Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many people, the symptoms of ADHD persist throughout their lives. As adults, these signs can have a significant impact on work and family.
For a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have been evident since childhood (technically, before the age of 12). Your evaluator reviews your medical and personal background.
They might also speak with your spouse or your coworkers, friends or partner. This can help them see your problems from different angles.
Diagnosis
Like children who are diagnosed, adults who have ADHD must meet specific criteria to receive a diagnosis. The symptoms have to be present for a minimum of two years and cause serious problems with everyday functioning. This issue could be related to school, work relationships, daily activities. People may have mild moderate, severe, or mild ADHD symptoms. Mild symptoms are not a problem with daily functioning and are often mistakenly interpreted as other illnesses like depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to social or work interactions. Severe symptoms make it difficult to keep a job or maintain relationships.
ADHD sufferers may hit a tipping point when they're not able to cope with the demands of everyday life. They may lose their focus or make careless errors. They may also be impulsive and hyperactive, causing them to have difficulty meeting goals and responsibilities. They may have trouble recalling information and frequently forget what they've been told.
If you're having trouble in your everyday life and think you might have ADHD and need help, request a referral to an individual who is a mental health professional or specialist. Your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist or any other specialist who can conduct an assessment. You may also ask a therapist you know or a family member to suggest someone who has experience with ADHD assessments.
A health professional or psychologist may want to examine your medical history, take physical examination and discuss your current concerns with you. They'll likely ask you about your experiences with ADHD as a child, too. They'll want to speak to the person you live with and any other important people in your life as well, 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 request special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. This is an extra step that New Zealand regulations require for those with ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will collaborate with your GP and you to ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
The use of medication can be a successful treatment for adults with ADHD however they're not the only option. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or lifestyle changes are also effective. NIMH recommends speaking with your doctor to find out more about the options available to you.
To diagnose adult ADHD, your healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood and your current life, as well as do a physical examination and psychological tests (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 about how your actions impact your life.
The severity of your symptoms will determine if you suffer from adult ADHD. The symptoms must last at least six months and interfere with your relationships and work. You must also meet diagnostic criteria, which includes that your symptoms aren't better explained by another mental health condition or substance use disorder.
NIMH suggests talking with your health care provider about your options, including medication and behavioral strategies. Many primary care providers routinely evaluate and treat ADHD in children however adults who suspect they might have ADHD should request a referral to an expert in mental health.
Stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can trigger negative side effects, such as stomach problems depression, anxiety, or stomach issues. They also can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Some people experience tics, which are frequent, erratic movements, or sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearance. Some people suffering from ADHD have trouble sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests talking with your doctor about any concerns you may have about side effects of drugs or clinical trials that may be in the pipeline. Clinical trials are research studies that try new ways to prevent, detect, or treat illnesses and conditions. Clinical trials allow people to discover more about themselves and their health and also the chance to help others. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to learn more about clinical trials and find one that is appropriate for you.
Therapy
If an adult suffers from ADHD, it's important to work with a doctor to manage the symptoms. The use of medication is one method to treat ADHD and there are a variety of different types of pills available. You may need to test different dosages and medications before you discover the right one for you. A therapist can assist you in understanding the condition and learning to cope better with its effects. They can also instruct you on techniques to improve your self-management skills, focus and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are constantly lagging at work, in school and in their relationships. Their behavior can be a strain on the patience of the most accommodating coworkers, friends and partners. They might find themselves forgetting appointments or missing deadlines, and making impulsive choices which don't always work out well.
Therapy can help people with ADHD improve their organization as well as develop coping skills to improve their lives. They can learn how to identify and change undesirable behaviors, such as using rewards for motivation 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 an optimistic way. For example a therapist can help people suffering from ADHD realize that their impulsivity does not an indication of bad character; it's an inherent response to intense levels of stimulation in the brain.
A therapist can help them learn coping techniques to manage depression and anxiety. People who suffer from ADHD have a higher likelihood of suffering from anxiety and depression. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy as well as group support networks. classes focused on communication skills and conflict resolution. For those who are employed in the Department of Work and Pensions offers a program called Access to Work that helps with workplace accommodations for people with disabilities, including ADHD.
Be cautious when selecting the right counselor. Not all are alike. Look for someone you feel comfortable talking to, who makes you feel empowered after a session, and who has experience in the type of therapy that you're interested in. Ask your doctor for recommendations if you are seeking a psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists, in particular, have a good understanding of the treatment options for ADHD and can recommend a specialist.
Support
For individuals with ADHD their symptoms could be such that they require to see a physician to be evaluated. This evaluation involves having a conversation with the patient about their lives from childhood to the present and how their symptoms impact school and work, relationships, and other aspects of daily life. It is essential that those with ADHD speak up candidly without fear or shame of being judged.
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 provider will review during the evaluation.
When you visit medical professionals for an assessment, it's helpful to bring any documents that could shed light on symptoms, including old reports and notes from parents or friends. adhd diagnosis in adult doing the evaluation will also likely inquire about the patient's family and life history, as well as conduct a physical examination and some psychological tests.
You should remember that someone's inattention or impulsivity does not mean they lack the skills to do their job or perform other tasks. For example an ADHD person can be very imaginative and productive in a variety ways from writing stories to painting and even designing things.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can bring up many complex emotions, ranging from guilt about past mistakes to relief that they now understand why they've been struggling for so long. "There is a lot that needs to be done in the area 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, whether by coworkers or family members and friends. They may have trouble staying focused during meetings or conversations and may be distracted by video games and social media. Some people who suffer from ADHD might even be told they're inactive or over-focused.
Being a supporter for someone with ADHD can help that person get control of their symptoms at home as well as at work. They can utilize tools to help them organize their lives, like apps for smartphones or daily planners, and may seek solutions from a behavioral specialist who specializes in ADHD. Treatments can also include psychotherapy, also known as therapy for talking, as well as accommodations or modifications in a person's environment that aid in managing their condition. For instance an accommodation could be a step stool that allows a shorter person to access higher shelves or other surfaces.