Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many, the symptoms of ADHD persist throughout their lives. These symptoms can have a major impact on work and family as adults.
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 can also talk to your spouse, your coworkers, friends or partner. This helps them view your issues from a different point of view.
Diagnosis
Adults suffering from ADHD must also meet certain criteria in order to be diagnosed. The symptoms must be present for at least two years and cause serious difficulties with daily functioning. This issue could be related to school, work or relationships, or even everyday activities. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. The symptoms that are mild do not interfere with daily functioning and are often misdiagnosed as other illnesses like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms cause small disruptions in work or social interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to maintain jobs or maintain relationships.
ADHD sufferers may reach a tipping-point when they're not able to cope with the demands of daily life. They may become unorganized and make mistakes that aren't their fault. They may also be hyperactive and impulsive which can cause them to be unable to meet objectives and responsibilities. They may have difficulty remembering details or forgetting what they were taught.
Ask for referral if you're struggling with your day-to-day life and suspect that you may have ADHD. Your GP could refer you to a psychiatrist or any other professional who can do an assessment. diagnose adhd could ask a therapist or family member you know to recommend a person with expertise in ADHD assessments.
A health care provider or psychologist will want to examine your medical history, conduct physical examination, and discuss your current concerns with you. They will also ask about your experiences dealing with ADHD as a kid. They'll likely want to talk to the person you live with as well as 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 are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will need to apply for special authority approval before prescribing medication. New Zealand law requires that people with ADHD must take a second step to be prescribed medication. The psychiatrist will also collaborate with you and your GP to ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
The use of medication can be a successful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD, but they're not the only option. Other treatments like cognitive behavior therapy or lifestyle changes are also effective. NIMH recommends that you speak with your doctor to find out more about your options.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your childhood and what your life is like now, and perform physical and psychological test. (These aren't typically required). The evaluator could also ask you to speak to your spouse, family members or other people close to you in order to get an alternative view of your behavior.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD is determined by whether your symptoms are mild or moderate. They must be present for at least six months and must be interfering with two important areas of your life, including your work and relationships. You must also meet diagnostic requirements, such as that your symptoms aren't better explained by a mental health issue or substance use disorder.
NIMH recommends talking to your health-care provider about your options, including medications and strategies for managing behavior. Many primary care physicians routinely evaluate and treat ADHD in children however adults who suspect they may be suffering from it should ask for the referral to a mental health specialist.
Stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can trigger adverse effects such as stomach issues, anxiety, and depression. 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 suffering from ADHD also have trouble sleeping while taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends talking to your health care professional about any concerns you have about the side effects of medication or possible clinical trials that might be suitable for you. Clinical trials are research studies that look at new methods to prevent, detect, or treat conditions and diseases. People who participate in clinical trials can gain knowledge about their own health and have the chance to help other people. You can learn more about clinical trials and find the right one for you by going to the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It is crucial that a person with ADHD consult with their doctor to treat the symptoms. Medication is one way to treat ADHD, and there are many different kinds of medications available. It is possible to test different dosages and medications to find the one that works best for you. A therapist can assist you in understanding the condition and learning to cope better with its effects. They can also help you learn techniques to improve your focus, self-management, and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD often feel as if they're always falling behind at school, work and in their relationships. Their behavior can be a strain on the patience of even the most tolerant coworkers as well as friends and partners. They may find themselves ignoring appointments or missing deadlines and making impulsive decisions which don't always work out well.
In addition to medications, 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 rewarding themselves to encourage themselves or playing computer solitaire after responding to emails. One-on-one cognitive behavioral therapy can also be helpful, and it can reframe negative experiences into positive ones. For instance therapy can help adults with ADHD see that their impulsivity isn't an indication of bad character; it's an inherent response to high levels of stimulation in the brain.
People who suffer from ADHD are more prone for depression and anxiety, so a therapist can also teach them coping skills 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. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a service called Access to Work, which aids in the payment of workplace accommodations, such as ADHD, for individuals who are employed.
It's important to remember that not all therapists are created equal, and you should choose carefully. Find someone who you can trust and who inspires you after a session and who has experience in the type of therapy you're interested in. For instance, if your goal is to search for a therapist that uses psychosocial methods consult your doctor to suggest someone. Children psychiatrists, specifically are well-informed of the treatment options for ADHD and can refer you to an expert.
Support
For those who suffer from ADHD, their symptoms may be such that they require to see a doctor for an evaluation. The evaluation is a discussion about the person's life, from childhood to present and how their conditions impact school, work relationships, and other aspects of everyday life. It is crucial that those with ADHD talk about their problems 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 Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria medical professionals review during the assessment.
It is important to bring any documents that may help you understand your symptoms during your visit to a healthcare professional. These include old reports cards or notes from friends or parents. The person doing the evaluation will likely ask questions about the person's family and life history, and conduct a physical examination and psychological tests.
It's important to remember that just because someone is afflicted with inattention or impulsivity, it does not mean they don't have the appropriate skills for their job or other tasks. For instance an ADHD person could be extremely imaginative and productive in a variety ways, from writing stories to painting to designing things.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can trigger many complicated emotions, from guilt about past mistakes to a sense of relief when they finally understand why they've had to struggle for so long. "There is a lot to be done in the area of grief work, but when people have a concrete explanation and all the pieces are in place and they can really move on," Matlen explains.
People suffering from ADHD are often misunderstood by their coworkers, friends, and family. They may struggle to stay focused in meetings or conversations and are easily distracted by video games and social media. Some people with ADHD are told they're lazy or attention-seeking.
Being a caregiver for a loved one suffering from ADHD can help them gain control over their symptoms at home and at work. They can use tools to help them organize their lives, like apps for smartphones or daily planners. They can seek treatments from a behavioral expert who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments may include psychotherapy or talk therapy as well as accommodations, such tools or changes to a person's surroundings that will help them better manage the condition. An accommodation could be a step stool to help those who are smaller to reach higher shelves or surfaces.