Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout a person's life. As adults, these issues can have a significant impact on family and work.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD, your symptoms must have started in the early years of your life (technically before age 12). Your evaluator will go over your medical and personal background.
They may also talk to your spouse or partner, friends and coworkers. This can help them see your issues from different perspectives.
Diagnosis
Adults suffering from ADHD must also meet certain criteria to be diagnosed. The symptoms must have been present for at least two years and have caused significant difficulties in the way they function. This issue could be a result of school or relationships, work, or everyday activities. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Mild symptoms do not interfere with the daily activities of people and are often mistakenly interpreted as other conditions such as depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions in social or work interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to maintain relationships or hold a job.
ADHD sufferers may reach a tipping-point when they are unable to manage the demands of daily life. They may become unorganized and make a lot of mistakes. They could also be hyperactive and impulsive and be unable to meet goals and responsibilities. They may have trouble recalling information or forgetting the things they were taught.
If diagnosis adhd having difficulty in your everyday life and you suspect that you may have ADHD, ask for the referral to an expert in mental health or a specialist. Your GP may refer you to a psychiatrist or another specialist who can conduct an assessment. You could also request a therapist you are familiar with or a family member to suggest someone who has experience with ADHD evaluations.
A health professional or psychologist will examine your medical history and conduct an examination. They'll also discuss your current concerns with you. They'll also inquire about your experiences dealing with ADHD as a kid. They'll also want to talk to your spouse and any other important people to you, 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 seek special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. New Zealand law requires that people suffering from ADHD take an additional step to receive medication. The psychiatrist will work with your GP and you to make sure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from medication however it's not the only option. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or lifestyle modifications can also be helpful. NIMH recommends that you speak with your doctor to find out more about your options.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your childhood and what your life is like today, and will conduct a physical exam and psychological tests. (These aren't usually required). Your evaluator might also ask you to talk to your family, friends, members or other people close to you to gain a different perspective on your behavior.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD depends on whether your symptoms are mild or severe. They have to be present for at least six months, and they must interfere with two major settings in your life, like your work and relationships. You must also meet diagnostic requirements, such as that your symptoms can't be better explained by a mental health issue or addiction disorder.
NIMH recommends talking to your health care provider about your options, including medication and behavioral strategies. A majority of primary care physicians regularly examine and treat ADHD in children. Adults who suspect that they might be suffering from the disorder should seek a referral to a specialist.
Stimulants, the drugs that treat ADHD in adults, can cause side effects, such as stomach issues or an increase in depression and anxiety. They can also raise your heart rate and blood pressure. Some people experience tics, which are sudden, repetitive movements, or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD have difficulty sleeping when they are taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends speaking with your doctor about any concerns you might have about the side effects of medication or about possible clinical trials that could be suitable for your needs. Clinical trials are research studies that test new methods to identify, prevent or treat illnesses. Clinical trials help people learn more about their health and themselves as well as the opportunity to assist others. Learn more about clinical trials and select the right one for you by visiting the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
If you are an adult with ADHD it is essential to consult with a physician to manage symptoms. Treatment with medication is one way to manage it and there are different kinds of medications available. You may need to test different dosages and medications before you find the right one for you. A therapist can help get to know your condition and to better cope with its effects. They can also help you learn techniques to improve your focus, self-management, and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD find themselves constantly behind in school, at work and in their relationships. Even the most accommodating friends, colleagues, and partners can be unhappy with their actions. They may miss deadlines or appointments and make impulsive choices.
In addition to medications therapy can aid adults with ADHD organize themselves, develop coping strategies and improve their lives. They can be taught to identify and alter problematic behaviors such as rewarding themselves for motivation or playing computer solitaire to relax after answering emails. One-on-one cognitive behavioral therapy can also be beneficial and can help to transform negative situations into positive ones. A therapist can assist adults with ADHD to understand that their impulsivity doesn't necessarily indicate a bad character. It's a normal response to high levels of brain activity.
A therapist can help them learn strategies to deal with anxiety and depression. People who suffer from ADHD have a higher likelihood of suffering from anxiety and depression. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy, group support networks and classes focused on communication skills and conflict resolution. For individuals who are employed in the Department of Work and Pensions can offer a service called Access to Work that helps pay for workplace accommodations for individuals who have disabilities, such as ADHD.
It's important to remember that not all therapists are created equal and you should pick carefully. 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 that you are interested in. For instance, if you're looking for a therapist who employs psychosocial techniques consult your psychiatrist to suggest someone. Child psychiatrists are particularly well-versed in ADHD treatment and can provide you with recommendations.
Support
People with ADHD may experience symptoms that are so disruptive they require the evaluation of medical professionals. This evaluation involves having a conversation with the patient about their life from childhood to present and how symptoms affect work and school relationships, as well as other aspects of life. It is essential that those with ADHD are honest about their experiences, without shame or fear of being judged.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD for adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria a medical provider will consider during the evaluation.
It is important to bring any documents that can help you understand your symptoms when you visit medical professionals. This includes old report cards or notes from friends or parents. The person conducting the examination will likely inquire about the family history of the patient and personal life, as well as conduct a physical exam and some psychological tests.
You should remember that someone's inattention or impulsivity does not mean they lack the skills to complete their job or do other things. For example, an ADHD person can be very imaginative and productive in a variety ways from writing stories to painting to designing things.
When people are diagnosed as having ADHD and are diagnosed with it, they may be afflicted with a variety of emotions. They may feel guilty about past mistakes or relieved that they finally know why they've struggled. "There's lots of grieving work to be done, but once all the pieces are in place and people have that clear explanation, they truly take off," Matlen says.
Individuals with ADHD often feel that they are not understood, whether by coworkers or friends and family. They may struggle to stay focused during meetings or conversations and are easily distracted by video games and social media. A few people who suffer from ADHD are told that they're lazy or apathetic.
Supporting a loved one with ADHD can assist them in gaining control over their symptoms, both at home and at work. They can utilize tools to help them organize their lives, like apps for smartphones or daily planners, and they may seek solutions from a behavioral professional who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments can include psychotherapy or talk therapy as well as accommodations, such tools or modifications to the environment of a person which will assist them to better manage their condition. A possible accommodation is an adjustable stool that helps people who are shorter to get to higher levels of shelves or surfaces.