Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout the life of a person. These symptoms can have a significant impact on family and work as they grow older.
To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must have begun in childhood (technically before the age of 12). Your evaluator will go over your personal and medical history.
They might also speak to your spouse or partner, friends and coworkers. This lets them see your challenges from a different angle.
Diagnosis
Like children who are diagnosed, adults who have ADHD must meet specific criteria to receive a diagnosis. The symptoms should have been present for at least 2 years and have caused significant difficulties in the way they function. This problem may be caused by work, school or relationships, or even everyday activities. People can have mild or moderate ADHD symptoms. The symptoms that are mild do not interfere with daily functioning and are often mistakenly interpreted as other illnesses like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions in social or work-related interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to hold jobs or maintain relationships.
ADHD sufferers can get to a point where they're unable to handle the demands of everyday life. They may lose their focus or make a few erroneous mistakes. They may also be impulsive and hyperactive and be unable to meet goals and obligations. They might have difficulty remembering details or forgetting the things they were taught.
If you're having trouble in your daily life and you suspect that you may have ADHD you should seek the referral to an individual who is a mental health professional or specialist. Your GP could refer you to a psychiatrist or any other professional who can perform an assessment. You may ask a therapist, or family member you know to recommend someone who has experience in ADHD assessments.
A health care provider or psychologist will want to review your medical history, take a physical exam, and discuss your current issues with you. They'll also inquire about your experience with ADHD as a child. They'll also talk to your spouse and other people that are important to you, like 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 The psychiatrist will apply for special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. This is an additional step that New Zealand regulations require for those with ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will also work with you and your GP to help ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from medications, but it's not the only option. Other treatments like cognitive behavior therapy or lifestyle changes are also effective. NIMH recommends that you speak with your physician to find out more about the options available to you.
To diagnose adult ADHD the healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood and your current life, as well as do a physical examination and psychological test (these aren't typically required). The evaluator could also ask to talk to your spouse or family members, or any other family members who know you to gain a different perspective on how your behavior affects your life.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD depends on whether your symptoms are mild or severe. The symptoms must last at least six months and interfere with your work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This means that your symptoms cannot be explained by another mental illness or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH suggests talking with your health-care provider about your options, including behavioral strategies and medications. Many primary care physicians regularly evaluate and treat ADHD in children, but adults who think they may be suffering from it should seek the referral to a mental health specialist.
Stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can cause side effects like stomach problems as well as depression, anxiety, and stomach problems. They also can increase your blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people develop tics, frequent, erratic movements, or sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD are unable to sleep when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends talking to your health-care professional regarding any concerns you may have about the side effects of medication or possible clinical trials that might be suitable for your needs. Clinical trials are research studies that look at new methods to prevent, detect, or treat illnesses and conditions. People who take part in clinical trials learn more about their own health and could have the opportunity to help other people. You can find out more about clinical trials and find the right one for you by visiting the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It's important that an adult with ADHD consult with their doctor to manage the symptoms. There are a variety of medication that can be used to treat ADHD. It is possible to try various dosages and medications before you discover the right one for you. adhd diagnosis in adult can help you in understanding your condition and learning to cope better 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 are constantly lagging in school, at work and in their relationships. Their behaviors can strain the patience of the most forgiving co-workers, friends and partners. They may forget appointments or deadlines and make decisions based on impulsivity.
Alongside medication therapy can aid adults with ADHD become more organized, create strategies to cope and improve their lives. They can be taught to recognize and change their problematic behaviors for example, rewarding themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire following the answer to emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is carried out one-on-one, is extremely beneficial. It can help frame negative situations in positive ways. A therapist can help adults who have ADHD to understand that their impulsivity does not suggest a negative character. It's a normal response to high levels of brain activity.
People who suffer from ADHD are at greater risk for depression and anxiety and a therapist could also teach them coping skills to manage these conditions. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy and group support networks and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication skills. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a program called Access to Work, which helps pay for workplace accommodations, such as ADHD, for individuals who are employed.
It's important to remember that not all therapists are alike and you should pick carefully. You should choose one with whom you feel comfortable and who is able to empower you following a session, and who is knowledgeable about the kind of therapy that you are interested in. Ask your doctor for recommendations if you are looking for a psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists, in particular have a thorough understanding of the treatment options for ADHD and can recommend a specialist.
Support
Individuals with ADHD may experience symptoms that are so disruptive they require evaluation by an expert doctor. This evaluation is a conversation about the person's life from childhood to present, and how their symptoms affect school, work as well as relationships and other aspects of daily living. It is essential that those with ADHD open up honestly, without shame or fear of being judged.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in 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 an expert in healthcare. This includes old report cards or notes from friends or parents. The person conducting the examination will likely ask about the person's family background and lifestyle, and will also conduct a physical exam as well as some psychological tests.
It is important to remember that inattention or impulsivity does not necessarily mean that they lack the ability to complete their job or do other things. An ADHD person, for instance can be creative and productive in many ways, such as painting, writing stories or creating things.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can trigger a variety of complicated emotions, ranging from guilt over past mistakes to a sense of relief when they finally realize why they've been struggling 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 fit together, they really take off," Matlen explains.
Individuals with ADHD often feel that they are not understood by their coworkers or family members and friends. They may have trouble staying focused in conversations or meetings and they may be susceptible to distractions such as social media and video games. Some people who suffer from ADHD might even be told they're inactive or over-focused.
Helping a loved one who suffers from ADHD can help them gain control over their symptoms at home and at work. They can use tools to help them organize their lives, like apps for smartphones or daily planners, and can seek treatments from a behavioral professional who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments can include psychotherapy, also known as therapy for talking, as well as accommodations or other tools or modifications in a person's environment that help them better manage their condition. A possible accommodation is a step stool to help people who are shorter to reach higher shelves or surfaces.