Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many people, the symptoms of ADHD continue throughout their life. As adults, these issues can have a significant impact on work and family.
To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must have been evident since the beginning of your childhood (technically, before the age of 12). Your evaluator will review your medical and personal background.
They may also talk to your spouse or your coworkers, friends or partner. This allows them to view your challenges from a different angle.
Diagnosis
Adults who suffer from ADHD must also meet certain criteria in order to be diagnosed. The symptoms must be present for at least two years and cause major difficulties with daily functioning. This problem may be related to work, school, relationships, or daily activities. ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild symptoms are not a problem with everyday functioning and are often misdiagnosed as different illnesses like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms cause minor disruptions in social or work-related interactions. getting a adhd diagnosis can make it difficult to maintain relationships or hold the job.
People with ADHD may reach an extreme point at which they can no longer manage life's demands. They may become disorganized or make careless errors. They could also be impulsive and hyperactive and be unable to meet goals and obligations. They may have difficulty remembering things and often forget the things they've been taught.
Get an appointment if you're struggling with your daily life and think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP may refer you to a psychiatrist or other professional who can perform an assessment. You can ask a therapist or family member you know to recommend a person with expertise in ADHD assessments.
A doctor or psychologist will want to examine your medical history, take physical examination and discuss your current concerns with you. They'll likely ask you about your experiences with ADHD as a child, too. They'll also speak to your partner and other people that are important in your life, such as your parents or your 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 your doctor must apply for special authority approval before prescribing medication. New Zealand law requires that those suffering from ADHD undergo an additional procedure to receive medication. The psychiatrist will also work with you and your GP to ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medications, but it's not the only option. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or lifestyle changes can also be helpful. NIMH suggests talking to your health care provider to find out more about your options.
To determine if you have ADHD the healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood and life currently, as well as a physical exam and psychological tests (these aren't typically required). The evaluator could also request that you speak to your family, friends, members or other family members close to you in order to get a different perspective on your behavior.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD is based on whether your symptoms are mild 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 criteria. This means that your symptoms can't be explained by another mental disorder or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH suggests talking with your doctor about the options available to you. This includes strategies for managing behavior and medication. Many primary care providers regularly assess and treat ADHD in children. Adults who suspect they may have the condition should seek referral to an expert.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can cause negative side effects, such as stomach problems as well as depression, anxiety, and stomach problems. They can also increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Certain people develop tics which are sudden repeated actions or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD also have trouble sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests that you talk with your doctor about any concerns you have about side effects of treatments or potential clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies that look at new methods to prevent, detect, or treat illnesses and conditions. Participants in clinical trials learn more about their own health and may have the opportunity to help others. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to find out more about clinical trials and choose one that is right for you.
Therapy
It's important that an adult with ADHD collaborate with their physician to manage the symptoms. There are a variety of medications available to treat ADHD. You may need to try various dosages and medications to find the one that is most effective for you. A therapist can help understand your condition and learn to better cope with its effects. They can also teach methods to improve your self-management, attention and organization.
Adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD often feel as if they are constantly falling behind at school, at work and in their relationships. Even the most forgiving colleagues, friends and partners can become annoyed by their behavior. They might miss deadlines or appointments, and make decisions based on impulsivity.
In addition to medication therapy can also aid adults with ADHD organize themselves, develop coping strategies and improve their lives. They can be taught to identify and alter undesirable behaviors, such as using rewards for motivation or playing computer solitaire to unwind after completing emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is done in a one-on-one setting, can be extremely helpful. It can help frame negative situations in a more positive way. A therapist can assist adults with ADHD recognize that their impulsivity doesn't necessarily indicate a bad character. It's a normal response to high levels in the brain.
A therapist can help them learn ways to cope with depression and anxiety. People who suffer from ADHD have a higher likelihood of suffering from anxiety and depression. Other psychosocial treatments could include family therapy as well as group support networks. classes that focus on communication skills and conflict resolution. For individuals who are employed by 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.
It is important to keep in mind that not all therapists are the same and you should pick carefully. You should pick a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and who can empower you after a session, and who is knowledgeable about the type of therapy that you are interested in. For instance, if your goal is to search for a therapist who employs psychosocial methods Ask your doctor to recommend someone. Child psychiatrists, in particular are well-informed of the treatment options for ADHD and can recommend a specialist.
Support
Individuals suffering from ADHD may have symptoms that are so disruptive they require the evaluation of a doctor. This evaluation involves having a conversation with the patient about their lives from childhood to present and how symptoms affect school and work as well as relationships and other aspects of life. It is essential that those who suffer from ADHD speak up without fear or resentment.
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 consider during the assessment.
When you visit a healthcare professional for an assessment, it's helpful to bring any documents that could provide insight into the condition such as old reports and notes from parents or friends. The person who is conducting the exam will likely inquire about the individual's life and family background, and also perform a physical examination and a few psychological tests.
You should remember that someone's inattention and impulsivity does not mean they are not able to perform their job or do other things. A ADHD person, for instance can be creative and productive in a variety of ways, such as painting, writing stories or even designing things.
When adults are diagnosed with ADHD, they can be afflicted with a variety of emotions. They may feel guilty about previous mistakes or be relieved they finally know the reason they struggled. "There is a lot that needs to be done in terms of grief work but when people have a solid explanation and all the pieces fit together it's like they're flying," Matlen explains.
People suffering from ADHD are often misunderstood and mistreated by their colleagues as well as their friends and family. They may struggle to stay focused in meetings or conversations and they may be at risk of distractions from video games and social media. Some people with ADHD are told they are lazy or over-focused.
Helping someone suffering from ADHD can help that person get control of their symptoms at home and at work. They can use tools to improve their organization such as smartphone apps or daily planners, and they can seek out treatments from a behavioral specialist who specializes in ADHD. Treatments can include psychotherapy or talk therapy, as well as accommodations, such tools or modifications to the environment of a person that can help them better manage the condition. For instance, an accommodation might be a step stool for a shorter person to access higher shelves or other surfaces.