Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout the life of a person. These symptoms can have a major impact on family and work as adults.
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms you experience must have started in childhood (technically before the age of 12). Your evaluator reviews your medical and personal history.
You might also want to speak with your partner, friends or coworkers. This lets them see your challenges from a different perspective.
Diagnosis
Adults who suffer from ADHD must also meet certain criteria to be diagnosed. The symptoms must be present for at least two years and cause serious difficulties with daily functioning. The problem could be related to school, relationships, work, or everyday activities. People may have mild or moderate ADHD symptoms. The symptoms aren't affecting normal functioning and are often confused with other conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to social or work interactions. The severity of the symptoms makes it difficult to hold a job or maintain relationships.
People who have ADHD can experience an extreme point at which they find it difficult to cope with life with its usual demands. They may become unorganized and make mistakes that aren't their fault. They can also be hyperactive or impulsive and have difficulty accomplishing goals and fulfilling obligations. They might have difficulty recalling information or forgetting what they were taught.
If you're struggling in your daily life and you suspect that you may have ADHD you should seek an appointment with a mental health provider or specialist. Your GP might recommend psychiatrists, or a different professional, who can perform an assessment. You could also request a therapist you are familiar with or someone from your family to recommend someone who has experience with ADHD assessments.
A doctor or psychologist will examine your medical history, conduct an examination of your body, and discuss your current problems with you. They'll also inquire about your experiences with ADHD as a child. They'll 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 doctor will require an authority's approval prior to prescribing medication. This is an additional step that New Zealand regulations require for people who have ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will work with your GP and you to ensure that the medication works.
Medication
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medications however, it's not the only option. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications can also aid. NIMH recommends speaking with your physician to find out more about the options available to you.
Your healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood and how your life is now, and perform an examination of your body and psychological test. (These are not usually required). The evaluator could also ask to speak to your family or partner or other people who know you to gain an outside view on how your behaviors affect your life.
The severity of your symptoms will determine if you suffer from adult ADHD. The symptoms must last for at minimum six months and cause disruption with your relationships and work. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This includes that your symptoms are not explained by another mental disorder or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH suggests talking with your doctor about the options available to you. This includes strategies for managing behavior and medications. A majority of primary care physicians regularly assess and treat ADHD in children. Adults who suspect they may have the disorder should seek a referral to a specialist.
Stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can cause adverse effects such as stomach issues as well as depression, anxiety, and stomach problems. They can also raise your heart rate and blood pressure. Some people experience tics, which are sudden repetitive actions or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD have difficulty sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests talking with your doctor about any concerns you may have about side effects of drugs or clinical trials that may be in the pipeline. Clinical trials are research studies which test new methods to identify, prevent or treat illnesses. Participants in clinical trials learn more about their personal health and could have the chance 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
If you are an adult with ADHD, it's important to work with a medical professional to treat the symptoms. The use of medication is one method to manage ADHD, and there are many different kinds of medications available. It is possible to try various dosages and medications before you can find the best one for you. A therapist can help you understand your condition and learn how to better manage its effects. They can also teach you strategies to improve your focus, self-management and organization.
Adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD often feel that they are constantly falling behind at work, school and in their relationships. Their behavior can be a strain on the patience of the most forgiving co-workers, friends and partners. They might be prone to forgetting appointments or ignoring deadlines, and making impulsive choices that don't always turn out well.
In addition to medications, therapy can aid adults with ADHD become more organized, create coping strategies and improve their quality of life. They can learn to identify and change undesirable behaviors, such as motivating themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire to relax after answering emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is carried out one-on-one, is extremely beneficial. It can help to frame negative situations in positive ways. A therapist can assist adults with ADHD to understand that their impulsivity doesn't indicate a bad character. It's normal to experience high levels of brain activity.
People who suffer from ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression, so a therapist can also teach them coping skills to manage these issues. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy and support group networks, as well as classes that focus on the ability to resolve conflicts and improve communication. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a program called Access to Work, which aids in the payment of workplace accommodations, such as ADHD for those who are employed.
It is important to keep in mind that not all therapists are the same and you should pick carefully. Look for someone you feel comfortable speaking with and who can make you feel confident after a session, and who has experience in the kind of therapy you're interested in. Ask your psychiatrist for recommendations if seeking psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists are particularly adept at ADHD treatment and can recommend you.
Support
For those who suffer from ADHD their symptoms could be so disruptive that they need to see a doctor to be evaluated. The evaluation involves a discussion with the patient about their life from childhood to the present and how the symptoms affect work and school, relationships, and other aspects of daily life. It is important that people with ADHD talk about their problems without fear of ridicule 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 that a medical provider will review during the assessment.
It is essential to bring any documents that can provide insight into your condition when you visit medical professionals. This could include old report cards or notes from friends or parents. The person who is conducting the exam will also likely inquire about the individual's life and family history, and conduct a physical exam and a few psychological tests.
It is important to keep in mind that just because someone is afflicted with inattention and impulsivity doesn't mean that they don't have the right skills for their job or other pursuits. An ADHD person, for example is able to be creative and productive in many different ways, including writing stories, painting, or creating things.
When people are diagnosed as having ADHD and are diagnosed with it, they may experience a range of emotions. They might feel guilt-ridden about past mistakes or feel relieved that they understand the reason they struggled. "There is a lot that needs to be done in terms of grief work but when people have a concrete explanation and all the pieces fit together and they can really move on," Matlen explains.
adult diagnosis adhd with ADHD are often misunderstood by coworkers as well as their friends and family. They may struggle to stay focussed in conversations or meetings and can be distracted by video games and social media. People who suffer from ADHD may even be told that they are unmotivated or apathetic.
Supporting a loved one with ADHD can assist them in gaining control over their symptoms, both at home and at work. They can use tools to improve their organization such as smartphone apps or daily planners, and they can seek solutions from a behavioral expert who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments may include psychotherapy or talk therapy, as also accommodations, like tools or changes to the environment of a person which will assist them to better manage their condition. An accommodation could be an adjustable stool that helps a shorter person reach higher shelves or surfaces.