Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many people, the symptoms of ADHD continue throughout their life. These symptoms can have a significant impact on work and family as adults.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, your symptoms must have been present since childhood (technically before age 12). The evaluator will look over your personal and medical history.
They may also talk to your spouse or your coworkers, friends or partner. This allows them to view your challenges from a different point of view.
Diagnosis
Adults suffering from ADHD must also meet certain criteria in order to be diagnosed. The symptoms have to be present for a minimum of two years and cause significant problems with everyday functioning. This problem may be related to school, work relationships, everyday activities. ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe. The symptoms aren't affecting normal functioning and are often confused with other conditions, like depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to social or work interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to maintain relationships or hold the job.
ADHD sufferers can hit a tipping point when they're not able to cope with the demands of daily life. They may become disorganized or make a few erroneous mistakes. They may also be impulsive and hyperactive which can cause them to struggle to meet goals and obligations. They may have difficulty remembering details or forgetting what they were taught.
If you're struggling in your daily life and suspect you have ADHD and need help, request an appointment with a mental health provider or specialist. Your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist or another professional who can perform an assessment. You may ask a therapist, or a friend you have to recommend someone with expertise in ADHD evaluations.
A health professional or psychologist may want to review your medical history, conduct an examination of your body, and discuss your current issues with you. They will also ask about your experiences dealing with ADHD as a child. They'll want to talk to the person you live with as well as 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 the psychiatrist will seek special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. New Zealand law requires that people suffering from ADHD must take a second step to receive a medication. The psychiatrist will also collaborate with you and your GP to help ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medication however, it's not the only option. Other therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes can also aid. NIMH recommends that you speak to your doctor to learn more about your options.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your childhood, and the way you live your life now, and perform a physical exam and psychological test. (These aren't typically required). Your evaluator may also ask to talk to your partner or family members or other people who know you to get an outside perspective on how your behaviors affect your life.
The severity of your symptoms will determine if you have adult ADHD. The symptoms must last for at minimum six months and cause disruption with your work and relationships. You must also meet 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 medications. A majority of primary care physicians regularly assess and treat ADHD among children. Adults who suspect they might have the condition should seek a referral to an expert.
Stimulants, the drugs that treat ADHD for adults, can cause side effects, such as stomach problems, or increased anxiety and depression. They can also raise your blood pressure and heart rate. Some people develop tics, which are rapid, repetitive movements or sounds that resemble eye blinks or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD also have difficulty sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends speaking with your health-care professional about any concerns you have about the side effects of medication or possible clinical trials that could be suitable for your needs. Clinical trials are research studies that test new methods to detect, prevent or treat diseases. People who take part 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 find the one that is suitable for you.
Therapy
If you are an adult with ADHD, it's important to consult with a physician to treat the symptoms. There are many types of medication available to treat ADHD. You may need to try different dosages and medications to determine which is most effective for you. A therapist can assist you to get to know your condition and how to manage its effects. They can also teach you techniques to improve your attention, self-management and organizational skills.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD find themselves constantly behind at work, in school and in their relationships. Even undiagnosed adhd in adults , colleagues and partners may be annoyed by their behavior. They might find themselves forgetting appointments or ignoring deadlines, and making decisions based on impulsivity that don't always go well.
In addition to medication therapy can aid adults with ADHD become more organized, create strategies to cope and improve their lives. They can learn to recognize and modify problematic behaviors such as motivating themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire to relax after answering emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is conducted one-on-one, is extremely helpful. It can help reframe negative situations in positive ways. For example therapy can assist adults suffering from ADHD see that their impulsivity does not an indication of bad character; it's simply an instinctual response to high levels of stimulation in the brain.
A therapist can help them learn coping techniques to manage depression and anxiety. People with ADHD have a higher risk of depression and anxiety. Other psychosocial treatments can include family therapy as well as support groups for groups and classes focused on communication skills and conflict resolution. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a service called Access to Work, which helps pay for workplace accommodations, including ADHD, for individuals who are employed.
Be careful when selecting a therapist. They aren't all alike. You should pick someone who you are comfortable with and who can empower you after a session, and who is knowledgeable about the kind of therapy you're interested in. For instance, if you're searching for a therapist that uses psychosocial techniques, ask your psychiatrist to recommend someone. Children psychiatrists, specifically, have a good understanding of the treatment options for ADHD and can recommend an expert.
Support
Individuals with ADHD may experience symptoms that are so disruptive that they require evaluation by a doctor. The evaluation involves a discussion with the patient about their life from childhood to present and how their symptoms impact school and work as well as relationships and other aspects of daily life. It is essential that those who suffer from ADHD speak up without fear of ridicule or shame.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), fifth edition, is a clinical guideline from the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing ADHD among adults. These are the guidelines a medical provider will consider during the evaluation.
When meeting with the healthcare professional to conduct an evaluation, it's beneficial to bring any records that may help identify the cause of the symptoms, including old reports and notes from friends or parents. The person conducting the evaluation will likely also inquire about the patient's family and life background, and also conduct a physical exam and 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 necessary skills for their job or other tasks. An ADHD person, for example can be productive and creative in many different ways, including painting, writing stories or designing things.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can trigger a variety of complex emotions, ranging from guilt over past mistakes to a sense of relief when they finally realize why they've struggled for so long. "There is a lot that needs to be done in terms of grief work, but when people have a clear explanation and all the pieces fall into place it's like they're flying," Matlen explains.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood and mistreated by their colleagues as well as their friends and family. They might have difficulty staying focused during meetings or conversations and they may be prone to distractions like social media and video games. Some people with ADHD are told they're lazy or apathetic.
Being a caregiver for a loved one suffering from ADHD can assist them in gaining control over their symptoms, both at home and at work. They can use tools to help them organize their lives, like smartphone apps or daily planners, and may seek treatment options from a behavioral expert who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments can also include psychotherapy, or therapy for talking, as well as accommodations or other tools or modifications in a person's environment that aid in managing their condition. For example, an accommodation might be a step stool for people who are shorter to reach higher shelves or other surfaces.