Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can be persistent throughout a person's life. These symptoms can have a significant impact on work and family as they grow older.
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have begun in childhood (technically before the age of 12). Your evaluator reviews your medical and personal history.
They might also speak with your spouse or partner, friends and coworkers. This helps them view your problems from a different angle.
Diagnosis
As with diagnosing children, adults who have ADHD must meet certain requirements 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 or relationships, work, or everyday activities. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Mild symptoms do not interfere with daily functioning and are often mistakenly interpreted as other conditions such as anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms cause small disruptions in work or social interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to maintain relationships or hold an employment.
People with ADHD may reach an extreme point at which they find it difficult to cope with life with its usual demands. They might lose their focus and make a lot of mistakes. They can also be impulsive and hyperactive and be unable to meet goals and responsibilities. They may have difficulty remembering details or forgetting the things they were taught.
Ask for a referral if you are having trouble with your daily routine and suspect you be suffering from ADHD. Your GP might refer you to a psychiatrist or another professional, who can perform an assessment. You could ask a therapist or family member you know to recommend someone who has expertise in ADHD assessments.
A psychologist or health care provider will examine your medical history and perform a physical exam. They'll also discuss your current health concerns with you. They'll also inquire about your experience with ADHD as a child. They'll want to talk 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 people suffering from ADHD undergo an additional procedure to receive a medication. The psychiatrist will also work with you and your GP to ensure that the medication works.
Medication
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medication however, it's not the only option. Other therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications, can also help. NIMH recommends that you speak with your doctor to find out more about the options available to you.
To diagnose adult ADHD the doctor who diagnoses ADHD will conduct an interview with you about your childhood and your life today, as conducting a physical examination and psychological tests (these aren't usually needed). Your evaluator may also ask to speak to your spouse or family members, or other people 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 important areas of your life, like work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This includes that your symptoms can't be caused by a mental illness or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH recommends speaking with your health-care provider about your options, including behavioral strategies and medications. A majority of primary care physicians regularly assess and treat ADHD in children. Adults who suspect that they might have the disorder should seek a referral to an expert.
Stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults can cause negative side effects, such as stomach problems, anxiety, and depression. They also can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Some people develop tics, which are rapid repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinks or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD also have difficulty sleeping while taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests that you talk with your doctor about any concerns you have about side effects of medications or possible clinical trials. adhd diagnosis for adults are research studies that test new methods to identify, prevent or treat diseases. Clinical trials allow people to discover more about their health and themselves as well as the chance to help others. Learn more about clinical trials and select the right one for you by going to the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It is crucial that a person with ADHD consult with their doctor to treat the symptoms. The use of medication is one method to manage it and there are different kinds of medications available. It is possible to test different dosages and medications to find the one that best suits your needs. A therapist can assist you to comprehend your condition and how to manage its effects. They can also teach you techniques to improve your attention, self-management and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are constantly lagging in school, at work and in their relationships. Even the most accommodating friends, colleagues, and partners can be unhappy with their actions. They may find themselves ignoring appointments or missing deadlines and making impulsive choices which don't always work out well.
Therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD to become more organized, learn coping skills and improve their quality of life. They can be taught to identify and change bad habits, like motivating themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire to relax after answering emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is carried out one-on-one, can be very helpful. It can help frame negative situations in positive ways. Therapists can help people with ADHD to understand that their impulsivity does not indicate a bad character. It's a normal response to high levels of activity in the brain.
People with ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression, so a therapist can 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 those who are employed, the Department of Work and Pensions offers a program called Access to Work that helps pay for workplace accommodations for those who have disabilities, such as ADHD.
It's important to remember that not all therapists are created equal and you must choose carefully. You should select someone with whom you feel comfortable and who is able to empower you following the session, and is knowledgeable about the kind of therapy that you are interested in. For instance, if you're looking for a therapist who employs psychosocial techniques consult your psychiatrist to suggest someone. Child psychiatrists are particularly adept at ADHD treatment and can provide you with recommendations.
Support
For individuals who suffer from ADHD their symptoms could be so disruptive that they have to visit a doctor to be evaluated. The evaluation is a discussion about the person's life, from childhood to the present and how their issues affect work, school, relationships and other aspects of daily living. It is crucial that people suffering from 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 a medical provider will review during the evaluation.
When meeting with a healthcare professional for an assessment, it's helpful to bring any records that could provide insight into the condition, including old reports and notes from parents or friends. The person conducting the evaluation will also likely inquire about the individual's family and life history, and conduct a physical examination and some psychological tests.
It's important to remember that just because someone is afflicted with inattention and impulsivity does not mean they don't have the appropriate skills for their job or other pursuits. For instance, an ADHD person may be creative and productive in a variety of ways from writing stories to painting and even designing things.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can trigger a variety of complicated emotions, from guilt over past mistakes to relief that they finally realize why they've struggled so much. "There's lots of grieving work to be done and once all the pieces are in place and people have a specific explanation, they can really begin to take off," Matlen says.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood by coworkers, friends, and family. They may struggle to stay focussed in conversations or meetings and are easily distracted by video games or social media. Some people with ADHD may be told that they are unmotivated or apathetic.
Supporting someone with ADHD can help that person manage their symptoms at home as well as at work. They can make use of tools to help them organize their lives, like apps for smartphones or daily planners, and they can seek solutions from a behavioral specialist who specializes in ADHD. Treatments can also include psychotherapy, also known as therapy for talking, as well as accommodations or modifications in a person's surroundings that assist them in managing their condition. An accommodation could be an adjustable stool that helps those who are smaller to get to higher levels of shelves or surfaces.