Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many, the symptoms of ADHD persist throughout their lives. As adults, these issues can have significant impacts on family and work.
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD, your symptoms must have been present since the early years of your life (technically before age 12). The evaluator will review your medical and personal background.
You may also wish to talk to your partner, friends or coworkers. This helps them view your challenges from a different point of view.
Diagnosis
As with diagnosing children, adults who have ADHD must meet specific criteria to receive a diagnosis. The symptoms have to be present for a minimum of two years and cause significant difficulties with daily functioning. This problem may be related to work, school, relationships, or everyday activities. People may have mild moderate, severe, or mild ADHD symptoms. The symptoms that are mild do not interfere with the daily activities of people and are often misdiagnosed as different illnesses like depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms cause small disruptions in social or work interactions. Severe symptoms can make it difficult to maintain relationships or keep an employment.
ADHD sufferers can reach a tipping-point when they're not able to cope with the demands of daily life. They might become unorganized or make a few erroneous mistakes. adhd diagnosis in adults can also be impulsive or hyperactive, leading to trouble meeting goals and obligations. They may have trouble recalling information and frequently forget what they've been taught.
If you're having trouble in your everyday life and suspect you have ADHD you should seek the referral to an individual who is a mental health professional or specialist. Your GP might recommend a psychiatrist, or another professional, who can perform an assessment. You could also ask a therapist you know or a family member to suggest someone who has experience with ADHD assessments.
A psychologist or health care professional will go over your medical history and conduct a physical examination. They'll also discuss your current concerns with you. They'll also inquire about your experience having ADHD as a kid. They'll want to talk to the person you live with as well as other important people in your life including 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 psychiatrist will need to apply for an authority's approval prior to prescribing medication. This is an additional step that New Zealand regulations require for those with ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will also collaborate with you and your GP to help ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Adults with ADHD may benefit from taking medication, but it's not the only option. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and 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 how your life is now, and perform physical and psychological test. (These aren't typically required). Your evaluator may also ask to speak to your partner or family members or any other family members who know you, to get an outside perspective on how your behaviors affect your life.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD is based on whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. They must be present for six months or more, and they must interfere with two important areas of your life, including your work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This includes that your symptoms are not caused by a mental disorder or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH suggests talking with your doctor about options. This includes behavioral strategies and medications. Many primary care providers regularly assess and treat ADHD among children. Adults who suspect they might be suffering from the condition should seek a referral to a specialist.
Stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can cause negative side effects, such as stomach problems depression, anxiety, or stomach issues. They can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people develop tics, rapid, repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearance. Some people with ADHD also have trouble sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends speaking with your health care professional about any concerns you might have regarding the adverse effects of medication or about possible clinical trials that might be suitable for you. Clinical trials are research studies that try new methods to prevent, detect, or treat illnesses and conditions. People who take part in clinical trials can learn more about their own health and have the chance to help others. You can learn more about clinical trials and locate the one that is right for you by visiting NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
If an adult suffers from ADHD it is essential to work with a medical professional to treat the symptoms. Treatment with medication is one way to manage it and there are different types of pills available. It is possible to try various dosages and medications before you find the right one for you. adult diagnosis of adhd can assist you in understanding your condition and learning to cope better with its effects. They can also teach you techniques to improve your focus, self-management and organizational skills.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD often feel as if they are constantly falling behind at work, school and in their relationships. Even the most accommodating friends, colleagues and partners can become unhappy with their actions. They might forget appointments or deadlines and make impulsive decisions.
Therapy can help people with ADHD become more organized, learn coping skills and improve their lives. They can learn how to recognize and modify problematic behaviors such as motivating themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire to relax after answering emails. One-on-one cognitive behavioral therapy can also be beneficial, and it can reframe negative situations into more positive ones. Therapists can help adults who have ADHD recognize that their impulsivity doesn't indicate a bad character. It's a normal response to high levels in the brain.
A therapist can help them learn strategies to deal with anxiety and depression. People with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing depression and anxiety. Other psychosocial treatments include group therapy and family networks and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication skills. For individuals who are employed, the Department of Work and Pensions can offer a service called Access to Work that helps pay for workplace accommodations for people who have disabilities, such as ADHD.
You should be careful when choosing a counselor. There are many different therapists who are not the same. Choose someone you feel comfortable speaking with, who can make you feel confident after a session and who is knowledgeable about the type of therapy that you're interested in. Ask your psychiatrist for recommendations if you are looking for a psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists are particularly knowledgeable about ADHD treatment and can recommend you.
Support
For those who suffer from ADHD their symptoms could be so disruptive that they need to see a doctor to be evaluated. This evaluation is a conversation about the person's life, from childhood to the present, and how their symptoms affect school, work as well as relationships and other aspects of everyday life. It is crucial that those with ADHD speak up without fear or shame.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD for adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria that medical professionals will look over during the evaluation.
When you visit a healthcare professional to conduct an evaluation, it's beneficial to bring any documents that may shed light on symptoms, including old reports and notes from friends or parents. The person doing the evaluation will likely also inquire about the patient's life and family background, and also conduct a physical examination and psychological tests.
It is important to remember that inattention and impulsivity does not mean they are not able to complete their job or other activities. A ADHD person, for example, can be productive and creative in many ways, including painting, writing stories, or even designing things.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can trigger a variety of complex emotions, ranging from guilt about 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 however once all the pieces are in place and people have a specific explanation, they can really get going," Matlen says.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood and mistreated by their colleagues or friends. They may have trouble staying focused in meetings or conversations and are easily distracted by video games and social media. A few people who suffer from ADHD are told they are lazy or over-focused.
Supporting a loved one with ADHD can assist them in gaining control over their symptoms, both at home and at work. They can employ tools and strategies to improve their organization, including daily planners or smartphone apps and can also seek out treatment options from a behavioral specialist who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments can include psychotherapy or talk therapy as also accommodations, like devices or changes to a person's surroundings that will help them better manage their condition. For example an accommodation could be a step stool to allow someone who is shorter to access higher shelves or other surfaces.