Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many, the symptoms of ADHD persist throughout their lives. These symptoms can have a significant impact on family and work as adults.
For a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have been evident since the beginning of your childhood (technically prior to the age of 12). Your evaluator will go over your medical and personal background.
They can also talk with your spouse or your friends, colleagues and partners. This lets them see your challenges from a different perspective.
Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD must also meet certain criteria to be diagnosed. The symptoms must have been present for at least two years and cause significant difficulties in the way they function. This problem may be related to work, school or relationships, or even everyday activities. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Mild symptoms do not interfere with daily functioning and are often misdiagnosed as different conditions such as depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions in social or work interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to maintain relationships or keep an employment.
People with ADHD can experience a point where they are unable to manage life's demands. They may lose their focus or make careless errors. They may also be hyperactive or impulsive and have difficulty meeting goals and obligations. They may have trouble remembering things and are often unable to remember what they've been told.
If you're having trouble in your everyday life and suspect you have ADHD you should seek a referral to an individual who is a mental health professional or specialist. Your GP may recommend you to psychiatrists, or a different professional who can conduct an assessment. You could also consult a therapist that you know or someone from your family to recommend someone with experience in ADHD assessments.
A health care provider or psychologist will review your medical history, conduct an examination of your body and discuss your current concerns with you. They will also ask about your experience having ADHD as a child. They'll also want to talk to your spouse and any other important people in your life, such as 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 apply for special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. New Zealand law requires that people suffering from ADHD undergo an additional procedure to be prescribed medication. The psychiatrist will also work with you and your GP to ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medications however, it's not the only option. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes 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 how your life is now, and perform an examination of your body and psychological test. (These aren't usually required). Your evaluator might also ask you to talk to your partner or family members 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 whether you suffer from adult ADHD. They should be present for at least six months and must be interfering with two major areas of your life, like relationships and work. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This includes that your symptoms cannot be explained by another mental illness or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH suggests talking with your health-care provider about your options, which include medication and behavioral strategies. Many primary care providers regularly examine and treat ADHD among children. Adults who suspect they may have the condition should seek referral to an expert.
Stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can trigger side effects like stomach problems, anxiety, and depression. They can also increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Some people experience tics, which are sudden, repetitive movements, or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD 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 methods to prevent, detect, or treat conditions and diseases. People who participate in clinical trials can learn more about their own health and could have the chance to help others. You can find out more about clinical trials and select the one that is right for you by visiting the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
If an adult suffers from ADHD it is essential to work with a medical professional to manage symptoms. Treatment with medication is one way to treat ADHD and there are a variety of different kinds of drugs available. It is possible to try different medications and dosages before you can find the best one for you. A therapist can help you in understanding the condition and help you cope better with its effects. They can also help you learn strategies to improve your self-management skills, focus and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD often feel that they are constantly falling behind in work, school and in their relationships. Their behavior can be a strain on the patience of the most tolerant coworkers as well as friends and partners. They may miss deadlines or appointments, and make impulsive choices.
Therapy can help adults with ADHD become more organized and learn to manage their ADHD and improve their quality-of-life. They can learn to identify and change problematic behaviors such as rewarding themselves for motivation or playing computer solitaire to relax after responding to emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is conducted one-on-one, can be very helpful. It can assist in change negative situations into positive ways. For example, a therapist can help adults with ADHD see that their impulsivity is not an indication of bad character; it's simply a natural response to high levels of stimulation in the brain.
People with ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression A therapist may also teach them coping skills to manage these conditions. Other psychosocial treatments can include family therapy as well as support groups for groups and classes that focus on communication skills and conflict resolution. For individuals employed, the Department of Work and Pensions can offer a service called Access to Work that helps pay for workplace accommodations for those with disabilities, including ADHD.
Be careful when selecting the right therapist. There are many different therapists who are not alike. You should select one who you are comfortable with and who is able to empower you following a session, and who is knowledgeable about the type of therapy that you are interested in. For instance, if you're searching for a therapist that uses psychosocial methods consult your psychiatrist to recommend someone. Children psychiatrists, specifically have a thorough understanding of the treatment options for ADHD and can recommend an expert.
Read the Full Report suffering from ADHD may experience symptoms that are so disruptive, they require evaluation by a doctor. This evaluation involves having a conversation with the patient about their experiences from childhood to now and how the symptoms affect school and work as well as relationships and other aspects of life. It is essential that those who suffer from ADHD talk about their problems without fear or shame.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), fifth edition is a clinical guideline from the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing ADHD among adults. These are the criteria a medical provider will review when evaluating.
When meeting with the healthcare professional for an evaluation, it's beneficial to bring any records that might shed light on symptoms like old reports and notes from friends or parents. The person conducting the evaluation will likely ask about the family history of the patient and personal life, as well as conduct a physical exam and some psychological tests.
It is important to keep in mind that just because someone displays impulsivity and inattention does not mean they don't have the necessary abilities for their job or other activities. An ADHD person, for example is able to be creative and productive in a variety of ways, including painting, writing stories or creating things.
When people are diagnosed as having ADHD and are diagnosed with it, they may feel a variety of emotions. They might feel guilt-ridden about past mistakes or relieved that they now know why they've struggled. "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 fit together it's like they're flying," Matlen explains.
People suffering from ADHD often feel that they are not understood by their coworkers or family members and friends. They may have trouble staying focussed in conversations or meetings and can be distracted by video games or social media. Some people with ADHD are told that they're lazy or attention-seeking.
Being a caregiver for a loved one suffering from ADHD can help them gain control over their symptoms, both at home and at work. They can use tools to help them organize their lives, like smartphone apps or daily planners, and can seek out treatment options from a behavioral professional who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments could include psychotherapy or talk therapy as in addition to accommodations, such as devices or changes to the environment of a person that will help them better manage the condition. An accommodation could be a step stool to help a shorter person get to higher levels of shelves or surfaces.