Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many people, the symptoms of ADHD persist throughout their lives. These symptoms can have a major impact on family and work as they grow older.
For a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have been evident since the beginning of your childhood (technically, before the age of 12). Your evaluator evaluates your medical and personal background.
They can also talk to your spouse, partner, friends and coworkers. This helps them view your challenges from a different point of view.
Diagnosis
Adults suffering from ADHD must also meet certain criteria to be diagnosed. The symptoms must be present for at least two years and cause major problems with everyday functioning. This issue could be related to work, school or relationships, or even daily activities. ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. getting a adhd diagnosis don't interfere with normal functioning and are often confused with other conditions, like depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions in social or work interactions. Severe symptoms can make it difficult to maintain relationships or hold a job.
People who have ADHD may reach a point where they are unable to manage life with its usual demands. They might become disorganized and make careless mistakes. They may also be impulsive and hyperactive and be unable to meet objectives and responsibilities. They might have trouble recalling information and frequently forget the things they've been taught.
Ask for referral if you're having trouble with your daily routine and suspect you be suffering from ADHD. Your GP might recommend a psychiatrist or another professional who can conduct an assessment. You may ask a therapist, or a friend you have to recommend a person with expertise in ADHD assessments.
A health professional or psychologist will go over your medical history and conduct an examination. They'll also discuss your current health concerns with you. They'll likely inquire about your experiences with ADHD as a child, as well. They'll want to speak to the person you live with and any other important people in your life, including 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're diagnosed with ADHD, the psychiatrist will apply for special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. New Zealand law requires that those suffering from ADHD take an additional step to receive a medication. The psychiatrist will work with your GP and you to ensure that the medication works.
Medication
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medication, but it's not the only option. Other treatments like cognitive behavior therapy or lifestyle changes can also prove beneficial. NIMH recommends talking to your health care provider to learn more about the options available to you.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your childhood and what your life is like now, and perform an examination of your body and psychological test. (These aren't typically required). The evaluator could also ask you to talk to your family, friends, members, or any other close to you to gain an outsider's view of your behavior.
The severity of your symptoms will determine whether you suffer from adult ADHD. They have to be present for a minimum of six months and must interfere with two important areas of your life, including your work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria, including that your symptoms aren't explained by another mental health issue or a addiction disorder.
NIMH suggests talking with your doctor about the options available to you. This includes behavioral strategies and medications. Many primary care providers regularly examine and treat ADHD in children. Adults who suspect they might have the condition should seek referral to a specialist.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can trigger negative side effects, such as stomach problems as well as depression, anxiety, and stomach problems. They can also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. Certain people develop tics, sudden, repetitive movements, or sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD are unable to sleep when taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests that you talk with your physician about any concerns you have regarding side effects from drugs or clinical trials that may be in the pipeline. Clinical trials are research studies that test new methods to prevent, detect or treat diseases and conditions. Participants in clinical trials learn more about their personal health and have the opportunity to help other people. You can learn more about clinical trials and locate the right one for you by visiting the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
If an adult suffers from ADHD it is important to work with a medical professional to manage symptoms. There are a variety of medications available to treat ADHD. You may have to try different medications and dosages before you discover the right one for you. A therapist can help understand your condition and learn how to manage its effects. They can also teach you strategies to improve your focus, self-management and organizational skills.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are constantly lagging at work, in school and in their relationships. Even the most forgiving friends, colleagues, and partners can be annoyed by their behavior. They may miss deadlines or appointments, and make impulsive decisions.
Alongside medication therapy can also aid adults with ADHD organize themselves, develop strategies for dealing with the disorder and improve their quality of life. They can be taught to recognize and modify problematic behaviors such as rewarding themselves for motivation or playing computer solitaire to relax after responding to emails. One-on-one cognitive therapy can also be helpful, and it can reframe negative situations into positive ones. For example, a therapist can help people suffering from ADHD recognize that their impulsivity isn't an indication of a bad character, it's just an inherent response to intense levels of stimulation in the brain.
People suffering from ADHD are at greater risk for depression and anxiety and a therapist could also teach them coping skills to manage these conditions. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy, group support networks and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution. For those who are employed, the Department of Work and Pensions can offer a service called Access to Work that helps pay for workplace accommodations for those who have disabilities, such as ADHD.
Be cautious when choosing an therapy provider. Not all are alike. Find someone who you can trust, who makes you feel empowered after a session, and who has an expertise in the kind of therapy you're interested in. Ask your psychiatrist for recommendations if seeking psychosocial therapist. Children psychiatrists, specifically have a thorough understanding of the treatment options for ADHD and can refer you to an expert.
Support
People with ADHD might experience symptoms that are so disruptive they need to be evaluated by an expert doctor. The evaluation involves a discussion with the patient about their lives from childhood to present and how symptoms affect work and school as well as relationships and other aspects of everyday living. It's important that people with ADHD speak up candidly, without shame or fear 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 among adults. These are the criteria medical professionals review during the evaluation.
When you visit a healthcare professional to conduct an evaluation, it's helpful to bring any documents that might help identify the cause of the symptoms like old report cards and notes from parents or friends. The person conducting the examination will likely inquire about the person's family background and life, and conduct a physical exam as well as some psychological tests.
It is important to remember that inattention and impulsivity does not mean they lack the skills to perform their job or other activities. An ADHD person, for instance, can be creative and productive in many ways, including painting, writing stories, or creating things.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can trigger many complex emotions, ranging from guilt over past mistakes to a sense of relief when they finally realize why they've had to struggle so much. "There is a lot to be done in terms of grief work but when people have a solid explanation and all the pieces fall into place it's like they're flying," Matlen explains.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood by their coworkers, friends, and family. They may have trouble staying focused during meetings or conversations and are easily distracted by video games or social media. People with ADHD might even be told they're inactive or over-focused.
Helping someone suffering from ADHD can help them gain control of their symptoms at home and at work. They can employ tools and strategies to improve their organization, such as daily planners or apps for smartphones and can also get treatment options from a behavioral specialist who specializes in ADHD. Treatments can also include psychotherapy, also known as therapy for talking, as well as accommodations or other tools or modifications in a person's surroundings that aid in managing their condition. A possible accommodation is an adjustable stool that helps a shorter person get to higher levels of shelves or surfaces.