Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many people, the signs of ADHD continue throughout their life. These symptoms can have a significant impact on work and family as adults.
For a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have begun in childhood (technically, before the age of 12). Your evaluator will go over your personal and medical history.
You may also want to speak with your partner, friends or coworkers. This can help them see your problems from different angles.
Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD must also meet certain criteria to be diagnosed. The symptoms have to be present for a minimum of two years and cause major difficulties with daily functioning. This issue could be a result of school or relationships, work or other daily activities. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. The symptoms that are mild do not interfere with everyday functioning and are often mistakenly interpreted as other illnesses like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to work or social interactions. Severe symptoms can make it difficult to maintain relationships or hold a job.
People who have ADHD might reach a point where they can no longer manage life with its usual demands. They might become unorganized or make mistakes that are not their fault. They could also be impulsive and hyperactive, causing them to struggle to meet goals and obligations. They may have difficulty remembering things and are often unable to remember what they've been taught.
If you're struggling in your daily life and suspect you have ADHD, ask for a referral to a mental health provider or specialist. Your GP could refer you to a psychiatrist or other specialist who can conduct an assessment. You may also request a therapist you are familiar with or someone from your family to recommend someone with experience in ADHD assessments.
A health professional or psychologist may want to examine your medical history, take an examination of your body, and discuss your current concerns with you. They'll likely ask you about your experiences with ADHD as a child too. They'll likely 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 are diagnosed with ADHD Your psychiatrist must apply for special authority approval prior to prescribing medication. New Zealand law requires that people with ADHD take an additional step to receive medication. The psychiatrist will work with your GP and you to ensure that the medication works.
Medication
The use of medication can be a successful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD, but they're not the only option. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy or lifestyle changes are also effective. NIMH suggests talking to your healthcare provider to learn more about your options.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your childhood, and how your life is today, and will conduct a physical exam and psychological tests. (These aren't typically required). The evaluator could also ask to speak with your partner or family members or other people who know you, to gain an outside view on how your behavior affects your life.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD is based on whether your symptoms are mild or moderate. They should be present for a minimum of six months, and they must interfere with two major areas of your life, including work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria, including that your symptoms can't be better explained by a mental health issue or a addiction disorder.
NIMH recommends talking to your health care provider about your options, including medications and strategies for managing behavior. A lot of primary care doctors routinely evaluate and treat ADHD in children, but adults who think they might have it should ask for a referral to an expert in mental health.
Stimulants, which are the drugs used to treat ADHD in adults, can cause side effects such as stomach problems or increased anxiety and depression. They can also raise your heart rate and blood pressure. Some people develop tics - frequent, erratic movements, or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD also have difficulty sleeping while taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests talking with your health care professional about any concerns you might have regarding the adverse 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 diseases. Clinical trials help people gain knowledge about themselves and their health as well as the chance to help others. Learn more about clinical trials and locate one that's right for you by visiting the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It is essential that adults with ADHD collaborate with their physician to manage the symptoms. There are many types of medications available to treat ADHD. It is possible to test various dosages and medications to find the one that works best for you. A therapist can help get to know your condition and how to better manage its effects. They can also teach strategies to improve your self-management, organization and attention.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD feel constantly behind at work, in school and in their relationships. her explanation can be a strain on the patience of even the most tolerant coworkers as well as friends and partners. They might forget appointments or deadlines and make decisions based on impulsivity.
Alongside medication therapy can also assist adults suffering from ADHD organize themselves, develop coping strategies and improve their lives. They can learn how to identify and change undesirable behaviors, such as using rewards for motivation or playing computer solitaire to unwind after completing emails. One-on-one cognitive behavior therapy can also be helpful and help turn negative situations into more positive ones. A therapist can help people with ADHD recognize that their impulsivity doesn't necessarily indicate a bad character. It's a normal response to high levels in the brain.
A therapist can teach them strategies to deal with depression and anxiety. People with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing depression and anxiety. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy and group support networks, as well as classes that concentrate on the ability to resolve conflicts and improve communication. For individuals who are employed, the Department of Work and Pensions can provide a service known as Access to Work that helps to pay for workplace accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including ADHD.
It is important to keep in mind that not all therapists are created equal, and you should choose carefully. Find someone who you can trust, who makes you feel empowered after a session and has an expertise in the kind of therapy you're interested in. For instance, if your goal is to search for a therapist who employs psychosocial methods Ask your doctor to recommend someone. Child psychiatrists, in particular are well-informed of the treatment for ADHD and can recommend a specialist.
Support
Individuals suffering from ADHD may have symptoms that are so disruptive that they require evaluation by an expert doctor. 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, as well as other aspects of daily life. It is crucial that those who suffer from ADHD talk about their problems without fear or resentment.
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 a medical provider will review during the assessment.
It is important to bring any documents that could help you understand your symptoms when you meet with a healthcare professional. This includes old report cards or notes from friends or parents. The person who is conducting the exam will also likely ask questions about the person's life and family background, and also conduct a physical examination and a few psychological tests.
It is important to remember that inattention and impulsivity does not necessarily mean that they lack the ability to perform their job or other activities. For example, an ADHD person can be very imaginative and productive in a variety ways, from writing stories to drawing to creating things.
When adults are diagnosed with ADHD, they can feel a variety of emotions. They might be resentful of past mistakes or feel relieved that they understand the reason they struggled. "There is a lot to be done in the area of grief work, but when people have a concrete explanation and all the pieces fit together and they can really move on," Matlen explains.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood and mistreated by their colleagues or friends. They may struggle to stay focused during meetings or conversations and they may be susceptible to distractions such as social media and video games. Certain people with ADHD are told that they're lazy or apathetic.
Helping someone suffering from ADHD can help that person gain control of their symptoms at home and at work. They can use tools and strategies to improve their organization, including daily planners or smartphone apps, and they can get treatment options from a behavioral specialist who is skilled in ADHD. Treatments can also include psychotherapy, or therapy for talking, as well as accommodations, or tools or changes in the environment of a person to assist them in managing their condition. For example, an accommodation might be a step stool to allow people who are shorter to access higher shelves or other surfaces.