Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many people, the symptoms of ADHD persist throughout their lives. As adults, these issues can have a significant impact on work and family.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms you experience must have begun in childhood (technically before age 12). Your evaluator evaluates your medical and personal background.
You may also want to discuss your issues with your partner, friends or coworkers. This can help them see your problems from different angles.
Diagnosis
Like children who are diagnosed adults, those with ADHD must meet certain criteria to receive a diagnosis. The symptoms must be present for a minimum of two years and cause serious difficulties with daily functioning. The problem could be related to school, work or relationships, or even everyday activities. People can have mild moderate, severe, or mild ADHD symptoms. Mild symptoms do not affect everyday functioning and are often mistaken for other disorders, like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions in social or work interactions. Severe symptoms can make it difficult to maintain relationships or keep an employment.
People who have ADHD may reach a point where they find it difficult to cope with life's demands. They might become unorganized or make mistakes that are not their fault. They could also be impulsive and hyperactive which can cause them to be unable to meet goals and obligations. They might have trouble recalling information and frequently forget what they've been taught.
Get an appointment if you're having trouble with your daily routine and think you might have ADHD. Your GP may recommend you to psychiatrists, or a different professional, who can perform an assessment. You could also request a therapist you are familiar with or a family member to recommend someone who has experience with ADHD evaluations.
A health professional or psychologist will examine your medical history and conduct a physical examination. They'll also discuss your current issues with you. They will also ask about your experiences with ADHD as a kid. They'll want to talk 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 the psychiatrist will request special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. This is a step that New Zealand regulations require for those with ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will also collaborate with you and your GP to ensure that the medication works.
Suggested Reading can be an effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD however they're not the only option. Other therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy or lifestyle modifications are also effective. 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 how your life is now, and perform physical and psychological tests. (These are not usually required). Your evaluator might also ask you to speak to your spouse or family members, or other people who know you, to gain an outside view on how your behaviors affect your life.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD is based on whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. They must be present for six months or more and must be interfering with two important areas of your life, including work and relationships. You must also meet diagnostic criteria, which includes that your symptoms aren't better explained by another mental health issue or substance use disorder.
NIMH recommends that you talk with your doctor about your options. This includes behavioral strategies and medications. A lot of primary care doctors regularly evaluate and treat ADHD in children. Adults who suspect that they may have the condition should seek referral to a specialist.
Stimulants, which are the drugs used to treat ADHD for adults, can cause adverse side effects like stomach problems, or increased depression and anxiety. They also can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Certain people develop tics which are sudden repeated movements or sounds that resemble eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD also have trouble sleeping while taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests talking with your doctor about any concerns you may have regarding side effects from drugs or clinical trials that may be in the pipeline. Clinical trials are research studies which test new methods to detect, prevent or treat diseases. Participants in clinical trials learn more about their personal health and may have the opportunity to help others. You can learn more about clinical trials and select one that's right for you by going to 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 medications available to treat ADHD. You may have to test several medications and dosages to determine which one works best for you. A therapist can help you in understanding the condition and learning to cope better with its effects. They can also teach you strategies to improve your attention span, self-management, and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD often feel that they're constantly falling behind in school, work and in their relationships. Even the most accommodating colleagues, friends, and partners can be frustrated by their behaviors. They might find themselves forgetting appointments or missing deadlines and making decisions based on impulsivity which don't always work out well.
In addition to medications, therapy can aid adults with ADHD organize themselves, develop strategies for dealing with the disorder and improve their lives. They can learn to recognize and modify their problematic behaviors for example, using rewards to motivate themselves or playing computer solitaire following the answer to emails. One-on-one cognitive behavioral therapy can be beneficial too and can help to transform negative situations into positive ones. For instance therapy can assist adults suffering from ADHD recognize that their impulsivity does not a sign of bad character; it's simply an inherent response to high levels of stimulation in the brain.
People with ADHD are at greater risk for depression and anxiety A therapist may also teach them coping skills to manage these conditions. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy as well as support groups for groups and classes that focus 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 individuals who are employed.
You should be careful when choosing the right counselor. There are many different therapists who are not the same. You should choose someone who you are comfortable with and who is able to empower you following a session, and who is knowledgeable about the kind of therapy you're interested in. Ask your doctor for recommendations if you are looking for psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists are knowledgeable about ADHD treatment and are able to recommend you.
Support
For people with ADHD the symptoms could be so disruptive that they have to see a doctor to be evaluated. This evaluation involves having a conversation with the patient about their life from childhood to the present and how the symptoms affect school and work as well as relationships and other aspects of daily life. It's important that people with ADHD are honest about their experiences without fear or shame of criticism.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), fifth edition is a clinical guideline from the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing ADHD in adults. These are the criteria that a medical professional will look at when evaluating.
It is important to bring any documents that could provide insight into your condition during your visit to a healthcare professional. This could include old report cards or notes from family members or parents. The person conducting the evaluation will also likely inquire about the patient's family and life history, as well as conduct a physical exam and a few psychological tests.
It is important to keep in mind that just because someone displays inattention or impulsivity, it doesn't mean that they don't have the appropriate abilities for their job or other pursuits. A ADHD person, for instance, can be creative and productive in a variety of ways, such as writing stories, painting, or even designing things.
If adults are diagnosed with ADHD, they can experience a range of emotions. adhd diagnosis uk adults may be resentful of previous mistakes or be relieved they finally know why they have struggled. "There is a lot to be done in terms of grief work but when people have a clear explanation and all the pieces fall into place and they can really move on," Matlen explains.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood by their coworkers, friends, and family. They may have trouble staying focused during meetings or conversations, and they can be at risk of distractions from video games and social media. People who suffer from ADHD might even be told they're unmotivated or apathetic.
Supporting a loved one with ADHD can help them gain control over their symptoms, both at home and at work. They can utilize strategies and tools to improve their organization, like daily planners or smartphone apps, and they can seek treatment options from a behavioral specialist who specializes in ADHD. Treatments could include psychotherapy or talk therapy as in addition to accommodations, such as tools or changes to a person's surroundings which will assist them to better manage the condition. A possible accommodation is an aid to help a shorter person get to higher levels of shelves or surfaces.