodations for people who have disabilities, such as ADHD.
Be careful when selecting the right counselor. There are many different therapists who are not alike. You should choose someone who you are comfortable with and who can empower you after a session, and who is knowledgeable about the kind of therapy that you are interested in. Ask your doctor for recommendations if seeking psychosocial therapist. Children psychiatrists, specifically, have a good understanding of the treatment for ADHD and can refer you to an expert.
Support
For individuals with ADHD the symptoms could be such that they require to see a doctor to be evaluated. The evaluation involves a discussion with the patient about their experiences from childhood to the present and how symptoms affect school and work, relationships, and other aspects of life. It is essential that those with ADHD speak up without fear or shame.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD for adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5). adhd diagnosed are the criteria that medical professionals will look over when evaluating.
When visiting medical professionals for an evaluation, it's beneficial to bring any documents that might help identify the cause of the symptoms such as old reports and notes from parents or friends. The person who is conducting the exam will likely ask questions about the person's family and life history, as well as conduct a physical exam and a few psychological tests.
It is important to keep in mind that just because someone is afflicted with impulsivity and inattention doesn't mean that they don't have the appropriate abilities for their job or other activities. An ADHD person, for instance, can be productive and creative in many ways, such as painting, writing stories, or creating things.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can trigger a variety of complex emotions, ranging from guilt about past mistakes to a sense of relief when they finally understand why they've had to struggle so much. "There is a lot that needs to be done in terms of grief work but when people have a clear explanation and all the pieces fit together it's like they're flying," Matlen explains.
People suffering from ADHD are often misunderstood by their coworkers, friends, and family. They may have trouble staying focused in conversations or meetings and are prone to distractions like video games and social media. Certain people with ADHD are told that they're lazy or apathetic.
Being a supporter for someone with ADHD can help them gain control of their symptoms at home and work. They can employ strategies and tools to improve their organization, such as daily planners or apps for smartphones and can also seek treatment options from a behavioral therapist who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments could include psychotherapy or talk therapy as also accommodations, like devices or changes to the way a person's environment is designed that can help them better manage the condition. For example, an accommodation might be a step stool that allows someone who is shorter to reach higher shelves or other surfaces.