Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many, the symptoms of ADHD continue throughout their life. As adults, these issues can have significant effects on family and work.
To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must have been evident since the beginning of your childhood (technically, prior to the age of 12). The evaluator will look over your medical and personal background.
They may also talk to your spouse, your friends, colleagues and partners. This lets them see your problems from a different perspective.
Diagnosis
Like children who are diagnosed, adults who have ADHD must meet certain criteria to receive a diagnosis. The symptoms must be present for at least two years and cause serious difficulties with daily functioning. The problem could be related to school, work or relationships, or even everyday activities. Individuals may experience mild or moderate ADHD symptoms. Mild symptoms don't interfere with normal functioning and are often confused with other disorders, like depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions in social or work interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to maintain relationships or keep a job.
ADHD sufferers can hit a tipping point when they're not able to cope with the demands of everyday life. They might become disorganized and make a lot of mistakes. They may also be hyperactive or impulsive which can cause problems in fulfilling their goals and responsibilities. They may have difficulty recalling information and frequently forget the things they've been taught.
Get an appointment if you're struggling with your day-to-day life and think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP might refer you to psychiatrists, or a different professional who can conduct an assessment. You can also consult a therapist that you know or a family member to recommend someone with experience in ADHD evaluations.
A health professional or psychologist will want to review your medical history, conduct physical examination and discuss your current concerns with you. They'll also inquire about your experiences dealing with ADHD as a child. They'll 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 you're diagnosed with ADHD your doctor must apply for special authority approval prior to prescribing medication. This is an additional step that New Zealand regulations require for people who have ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will also work with you and your GP to help ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Medical treatments can be a beneficial treatment for adults suffering from ADHD however they're not the only option. Other therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes can also be helpful. NIMH recommends speaking with your doctor to find out more about the options available to you.
Your healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood and what your life is like currently, and conduct physical and psychological tests. (These are not usually required). Your evaluator may also ask to speak to your family or partner or other people who know you to get an outside perspective about how your actions impact your life.
The severity of your symptoms will determine if you suffer from adult ADHD. They have to be present for six months or more and must interfere with two major settings in your life, such as work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This means that your symptoms are not caused by a mental illness or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH recommends that you talk to your doctor about options. This includes strategies for managing behavior and medication. Many primary care providers regularly evaluate and treat ADHD among children. Adults who suspect they may have the condition should seek a referral to an expert.
Stimulants, the drugs that treat ADHD in adults, may cause side effects such as stomach problems, or increased depression and anxiety. They can also raise your blood pressure and heart rate. Some people develop tics - sudden, repetitive movements, or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD have difficulty sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends talking to your doctor regarding any concerns you may have regarding the adverse effects of medication or about potential clinical trials that may be appropriate for you. Clinical trials are research studies that test new ways to prevent, detect, or treat illnesses and conditions. Clinical trials help people gain knowledge about themselves and their health and also the opportunity to assist others. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to learn more about clinical trial and choose one that is appropriate for you.
Therapy
It is crucial that a person with ADHD work with their doctor to manage their symptoms. There are many types of medication that can be used to treat ADHD. You may need to test different dosages and medications before you can find the best one for you. A therapist can assist you in understanding your condition and learning to cope better with its effects. They can also instruct you on strategies to improve your self-management skills, attention and organization.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD often feel as if they're constantly falling behind in work, school and in their relationships. Their behavior can be a strain on the patience of the most forgiving co-workers or friends. They might miss deadlines or appointments and make decisions based on impulsivity.
In addition to medications therapy can assist adults suffering from ADHD organize themselves, develop strategies to cope and improve their quality of life. They can learn to recognize and alter their bad habits for example, using rewards to motivate themselves or playing computer solitaire after answering emails. One-on-one cognitive therapy can also be helpful and help turn negative experiences into positive ones. For instance a therapist can help people suffering from ADHD see that their impulsivity does not a sign of bad character; it's simply a natural response to intense levels of brain stimulation.
A therapist can help them learn coping techniques to manage anxiety and depression. People who suffer from ADHD have a higher likelihood of suffering from anxiety and depression. adhd in adults undiagnosed include family therapy and support group networks, as well as classes that focus 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, such as ADHD, for individuals who are employed.
Be cautious when choosing an counselor. There are many different therapists who are not alike. You should select a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and who can empower you after an appointment, and who is knowledgeable about the type of therapy that you are interested in. For instance, if you're searching for a therapist that uses psychosocial methods, ask your doctor to suggest someone. adhd diagnosis in adult , in particular are well-informed of the treatment of ADHD and can refer you to an expert.
Support
People with ADHD may experience symptoms that are so disruptive they require evaluation by medical professionals. The evaluation involves a discussion with the patient about their life from childhood to the present and how symptoms affect school and work, relationships, and other aspects of daily life. It's important that people with ADHD open up honestly, without shame or fear of being judged.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria a medical provider will review during the evaluation.
It's important to bring along any documents that could provide insight into your condition when you visit a healthcare professional. This includes old report cards or notes from your friends or parents. The person conducting the evaluation will likely ask about the family history of the patient and life, and conduct a physical examination and some psychological tests.
It is important to keep in mind that just because someone is afflicted with inattention or impulsivity, it does not mean they don't have the appropriate abilities for their job or other activities. For instance an ADHD person can be very creative and productive in a variety of ways, from writing stories to drawing to creating things.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can trigger a variety of complex emotions, ranging from guilt over past mistakes to a sense of relief when they finally recognize the reason they've had to struggle so much. "There's a lot of grief work that needs to happen and when all the pieces are in place and people have a specific explanation, they can really begin to take off," Matlen says.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood by colleagues or family members and friends. They may struggle to stay focussed in conversations or meetings and are easily distracted by video games and social media. Certain people with ADHD might even be told they're unmotivated or apathetic.
Helping someone suffering from ADHD can help that person manage their symptoms at home as well as at work. They can utilize tools to help them organize their lives, such as smartphone apps or daily planners. They can seek solutions from a behavioral expert who specializes in ADHD. Treatments can include psychotherapy, also known as therapy for talking, as well as accommodations, or tools or changes in a person's environment that assist them in managing their condition. A possible accommodation is a step stool to help those who are smaller to get to higher levels of shelves or surfaces.