Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can last throughout a person's life. These symptoms can have a major impact on family and work as they grow older.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have been present since the early years of your life (technically before the age of 12). Your evaluator will review your personal and medical background.
You might also want to speak with your friends, family members or coworkers. This helps them to see your challenges from other perspectives.
Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD must also meet certain criteria to be diagnosed. The symptoms are required to be present for a minimum of two years and cause serious difficulties with daily functioning. This issue could be related to school or work, relationships or daily activities. Individuals may experience mild or moderate ADHD symptoms. The symptoms aren't affecting normal functioning and are often mistaken for other conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions in work or social interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to maintain relationships or keep the job.
ADHD sufferers may hit a tipping point when they're unable to handle the demands of everyday life. They may lose their focus or make a few erroneous mistakes. They could also be hyperactive and impulsive, causing them to have difficulty meeting objectives and responsibilities. They might have difficulty recalling information or forgetting the things they were taught.
Request referral if you're struggling with your daily life and suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD. Your GP may refer you to a psychiatrist or any other specialist who can conduct an assessment. You could also consult a therapist that you know or someone from your family to recommend someone who has experience with ADHD assessments.
A health professional or psychologist will go over your medical history and conduct an examination. They will also discuss your current health concerns with you. They'll likely inquire about your experiences having ADHD as a child as well. They will also want to speak to your partner as well as any other important people 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 Your psychiatrist must apply for special authority approval before prescribing medication. This is an extra step that New Zealand regulations require for people with ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will also collaborate with you and your GP to ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
The use of medication can be a successful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD but they're not the only option. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications can also be helpful. NIMH recommends talking to your health care provider to learn more about the options available to you.
adhd adults diagnosis will ask you questions about your childhood and the way you live your life today, and will conduct physical and psychological tests. (These are not usually required). Your evaluator might also ask you to talk to your spouse or family members, or any other family members who know you to gain an outside view on how your behaviors affect your life.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD depends on whether your symptoms are mild or severe. They should be present for six months or more, and they must interfere with two major settings in your life, including relationships and work. You must also meet diagnostic requirements, such as that your symptoms aren't better explained by a mental health condition or addiction disorder.
NIMH suggests talking with your doctor about your options. This includes behavioral strategies and medications. Many primary care providers regularly assess and treat ADHD in children. Adults who suspect they might have the condition should seek a referral to an expert.
Stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can cause side effects like stomach problems depression, anxiety, or stomach issues. They also can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Some people experience tics, which are frequent, erratic movements, or sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD also have difficulty sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends speaking with your doctor about any concerns you might have regarding the potential side effects of medication or possible clinical trials that might be appropriate for you. Clinical trials are research studies that try new ways to prevent, detect or treat illnesses and conditions. Participants in clinical trials are able to learn more about their personal health and could have the opportunity to help other people. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to learn more about clinical trial and choose the one that is suitable for you.
Therapy
It's important that an adult with ADHD consult with their doctor to manage their symptoms. There are many types of medications available to treat ADHD. It is possible to test different dosages and medications to determine which one is most effective for you. A therapist can assist you to comprehend your condition and how to manage its effects. They can also instruct you on methods to improve your self-management, focus and organization.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD are constantly lagging in school, at work and in their relationships. Even the most forgiving colleagues, friends, and partners can be unhappy with their actions. They could miss deadlines or appointments and make impulsive decisions.
In addition to medications, therapy can assist adults suffering from ADHD become more organized, create coping strategies and improve their lives. They can learn to recognize and modify their problematic behaviors, such as rewarding themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire after responding to emails. One-on-one cognitive behavior therapy can also be beneficial and can help to transform negative experiences into positive ones. A therapist can help adults who have ADHD to understand that their impulsivity does not suggest a negative character. It's normal to experience high levels of brain activity.
People who suffer from ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression and a therapist could also teach them coping skills to manage these issues. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy, group support networks and classes focused on communication skills and conflict resolution. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a program called Access to Work, which assists in paying for workplace accommodations, such as ADHD for those who are employed.
Be careful when choosing a therapy provider. There are many different therapists who are not the same. You should select someone with whom you feel comfortable, who empowers you after the session, and is knowledgeable about the kind of therapy you're interested in. Ask your psychiatrist for recommendations if you're seeking psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists, in particular have a thorough understanding of the treatment for ADHD and can recommend an expert.
Support
People with ADHD might experience symptoms that are so disruptive, they need to be evaluated by an expert doctor. The evaluation is a discussion about the person's personal life, from childhood to present, and how their symptoms affect work, school as well as relationships and other aspects of daily life. It is important that people with ADHD speak up without fear of ridicule or shame.
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 that medical professionals will look over during the assessment.
When visiting a healthcare professional to conduct an assessment, it's helpful to bring any documentation that might provide insight into the condition like old report cards and notes from friends or parents. The person who conducts the exam will likely ask about the person's family background and personal life, as well as conduct a physical exam and some psychological tests.
It's important to remember 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 tasks. An ADHD person, for instance is able to be creative and productive in a variety of ways, such as painting, writing stories or even designing things.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can bring up many complicated emotions, from guilt over past mistakes to relief that they now realize why they've struggled for so long. "There's a lot of grief work that needs to happen, but when all the pieces are in place and people have that concrete explanation, they really take off," Matlen says.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood by coworkers as well as their friends and family. They may have trouble staying focussed in conversations or meetings and can be distracted by video games and social media. Some people with ADHD are told they're lazy or attention-seeking.
Supporting a loved one with ADHD can help them gain control over their symptoms, both at home and at work. They can make use of tools to improve their organization like apps for smartphones or daily planners, and can seek treatment options from a behavioral expert who specializes in ADHD. Treatments may also 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. For instance, an accommodation might be a step stool for people who are shorter to reach higher shelves or other surfaces.
