Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many people, the signs of ADHD continue throughout their life. These symptoms can have a significant impact on work and family as they grow older.
To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must have started in childhood (technically, before the age of 12). The evaluator will review your medical and personal history.
They may also talk to your spouse, your coworkers, friends or partner. This can help them understand your issues from different perspectives.
Diagnosis
Like children who are diagnosed, adults who have ADHD must meet certain criteria to be considered for diagnosis. The symptoms must have been present for a minimum of 2 years and cause significant problems in everyday functioning. The problem could be caused by work, school relationships, daily activities. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. The symptoms that are mild do not interfere with daily functioning and are often mistakenly interpreted as other conditions such as depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms cause minor disruptions to work or social interactions. The severity of the symptoms makes it difficult to maintain the job or maintain relationships.
ADHD sufferers may hit a tipping point when they're unable to handle the demands of daily life. They may lose their focus or make careless errors. They may also be impulsive and hyperactive which can cause them to be unable to meet goals and responsibilities. They may have difficulty remembering things and are often unable to remember the things they've been taught.
Ask for a referral if you are struggling with your daily life and suspect you have ADHD. Your GP could recommend a psychiatrist or another professional, who can perform an assessment. You could also consult a therapist that you know or a family member to recommend someone who has experience with ADHD assessments.
A health professional or psychologist will want to examine your medical history, perform a physical exam and discuss your current issues with you. They'll also inquire about your experience dealing with ADHD as a child. They'll likely want to talk to the person you live with and any other important people in your life as well, like 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 medication. The psychiatrist will collaborate with your GP and you 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 like cognitive behavior therapy or lifestyle changes can also prove beneficial. NIMH recommends speaking with your physician to find out more about your options.
Your healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood, and the way you live your life today, and will conduct physical and psychological test. (These are not usually required). The evaluator could also ask you to talk to your partner, family members, or any other close to you in order to get an outsider's view of your behavior.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD is determined by whether your symptoms are mild or moderate. The symptoms should last for at minimum six months and cause disruption with your work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This means that your symptoms cannot be caused by a mental illness or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH recommends speaking with your health care provider about your options, which include medication and behavioral strategies. Many primary care physicians routinely evaluate and treat ADHD in children however, adults who believe they may have it should seek the referral to an expert in mental health.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can cause side effects like stomach problems, anxiety, and depression. They can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. Some people experience tics, which are frequent, erratic movements, or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearance. Some people with ADHD have trouble sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends speaking with your health care professional about any concerns you have regarding the adverse effects of medication or potential clinical trials that may be suitable for you. Clinical trials are research studies that test new methods to detect, prevent or treat illnesses. People who participate in clinical trials are able to learn more about their own health and could have the opportunity to help other people. Learn more about clinical trials and locate the right one for you by going to the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
When an adult has ADHD, it's important to work with a medical professional to manage symptoms. Medication is one way to manage it and there are a variety of different kinds of drugs available. You may need to try different dosages and medications to determine which best suits your needs. 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, attention and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are constantly lagging at work, in school and in their relationships. Even the most forgiving colleagues, friends and partners can become unhappy with their actions. They could forget appointments or deadlines and make impulsive choices.
In addition to medications, therapy can aid adults with ADHD organize themselves, develop strategies to cope and improve their quality of life. They can learn to identify and alter their bad habits by rewarding themselves to encourage themselves or playing computer solitaire after responding to emails. One-on-one cognitive behavior therapy can also be helpful and can help to transform negative situations into positive ones. Therapists can help people with ADHD understand that their impulsivity does not suggest a negative character. It's a normal response to high levels of activity in the brain.
People with ADHD are more at risk for depression and anxiety and a therapist could teach them strategies for coping to manage these issues. Other psychosocial treatments include group therapy and family networks and classes that focus on the ability to resolve conflicts and improve communication. For individuals employed in the Department of Work and Pensions can offer a service called Access to Work that helps to pay for workplace accommodations for those who have disabilities, such as ADHD.
It's important to remember that not all therapists are alike and you must choose carefully. You should choose a therapist who you are comfortable with and who is able to empower you following a session, and who is knowledgeable about the kind of therapy that you are interested in. Ask your doctor for recommendations if you're looking for psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists are particularly adept at ADHD treatment and can provide you with recommendations.
Support
Individuals suffering from ADHD may have symptoms that are so disruptive they need to be evaluated by an expert doctor. 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 crucial that people suffering from ADHD speak up candidly, without shame or fear of being judged.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD for adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). adult diagnosis adhd are the criteria a medical professional will take into consideration during the evaluation.
When meeting with medical professionals for an assessment, it's helpful to bring any documents that might provide insight into the condition like old reports and notes from parents or friends. The person conducting the evaluation will likely ask questions about the person's family and life background, and also perform a physical examination and some psychological tests.
Remember that inattention and impulsivity does not mean they are not able to perform their job or other activities. A ADHD person, for instance, can be productive and creative in many different ways, including writing stories, painting, or designing things.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can trigger many complicated emotions, ranging from guilt about 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 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 inactive or over-focused.
Helping a loved one who suffers from ADHD can help them gain control over their symptoms at home and at work. They can utilize tools and strategies to improve their organization, like daily planners or apps for smartphones and can also get treatment options from a behavioral therapist who specializes in ADHD. Treatments could include psychotherapy or talk therapy, as in addition to accommodations, such as tools or changes to the environment of a person that can help them better manage their condition. For example, an accommodation might be a step stool for people who are shorter to access higher shelves or other surfaces.