Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can be persistent throughout a person's life. These symptoms can have a major impact on family and work as they grow older.
To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must have been evident since the beginning of your childhood (technically, before the age of 12). The evaluator will look over your medical and personal history.
They might also speak to your spouse, your friends, colleagues and partners. This allows them to view your challenges from a different point of view.
Diagnosis
As with diagnosing children adults, those with ADHD must meet certain criteria to be considered for diagnosis. The symptoms should have been present for at least 2 years and cause significant problems in everyday functioning. This problem may be related to school, work or relationships, or even everyday activities. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Mild symptoms are not a problem with everyday functioning and are often mistakenly interpreted as other disorders like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to work or social interactions. Severe symptoms can make it difficult to maintain relationships or hold an employment.
People with ADHD might reach a tipping point when they find it difficult to cope with life's demands. They might become unorganized or make careless errors. They may also be hyperactive and impulsive and have difficulty meeting goals and responsibilities. They may have trouble remembering things and often forget the things they've been taught.
Get referral if you're struggling with your daily life and suspect you be suffering from ADHD. Your GP may recommend a psychiatrist, or another professional who can carry out an assessment. You could ask a therapist or a friend you have to recommend a person with expertise in ADHD evaluations.
A psychologist or health care professional will review your medical history and conduct an examination. They will also discuss your current health concerns with you. They'll also inquire about your experiences dealing with ADHD as a child. 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're diagnosed with ADHD the psychiatrist will request special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. This is an extra step that New Zealand regulations require for people who have ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will collaborate with your GP and you to make sure that the medication works.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from medications however, it's not the only option. Other therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes, can also help. NIMH recommends talking to your healthcare provider to find out more about your options.
To diagnose adult ADHD the doctor who diagnoses ADHD will interview you about your childhood and current life, as well as conducting a physical examination and psychological test (these aren't required in most cases). The evaluator could also ask to speak with your family or partner or other people who know you, to gain an outside view on how your behavior affects your life.
The severity of your symptoms will determine if you have adult ADHD. They should be present for at least six months and must be interfering with two important areas of your life, including your work and relationships. You must also meet diagnostic criteria, including that your symptoms aren't explained by a mental health issue or a substance use disorder.
NIMH suggests that you speak to your doctor about the options available to you. This includes strategies for managing behavior and medication. A lot of primary care doctors routinely evaluate and treat ADHD in children however, adults who believe they may have ADHD should request an appointment with a mental health specialist.
Stimulants, the drugs that treat ADHD in adults, may cause side effects such as stomach problems or increased anxiety and depression. They also can increase your blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people develop tics which are rapid repeated movements or sounds that resemble eye blinks or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD have difficulty sleeping when they are taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends speaking with your health-care professional about any concerns you might have regarding the potential side effects of medication or about possible clinical trials that might be appropriate for you. Clinical trials are research studies that test new methods to identify, prevent or treat diseases. Clinical trials let people gain knowledge about themselves and their health, as well as the opportunity to assist others. Learn more about clinical trials and locate one that's right for you by going to the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It is crucial that a person with ADHD work with their doctor to treat the symptoms. The use of medication is one method to manage ADHD and there are a variety of different kinds of drugs available. You may need to test various dosages and medications before you discover the right one for you. A therapist can help understand your condition and learn to better cope with its effects. They can also help you learn techniques to improve your self-management skills, organization and attention.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD find themselves constantly behind at work, in school and in their relationships. Even the most forgiving colleagues, friends, and partners can be unhappy with their actions. They might forget appointments or deadlines and make impulsive decisions.
Therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD become more organized as well as develop coping skills to improve their quality of life. They can learn to identify and change their problematic behaviors by rewarding themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire after answering emails. One-on-one cognitive therapy can be beneficial too and can help to transform negative situations into more positive ones. For example therapy can help people suffering from ADHD recognize that their impulsivity does not a sign of bad character; it's a natural response to high levels of stimulation in the brain.
A therapist can teach them coping techniques to manage anxiety and depression. People with ADHD have a higher risk of depression and anxiety. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy, group support networks and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a program called Access to Work, which aids in the payment of workplace accommodations, including 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 talking to and who inspires you after a session, and who is knowledgeable about the type of therapy you're interested in. Ask your doctor for recommendations if seeking a psychosocial therapist. Children psychiatrists, specifically have a thorough understanding of the treatment for ADHD and can recommend a specialist.
Support
People with ADHD may experience symptoms that are so disruptive, they require evaluation by a doctor. The evaluation involves a discussion about the person's life, from childhood to the present, and how their symptoms impact school, work relationships, and other aspects of daily living. It is essential that those with ADHD open up honestly, without shame or fear of being judged.
read review provides clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria medical professionals review during the assessment.
When meeting with the healthcare professional to conduct an evaluation, it's beneficial to bring any records that may shed light on symptoms like old report cards and notes from parents or friends. The person who conducts the exam will likely ask about the family history of the patient and life, and conduct a physical exam as well as some psychological tests.
It's important to remember that just because someone is afflicted with inattention or impulsivity, it does not mean they don't have the appropriate abilities for their job or other tasks. For instance, an ADHD person could be extremely creative and productive in many ways, from writing stories to painting to designing things.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can bring up many complicated emotions, from guilt about past mistakes to relief that they now understand why they've been struggling for so long. "There's lots of grieving work to be done, but once all the pieces are in place and people have a specific explanation, they can really get going," Matlen says.
People suffering from ADHD are often misunderstood and mistreated by their colleagues, friends, and family. They may struggle to stay focused in meetings or conversations and are easily distracted by video games or social media. Certain people with ADHD might even be told they're inactive or over-focused.
Supporting read review with ADHD can help them get control of their symptoms at home and at work. They can utilize strategies and tools to improve their organization, like daily planners or apps for smartphones and also seek out treatment options from a behavioral therapist who is skilled in ADHD. Treatments may also include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, and 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 that allows people who are shorter to reach higher shelves or other surfaces.