Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can last throughout the life of a person. As adults, these issues can have significant impacts on work and family.
For a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have been evident since the early years of your life (technically, before the age of 12). Your evaluator reviews your medical and personal history.
They may also talk to your spouse, partner, friends and coworkers. This can help them see your issues from different perspectives.
Diagnosis
Adults who suffer from ADHD must also meet certain criteria in order to be diagnosed. The symptoms must be present for at least 2 years and be causing significant difficulties in daily functioning. This issue could be related to school or work, relationships or daily activities. ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild symptoms are not a problem with everyday functioning and are often misdiagnosed as different disorders like depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions in work or social interactions. Severe symptoms can make it difficult to maintain relationships or hold an employment.
People with ADHD can experience a tipping point when they are unable to manage life's demands. They may become disorganized or make a few erroneous mistakes. They could also be impulsive or hyperactive which can cause problems in meeting goals and responsibility. They may have difficulty remembering details or forgetting what they have been told.
If you're struggling in your everyday life and think you might have ADHD and need help, request a referral to an expert in mental health or a specialist. Your GP may refer you to a psychiatrist or another professional who can do an assessment. You can ask a therapist or family member you know to recommend a person with experience in ADHD evaluations.
A health professional or psychologist will want to examine your medical history, take a physical exam and discuss your current problems with you. They'll likely ask you about your experiences with ADHD as a child, too. They'll want to speak to the person you live with and other important people in your life too, 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 are diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist must apply for special authority approval before prescribing medication. This is an extra 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, but it's not the only option. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes can also be helpful. NIMH recommends talking to your healthcare provider to find out more about the options available to you.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your childhood and what your life is like currently, and conduct a physical exam and psychological test. (These aren't typically required). Your evaluator might also ask you to speak with your family or partner or any other family members who know you to gain a different perspective about how your actions impact your life.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD is determined by whether your symptoms are mild or severe. They should be present for a minimum of six months and must be interfering with two important areas of your life, like work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria, which includes that your symptoms can't be better explained by a mental health condition or substance use disorder.
NIMH suggests talking to your doctor about the options available to you. This includes behavioral strategies and medications. A majority of primary care physicians regularly evaluate and treat ADHD in children. Adults who suspect that they might have the condition should seek referral to a specialist.
Stimulants, which are the drugs used to treat ADHD for adults, can cause side effects such as stomach issues or an increase in anxiety and depression. They can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people develop tics which are sudden repetitive movements or sounds that resemble eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD also have difficulty sleeping while taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests talking with your doctor about any concerns you might have regarding the adverse effects of medications or about possible clinical trials that might be suitable for you. Clinical trials are research studies that test new methods to detect, prevent or treat illnesses. Clinical trials allow people to discover more about their health and themselves as well as the opportunity to assist others. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to find out more about clinical trials and choose one that is appropriate for you.
Therapy
If an adult suffers from ADHD, it's important to consult with a physician to treat the symptoms. The use of medication is one method to treat it, and there are many different types of pills available. You may have to try various dosages and medications before you find the right one for you. A therapist can aid you in understanding the condition and help you cope better with its effects. They can also teach you strategies to improve your attention span, self-management and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD often feel that they're always falling behind in work, school and in their relationships. Even the most forgiving friends, colleagues, and partners can be frustrated by their behaviors. They could miss deadlines or appointments, and make decisions based on impulsivity.
Therapy can help people with ADHD to become more organized and learn to manage their ADHD and improve their lives. They can be taught to recognize and modify bad habits, like motivating themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire to relax after responding to emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is conducted one-on-one, is extremely beneficial. adhd diagnosis adults can help to frame negative situations in positive ways. A therapist can help adults who have ADHD recognize that their impulsivity does not suggest a negative character. It's a normal response to high levels of brain activity.
A therapist can help them learn coping techniques to manage anxiety and depression. People with ADHD have a higher chance of developing depression and anxiety. Other psychosocial treatments include group therapy and family networks and classes that are focused on conflict resolution and communication skills. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a service called Access to Work, which helps pay for workplace accommodations, such as ADHD, for individuals who are employed.
Be careful when choosing an therapy provider. There are many different therapists who are not the same. Find someone who you can trust and who makes you feel empowered after a session and who has experience in the kind of therapy you're interested in. Ask your psychiatrist for recommendations if you're looking for a psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists are especially knowledgeable about ADHD treatment and can provide you with recommendations.
Support
People with ADHD may have symptoms that are so disruptive that they require evaluation by a doctor. This evaluation involves a conversation with the patient about their life from childhood to now and how symptoms affect work and school relationships, as well as other aspects of everyday living. It is crucial that those with ADHD speak up without fear or resentment.
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 assessment.
It is essential to bring any documents that may 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 conducts the exam will likely inquire about the person's family background and lifestyle, and will also conduct a physical exam as well as some psychological tests.
It is important to remember that inattention or impulsivity does not mean they are not able to do their job or do other things. An ADHD person, for example can be productive and creative in many ways, like painting, writing stories, or creating things.
If adults are diagnosed with ADHD, they can be afflicted with a variety of emotions. They might be resentful of past mistakes or relieved that they now know the reason they struggled. "There's lots of grieving work that needs to happen however when all the pieces are in place and people have that clear explanation, they truly take off," Matlen says.
People suffering from ADHD are often misunderstood by their coworkers or family members. They may struggle to stay focused during meetings or conversations and may be distracted by video games and social media. A few people who suffer from ADHD are told they are lazy or over-focused.
Helping someone suffering from ADHD can help them manage their symptoms at home and at work. They can utilize tools to help them organize their lives, like apps for smartphones or daily planners, and can seek solutions from a behavioral specialist who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments can also include psychotherapy, also known as therapy for talking, as well as accommodations or modifications in the environment of a person to assist them in managing their condition. For example an accommodation could be a step stool to allow people who are shorter to access higher shelves or other surfaces.