Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can last throughout the course of a person's life. As adults, these issues can have significant impacts on work and family.
For a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have begun in the early years of your life (technically, prior to the age of 12). The evaluator will look over your personal and medical background.
You may also wish to speak with your friends, partners or colleagues. This lets them see your issues from a different point of view.
Diagnosis
Like children who are diagnosed, adults who have ADHD must meet certain criteria to receive a diagnosis. The symptoms must be present for a minimum of two years and cause serious difficulties with daily functioning. This problem can be related to school, work, relationships or daily activities. People may have mild moderate, severe, or mild ADHD symptoms. The symptoms that are mild do not interfere with everyday functioning and are often mistakenly interpreted as other disorders like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to social or work-related interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to maintain relationships or keep a job.
People who have ADHD might reach a tipping point when they find it difficult to cope with life's demands. They may become disorganized or make mistakes that are not their fault. They can also be impulsive and hyperactive and struggle to meet goals and obligations. They might have trouble remembering things and are often unable to remember what they've been told.
If you're having trouble in your daily life and you suspect that you may have ADHD you should seek the referral to a mental health provider or specialist. Your GP might refer you to a psychiatrist or another professional who can carry out an assessment. You may also ask a therapist you know or a family member to suggest someone who has experience with ADHD assessments.
A doctor or psychologist will review your medical history, take a physical exam, and discuss your current issues with you. They will also ask about your experience having ADHD as a child. They'll also talk to your spouse and other people who are important to you, like your parents or your 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. This is an extra step that New Zealand regulations require for those with ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will collaborate with your GP and you to ensure that the medication works.
Medication
Adults with ADHD may benefit from taking medication however it's not the only option. Other therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes can also aid. NIMH recommends that you speak to your doctor to learn more about your options.
Your healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood and the way you live your life currently, and conduct an examination of your body and psychological test. (These aren't typically required). Your evaluator might also ask you to talk to your spouse or family members, or other people who know you to gain an outside view about how your actions impact your life.
The severity of your symptoms will determine whether you suffer from adult ADHD. They have to be present for six months or more and must interfere with two major areas of your life, like your work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This means that your symptoms cannot be explained by another mental illness or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH recommends talking to your health care provider about your options, which include behavioral strategies and medications. Many primary care providers routinely evaluate and treat ADHD in children however, adults who believe they may have it should ask for a referral to an expert in mental health.
Stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can cause side effects like stomach problems as well as depression, anxiety, and stomach problems. They also can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Certain people develop tics which are rapid, repetitive movements or sounds that resemble eye blinks or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD have trouble sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends talking to your health-care professional about any concerns you might have about the side effects of medication or about potential clinical trials that may be appropriate for you. Clinical trials are research studies that test new methods to prevent, detect, or treat illnesses and conditions. People who take part in clinical trials are able to learn more about their own health and could have the opportunity to help other people. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to find out more about clinical trials and find the one that is suitable for you.
Therapy
If you are an adult with ADHD it is essential to consult with a physician to manage symptoms. There are a variety of medications available to treat ADHD. You may have to try various dosages and medications before you find the right one for you. A therapist can help you comprehend your condition and to better cope with its effects. They can also teach strategies to improve your self-management skills, organization and attention.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD feel constantly behind in school, at work and in their relationships. Even the most tolerant colleagues, friends and partners can become frustrated by their behaviors. They might be prone to forgetting appointments or missing deadlines and making decisions based on impulsivity which don't always work out well.
In addition to medication therapy can help adults with ADHD organize themselves, develop strategies for dealing with the disorder 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 after responding to emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is conducted in a one-on-one setting, can be extremely beneficial. It can help to frame negative situations in a more positive way. Therapists can assist adults with ADHD recognize that their impulsivity doesn't necessarily indicate a bad character. It's an normal response to high levels of activity in the brain.
A therapist can teach them ways to cope with anxiety and depression. People with ADHD are more likely to be at risk of depression and anxiety. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy, group support networks and classes that focus on communication skills and conflict resolution. For individuals employed, the Department of Work and Pensions can provide a service known as Access to Work that helps pay for workplace accommodations for those who have disabilities, such as ADHD.
It is important to keep in mind that not all therapists are created equal and you should pick carefully. Look for someone you feel comfortable speaking with, who can make you feel confident after a session and who is knowledgeable about the kind of therapy you're interested in. For instance, if your goal is to search for a therapist who uses psychosocial methods consult your psychiatrist to suggest someone. Children psychiatrists, specifically are well-informed of the treatment of ADHD and can refer you to an expert.
getting diagnosed with adhd
For people who suffer from ADHD, their symptoms may be so disruptive that they need to visit a doctor for an evaluation. This evaluation involves a conversation with the patient about their life from childhood to now and how the symptoms affect work and school relationships, as well as other aspects of daily life. It is essential that those who suffer from ADHD talk about their problems 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 in adults. These are the criteria a medical professional will take into consideration during the assessment.
When visiting the healthcare professional to conduct an evaluation, it's helpful to bring any documentation that may shed light on symptoms such as old report cards and notes from friends or parents. The person who conducts the exam will likely inquire about the person's family background and lifestyle, and will also conduct a physical examination and some psychological tests.
Remember that inattention and impulsivity does not necessarily mean that they lack the ability to complete their job or do other things. A ADHD person, for example, can be productive and creative in a variety of ways, such as painting, writing stories or even designing things.
When people are diagnosed as having ADHD, they can feel a variety of emotions. They may be resentful of previous mistakes or be relieved they finally know why they've struggled. "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 are in place it's like they're flying," Matlen explains.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood by coworkers or friends. They may have trouble staying focused during meetings or conversations and they may be susceptible to distractions such as video games and social media. Certain people with ADHD are told they are lazy or over-focused.
Being a supporter for someone with ADHD can help that person manage their symptoms at home and work. They can utilize tools to help them organize their lives, such as smartphone apps or daily planners, and they can seek treatment options from a behavioral expert who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments can include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, and accommodations or modifications in a person's environment that help them better manage their condition. For instance an accommodation could be a step stool for someone who is shorter to reach higher shelves or other surfaces.
