Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many people, the signs of ADHD continue throughout their life. These symptoms can have a major impact on work and family as adults.
For a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have started in the early years of your life (technically, prior to the age of 12). The evaluator will look over your personal and medical history.
They may also talk to your spouse, partner, friends and coworkers. This helps them to see your issues from different perspectives.
Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD must also meet certain criteria to be diagnosed. The symptoms must be present for a minimum of two years and cause major problems with everyday functioning. This issue could be related to school, work, relationships or daily activities. ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. Mild symptoms don't interfere with daily functioning and are often mistaken for other conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to work or social interactions. Severe symptoms make it difficult to hold the job or maintain relationships.
People with ADHD may reach a tipping point when they can no longer manage life's demands. They may become unorganized and make a lot of mistakes. They can also be impulsive or hyperactive, leading to trouble fulfilling their goals and responsibility. They might have difficulty recalling information or forgetting what they were taught.
Ask for a referral if you are struggling with your daily life and think you might have ADHD. Your GP could recommend a psychiatrist or another professional who can conduct an assessment. You can also consult a therapist that you know or someone from your family to recommend someone with experience in ADHD evaluations.
A health care provider or psychologist may want to review your medical history, take physical examination, and discuss your current issues with you. They'll likely inquire about your experiences having ADHD as a child, as well. They'll also talk to your spouse and any other important people to you, 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. New Zealand law requires that those suffering from ADHD take an additional step to be prescribed medication. The psychiatrist will also work with you and your GP to help ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medications however it's not the only option. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications can also aid. NIMH recommends that you speak to your doctor to learn more about the options available to you.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your childhood, and the way you live your life today, and will conduct physical and psychological tests. (These aren't usually required). Your evaluator might also ask you to speak to your family or partner or any other family members who know you, to gain an outside view about how your actions impact your life.
The severity of your symptoms will determine if you have adult ADHD. They must be present for a minimum of six months and must be interfering with two major areas of your life, like your work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic requirements, such as that your symptoms aren't explained by another mental health issue or a addiction disorder.
NIMH recommends speaking with your health care provider about your options, which include medication and behavioral strategies. A lot of primary care doctors regularly evaluate and treat ADHD in children however adults who suspect they may have it should ask for the 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 depression and anxiety. They also can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Some people develop tics, which are rapid, repetitive actions or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD have difficulty sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends talking to your health-care professional about any concerns you have regarding the adverse effects of medication or about possible clinical trials that could be suitable for your needs. Clinical trials are research studies which test new methods to identify, prevent or treat diseases. Participants in clinical trials are able to learn more about their own health and may be able to assist other people. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to learn more about clinical trials and select one that is right for you.
Therapy
If an adult suffers from ADHD it is important to consult with a physician to manage the symptoms. The use of medication is one method to treat it and there are different kinds of drugs available. It is possible to try different medications and dosages before you discover the right one for you. A therapist can help understand your condition and learn to better cope with its effects. They can also instruct you on strategies to improve your self-management, focus and organization.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD often feel as if they are constantly being behind in work, school and in their relationships. Their behaviors can strain the patience of the most forgiving co-workers as well as friends and partners. They might find themselves forgetting appointments or ignoring deadlines, and making decisions based on impulsivity which don't always work out well.
Therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD improve their organization, learn coping skills and improve their quality of life. They can be taught to identify and alter problematic behaviors such as rewarding themselves for motivation or playing computer solitaire to unwind after completing emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is carried out one-on-one, is extremely beneficial. It can help to reframe negative situations in a more positive way. For instance therapy can help adults with ADHD recognize that their impulsivity is not an indication of bad character; it's a natural response to high levels of brain stimulation.
People who suffer from ADHD are more prone for depression and anxiety, so a therapist can also teach them coping skills to manage these issues. Other psychosocial treatments could include family therapy as well as support groups for groups and classes focused on communication skills and conflict resolution. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a program called Access to Work, which aids in the payment of workplace accommodations, including ADHD for those who are employed.
Be careful when choosing the right counselor. adhd in adults diagnosis are the same. Find someone who you feel comfortable speaking with and who makes you feel empowered after a session and is knowledgeable about the type of therapy you're interested in. Ask your psychiatrist for recommendations if looking for psychosocial therapist. Children psychiatrists, specifically have a thorough understanding of the treatment options for ADHD and can recommend an expert.
Support
People with ADHD might experience symptoms that are so disruptive, they need to be evaluated by medical professionals. The evaluation involves a discussion with the patient about their experiences from childhood to present and how their symptoms impact school and work as well as relationships and other aspects of everyday living. It is crucial that those who suffer from ADHD speak up without fear of ridicule or shame.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD in adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria that medical professionals review during the evaluation.
It is important to bring any documents that may help you understand your symptoms when you meet with an expert in healthcare. These include old reports 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 exam and psychological tests.
You should remember that someone's inattention or impulsivity doesn't mean they lack the skills to complete their job or do other things. An ADHD person, for example can be creative and productive in many different ways, like painting, writing stories or even designing things.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can trigger a variety of complicated emotions, from guilt over past mistakes to relief that they finally understand why they've been struggling for so long. "There is a lot to be done in terms of grief work, but when people have a solid explanation and all the pieces fit together, they really take off," Matlen explains.
People suffering from ADHD are often misunderstood by their coworkers, friends, and family. They may have trouble staying focused during meetings or conversations and may be distracted by video games or social media. Certain people with ADHD are told they're lazy or apathetic.
Supporting a loved one with 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 smartphone apps or daily planners. They can seek out solutions from a behavioral expert who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments may include psychotherapy or talk therapy as in addition to accommodations, such as devices or changes to a person's surroundings that can help them better manage their condition. adhd in adults undiagnosed is an aid to help a shorter person climb higher shelves or reach for higher surfaces.