Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many people, the signs of ADHD continue throughout their life. As adults, these signs can have significant impacts on family and work.
For a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have started in the beginning of your childhood (technically, before the age of 12). The evaluator will look over your medical and personal history.
They can also talk with your spouse or partner, friends and coworkers. This can help them understand your issues from different perspectives.
Diagnosis
Adults who suffer from ADHD must also meet certain criteria in order to be diagnosed. The symptoms must have been present for a minimum of 2 years and cause significant difficulties in daily functioning. This problem can be a result of school or work, relationships or daily activities. Individuals may experience mild, moderate, or severe ADHD symptoms. The symptoms that are mild do not interfere with the daily activities of people and are often misdiagnosed as other conditions such as anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions in work or social interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to maintain relationships or keep an employment.
People with ADHD can experience a point where they can no longer manage life's routines. They may lose their focus or make careless errors. They could also be impulsive and hyperactive, causing them to struggle to meet goals and responsibilities. adult diagnosis adhd may have trouble recalling information or forgetting what they were taught.
Get an appointment if you're having trouble with your daily routine and suspect you have ADHD. Your GP may refer you to a psychiatrist or other professional who can perform an assessment. You may also request a therapist you are familiar with or a family member to suggest someone with experience in ADHD evaluations.
A health professional or psychologist will go over your medical history and conduct an exam. They'll also discuss your current health concerns with you. They'll likely inquire about your experiences having ADHD as a child as well. They'll also want to speak to your partner as well as any other important people in your life, 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 request special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. New Zealand law requires that those suffering from ADHD must take a second step to be prescribed medication. The psychiatrist will also work with you and your GP to help 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 can also be helpful. NIMH recommends talking to your healthcare provider to learn more about the options available to you.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your childhood, and what your life is like today, and will conduct physical and psychological test. (These are not usually required). Your evaluator might also ask you to talk to your family, friends, members or other people close to you to gain an alternative view of your behavior.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD is determined by whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. The symptoms should last for at minimum six months and cause disruption with your work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic requirements, such as that your symptoms can't be better explained by a mental health condition or addiction disorder.
NIMH suggests talking to your doctor about options. This includes strategies for managing behavior and medication. Many primary care providers regularly examine and treat ADHD in children. Adults who suspect that they might have the disorder should seek a referral to an expert.
Stimulants, the drugs that treat ADHD for adults, can cause adverse side effects like stomach issues or an increase in depression and anxiety. They also can increase the heart rate and blood pressure. Certain people develop tics which are sudden repeated movements or sounds that resemble eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD have trouble sleeping when they are taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends that you speak with your doctor regarding any concerns you might have regarding the side effects of treatments or potential clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies which test new methods to identify, prevent or treat illnesses. People who take part in clinical trials learn more about their personal health and have the opportunity 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
If an adult suffers from ADHD, it's important to consult with a physician to manage symptoms. Medication is one way to treat ADHD, and there are many different types of pills available. You may have to try different dosages and medications before you find the right one for you. A therapist can help you get to know your condition and to better cope with its effects. They can also instruct you on methods to improve your self-management skills, attention and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD feel constantly behind at work, in school and in their relationships. Even the most forgiving colleagues, friends, and partners can be annoyed by their behavior. They may find themselves ignoring appointments or missing deadlines, and making decisions based on impulsivity that don't always turn out well.
In addition to medication therapy can assist adults suffering from ADHD get organized, develop strategies for dealing with the disorder and improve their lives. They can learn to identify and alter their bad habits, such as rewarding themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire after answering emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is conducted in a one-on-one setting, can be extremely beneficial. It can assist in reframe negative situations in an optimistic way. For instance therapy can assist adults suffering from ADHD see that their impulsivity is not an indication of bad character; it's an instinctual response to high levels of brain stimulation.
A therapist can help them learn strategies to deal with anxiety and depression. People with ADHD are more likely to be at risk of depression and anxiety. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy and group support networks, as well as classes that focus on the ability to resolve conflicts and improve communication. For those employed by the Department of Work and Pensions can provide a service known as Access to Work that helps pay for workplace accommodations for individuals who have disabilities, such as ADHD.
Be careful when choosing an counselor. Not all are the same. You should choose one with whom you feel comfortable, who empowers you after an appointment, and who is knowledgeable about the type of therapy that you are interested in. Ask your doctor for recommendations if you're looking for a psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists are particularly knowledgeable about ADHD treatment and are able to recommend you.
Support
For people with ADHD, their symptoms may be so disruptive that they need to see a doctor to be evaluated. The evaluation is a discussion about the person's personal life, from childhood to present, and how their symptoms affect school, work relationships, and other aspects of everyday life. It is important that people who suffer from ADHD openly discuss their issues without fear or shame.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), fifth edition is a guideline for clinical use from the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing ADHD in adults. These are the guidelines a medical professional will look at during the evaluation.
It is essential to bring any documents that may provide insight into your condition during your visit to an expert in healthcare. 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 lifestyle, and will also conduct a physical exam and some psychological tests.
You should remember that someone's inattention or impulsivity doesn't mean they lack the skills to complete their job or perform other tasks. For example, an ADHD person can be very imaginative and productive in a variety ways including writing stories, painting and even designing things.
If adults are diagnosed with ADHD, they can feel a variety of emotions. They might feel guilt-ridden about previous mistakes or be relieved they now know why they have struggled. "There's a lot of grief work that needs to happen however once all the pieces are in place and people have that concrete explanation, they really begin to take off," Matlen says.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood by their coworkers as well as their friends and family. They may struggle to stay focused during meetings or conversations and they may be susceptible to distractions such as video games and social media. Some people who suffer from ADHD may be told that they are unmotivated or apathetic.
Helping someone suffering from ADHD can assist them to gain control of their symptoms at home and work. They can utilize tools and strategies to improve their organization, including daily planners or apps for smartphones, and they can get treatment options from a behavioral specialist who specializes in ADHD. Treatments may also include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, and accommodations or other tools or modifications in the environment of a person to assist them in managing their condition. An accommodation could be an adjustable stool that helps a shorter person reach higher shelves or surfaces.