Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many people, the signs of ADHD continue throughout their life. These symptoms can have a significant impact on family and work as adults.
For a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have been evident since the early years of your life (technically prior to the age of 12). Your evaluator reviews your medical and personal background.
You may also want to discuss your issues with your friends, partners or colleagues. adhd diagnosed can help them understand your problems from different angles.
Diagnosis
Like children who are diagnosed adults with ADHD must meet specific requirements to be diagnosed. getting a adhd diagnosis have to be present for a minimum of two years and cause significant problems with everyday functioning. The problem could be related to school, relationships, work, or everyday activities. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Mild symptoms are not a problem with everyday functioning and are often misdiagnosed as other conditions such as anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to social or work interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to maintain relationships or keep an employment.
People with ADHD might reach a tipping point when they can no longer manage life's demands. They may become unorganized and make a lot of mistakes. They can also be impulsive and hyperactive and have difficulty meeting objectives and responsibilities. They may have difficulty remembering details or forgetting the things they were taught.
Ask for a referral if you are struggling with your daily life and think you might have ADHD. Your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist or another professional who can do an assessment. You can ask a therapist or a family member you know to recommend a person with experience in ADHD evaluations.
A health professional or psychologist will want to review your medical history, take physical examination and discuss your current concerns with you. They'll also inquire about your experience having ADHD as a kid. They'll want to speak to the person you live with as well as any other important people in your life as well, like 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're diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will need to apply for special authority approval before prescribing medication. New Zealand law requires that people suffering from ADHD must take a second step to be prescribed medication. The psychiatrist will also work with you and your GP to ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Adults with ADHD may benefit from taking medication however, it's not the only option. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes can also aid. NIMH recommends talking to your healthcare provider to learn more about your options.
To determine whether you suffer from adult ADHD, your healthcare professional will conduct an interview with you about your childhood and your current life, as well as a physical exam and psychological test (these aren't required in most cases). Your evaluator might also ask you to talk to your spouse, family members or other people close to you to gain a different perspective on your behavior.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD is based on whether your symptoms are mild or moderate. They must be present for at least six months and must be interfering with two major areas of your life, like work and relationships. You must also meet diagnostic criteria, including that your symptoms aren't better explained by another mental health condition or addiction disorder.
NIMH suggests that you speak to your doctor about options. This includes strategies for managing behavior and medication. Many primary care providers regularly evaluate and treat ADHD in children however, adults who believe they may have ADHD should request the referral to a mental health specialist.
Stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can cause side effects like stomach problems, anxiety, and depression. They can also raise your heart rate and blood pressure. Some people experience tics, which are rapid, repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD also have trouble sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests talking with your doctor about any concerns you may have about side effects of treatments or potential clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies that test new methods to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. Clinical trials allow people to learn more about themselves and their health and also the opportunity to assist others. Learn more about clinical trials and find one that's right for you by visiting NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
When an adult has ADHD it is important to consult with a physician to manage the symptoms. There are a variety of medications available to treat ADHD. You may have to try various dosages and medications before you can find the best one for you. A therapist can help comprehend your condition and how to better manage its effects. They can also help you learn techniques to improve your attention span, self-management and organizational skills.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD often feel that they're always falling behind in school, at work and in their relationships. Even the most forgiving friends, colleagues and partners may be unhappy with their actions. They may miss deadlines or appointments and make impulsive decisions.
Alongside medication therapy can help adults with ADHD become more organized, create strategies for dealing with the disorder and improve their lives. They can be taught to recognize and modify their problematic behaviors, such as using rewards to motivate themselves or playing computer solitaire following the answer to emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is carried out one-on-one, can be very beneficial. It can help change negative situations into positive ways. Therapists can assist adults with ADHD recognize that their impulsivity does not suggest a negative character. It's normal to experience high levels in the brain.
People with ADHD are more prone for anxiety and depression and a therapist could teach them strategies for coping to manage these conditions. Other psychosocial treatments can include family therapy, group support networks and classes focused on communication skills and conflict resolution. The Department of Work and Pensions provides a service known as Access to Work, which helps pay for workplace accommodations, including ADHD for those who are employed.
It is important to keep in mind that not all therapists are the same, and you should choose carefully. Find someone who you feel comfortable speaking with 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 who employs psychosocial techniques consult your psychiatrist to recommend someone. Child psychiatrists, in particular have a thorough understanding of the treatment options for ADHD and can recommend a specialist.
Support
People with ADHD might experience symptoms that are so disruptive, they need to be evaluated by a doctor. The evaluation involves a discussion about the person's life from childhood to present and how their conditions impact school, work as well as relationships and other aspects of everyday living. It is crucial that those who suffer from ADHD talk about their problems without fear of ridicule or shame.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD in adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria a medical professional will look at during the assessment.
It is important to bring any documents that may provide insight into your condition when you visit an expert in healthcare. These include old reports cards or notes from friends or parents. The person conducting the evaluation will likely ask about the person's family background and personal life, as well as conduct a physical exam and some psychological tests.
It is important to keep in mind 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 may be creative and productive in many ways from writing stories to drawing to creating things.
When people are diagnosed as having ADHD, they can feel a variety of emotions. They may feel guilty about previous mistakes or be relieved they now know why they've struggled. "There is a lot to be done in terms of grief work but when people have a solid explanation and all the pieces are in place, they really take off," Matlen explains.
Individuals with ADHD are often misunderstood, whether by coworkers or family members. They may have trouble staying focused in meetings or conversations and can be distracted by video games or social media. Some people with ADHD might even be told that they are unmotivated or apathetic.
Being a supporter for someone with ADHD can assist them to get control of their symptoms at home and work. They can use strategies and tools to improve their organization, such as daily planners or apps for smartphones, and they can get treatment options from a behavioral therapist who is skilled in ADHD. Treatments may include psychotherapy or talk therapy as also accommodations, like tools or modifications to the environment of a person that can help them better manage their condition. For example, an accommodation might be a step stool for someone who is shorter to access higher shelves or other surfaces.