Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many, the symptoms of ADHD continue throughout their life. As adults, these issues can have significant impacts on work and family.
To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must have been evident since childhood (technically, before the age of 12). Your evaluator will go over your medical and personal history.
You may also want to discuss your issues with your friends, family members or colleagues. This helps them view your challenges from a different perspective.
Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD must also meet certain criteria in order to be diagnosed. The symptoms must be present for a minimum of two years and cause major problems with everyday functioning. The problem could be related to school, work, relationships, or everyday activities. Individuals may experience mild moderate, severe, or mild ADHD symptoms. Mild symptoms do not affect normal functioning and are often mistaken for other conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to social or work-related interactions. The severity of the symptoms can make it difficult to maintain relationships or keep the job.
People who have ADHD may reach an extreme point at which they find it difficult to cope with life's demands. They may become unorganized and make a lot of mistakes. They may also be impulsive and hyperactive which can cause them to be unable to meet objectives 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 and need help, request an appointment with an individual who is a mental health professional or specialist. Your GP could recommend you to psychiatrists, or a different professional, who can perform an assessment. You can ask a therapist or a family member you know to recommend someone with experience in ADHD evaluations.
A health professional or psychologist will review your medical history and perform an examination. They will also discuss your current health concerns with you. They will also ask about your experience having ADHD as a kid. They'll likely want to talk to the person you live with as well as 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 suffering from ADHD undergo an additional procedure to receive a medication. The psychiatrist will also collaborate 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 treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes can also aid. NIMH recommends speaking to your doctor to learn more about the options available to you.
To determine whether you suffer from adult ADHD, your healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood and life currently, as well as a physical exam and psychological tests (these aren't required in most cases). The evaluator could also ask you to talk to your family, friends, members or other family members close to you to get an alternative view of your behavior.
The severity of your symptoms will determine whether you have adult ADHD. They have to be present for a minimum of six months, and they must interfere with two important areas of your life, including relationships and work. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This includes that your symptoms cannot be explained by another mental disorder or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH suggests talking with your doctor about the options available to you. This includes behavioral strategies and medications. Many primary care physicians regularly examine and treat ADHD in children however adults who suspect they might have it should seek an appointment with an expert in mental health.
Stimulants, the medications that treat ADHD in adults, may cause side effects, such as stomach problems or increased anxiety and depression. They also can increase the heart rate and blood pressure. Some people develop tics, which are rapid repeated movements or sounds like eye blinks or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD have difficulty sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests talking with your health care professional regarding any concerns you may have regarding the potential side effects of medication or potential clinical trials that may be suitable for your needs. Clinical trials are research studies which test new methods to detect, prevent or treat illnesses. People who take part in clinical trials are able to gain knowledge about their own health and may have the chance to help others. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to find out more about clinical trials and find the one that is suitable for you.
Therapy
When an adult has ADHD, it's important to work with a doctor to manage symptoms. Treatment with medication is one way to manage it and there are a variety of different kinds of medications available. You may need to try several medications and dosages to find the one that best suits your needs. A therapist can aid you in understanding your health condition and how to deal better with its effects. They can also teach you techniques to improve your attention span, self-management, and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD find themselves constantly behind at work, in school and in their relationships. Even the most tolerant colleagues, friends and partners can become annoyed by their behavior. They may find themselves ignoring appointments or ignoring deadlines, and making impulsive decisions that don't always turn out well.
Therapy can help people with ADHD to become more organized, learn coping skills and improve their lives. They can learn to recognize and modify undesirable behaviors, such as rewarding themselves for motivation or playing computer solitaire to relax after responding to emails. One-on-one cognitive behavioral therapy can also be helpful and help turn negative experiences into positive ones. A therapist can assist adults with ADHD to understand that their impulsivity does not necessarily indicate a bad character. It's an normal response to high levels of brain activity.
A therapist can help them learn ways to cope with depression and anxiety. People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be at likelihood of suffering from anxiety and depression. adult diagnosis adhd include family therapy as well as support groups for groups and classes focused on communication skills and conflict resolution. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a service called Access to Work, which aids in the payment of workplace accommodations, including ADHD for those who are employed.
It is important to keep in mind that not all therapists are alike and you should pick carefully. You should choose someone with whom you feel comfortable and who can empower you after the session, and is knowledgeable about the type of therapy that you are interested in. Ask your psychiatrist for recommendations if you are seeking psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists are particularly adept at ADHD treatment and can recommend you.
Support
For those who suffer from ADHD their symptoms could be such that they require to see a physician to be evaluated. The evaluation involves a discussion about the person's life, from childhood to present and how their issues affect school, work as well as relationships and other aspects of everyday living. It's important that people with ADHD speak up candidly, without shame or fear of criticism.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). These are the guidelines a medical provider will consider when evaluating.
It is important to bring any documents that can provide insight into your condition when you meet with medical professionals. These include old reports cards or notes from your friends or parents. The person conducting the examination will likely ask about the person's family background and personal life, as well as conduct a physical exam as well as some psychological tests.
You should remember that someone's inattention or impulsivity does not necessarily mean that they lack the ability to do their job or other activities. A ADHD person, for instance is able to be creative and productive in many ways, including painting, writing stories, or creating things.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can trigger many complicated emotions, from guilt over past mistakes to relief that they now realize why they've struggled so much. "There is a lot to be done in terms of grief work, but when people have a concrete explanation and all the pieces fall into place and they can really move on," Matlen explains.
People suffering from ADHD are often misunderstood and mistreated by their colleagues or friends. They may struggle to stay focused during meetings or conversations and may be distracted by video games and social media. Some people with ADHD are told they're lazy or attention-seeking.
Being a supporter for someone with ADHD can help them gain control of their symptoms at home and work. They can make use of tools to improve their organization such as smartphone apps or daily planners, and may seek treatments from a behavioral professional who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments may also include psychotherapy, also known as therapy for talking, as well as accommodations or modifications in a person's surroundings that aid in managing their condition. For instance an accommodation could be a step stool to allow a shorter person to reach higher shelves or other surfaces.