Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can last throughout a person's life. As adults, these symptoms can have significant impacts on family and work.
To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must have been evident since the beginning of your childhood (technically, before the age of 12). Your evaluator will go over your medical and personal history.
You may also want to talk to your partner, friends or colleagues. This lets them see your problems from a different point of view.
Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD must also meet certain criteria to be diagnosed. The symptoms have to be present for a minimum of two years and cause major difficulties with daily functioning. This problem can be related to school or work, relationships or daily activities. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. The symptoms aren't affecting everyday functioning and are often mistaken for other conditions, like depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms can cause small disruptions in social or work interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to maintain relationships or keep an employment.
ADHD sufferers can reach a tipping-point when they're unable to handle the demands of daily life. They might become disorganized and make careless mistakes. They may also be impulsive and hyperactive and struggle to meet goals and obligations. They may have trouble remembering details or forgetting what they have been told.
Request an appointment if you're struggling with your day-to-day life and think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP could refer you to a psychiatrist or other specialist who can conduct an assessment. You may also consult a therapist that you know or someone from your family to recommend someone who has experience with ADHD evaluations.
A doctor or psychologist may want to examine your medical history, perform an examination of your body and discuss your current problems with you. They will also ask about your experience with ADHD as a kid. They'll also want to talk to your spouse and any other people who are important in your life 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 additional step that New Zealand regulations require for those with ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will also work with you and your GP to ensure that the medication works.
Medication
The use of medication can be a successful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD however they're not the only option. Other therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes can also aid. NIMH recommends speaking to your doctor to learn more about your options.
To determine whether you suffer from adult ADHD, your healthcare professional will conduct an interview with you about your childhood and your current life, as well as a physical exam and psychological test (these aren't typically required). Your evaluator might also ask you to speak to your family, friends, members or other people close to you to gain a different perspective on your behavior.
The severity of your symptoms will determine whether you suffer from adult ADHD. The symptoms must last for at minimum six months, and they must interfere with your work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This includes that your symptoms are not caused by a mental illness or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH suggests talking with your health-care provider about your options, including medications and strategies for managing behavior. A lot of primary care doctors regularly examine and treat ADHD in children. Adults who suspect that they might have the condition should seek a referral to a specialist.
Stimulants, the drugs that treat ADHD for adults, can cause side effects such as stomach issues or an increase in depression and anxiety. They also can increase the heart rate and blood pressure. Some people experience tics, which are rapid repetitive movements or sounds that resemble eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD also have trouble sleeping while taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends speaking with your health-care professional about any concerns you have regarding the potential side effects of medications or about possible clinical trials that might be suitable for your needs. Clinical trials are research studies that test new methods for detecting, preventing or treat diseases. Clinical trials let people gain knowledge about themselves and their health, as well as the opportunity to assist others. You can learn more about clinical trials and locate the one that is right for you by going to the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It's important that an adult with ADHD collaborate with their physician to manage their symptoms. There are many types of medications available to treat ADHD. You may have to try various dosages and medications before you find the right one for you. A therapist can aid you in understanding your condition and learning to cope better with its effects. They can also teach you techniques to improve your focus, self-management, and organization.
Adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD often feel that they're constantly being behind in school, at work and in their relationships. Their actions can test the patience of the most tolerant coworkers, friends and partners. They might find themselves forgetting appointments or missing deadlines, and making decisions based on impulsivity which don't always work out well.
In addition to medications therapy can also aid adults with ADHD become more organized, create strategies for dealing with the disorder and improve their lives. They can learn to recognize and alter their bad habits, such as using rewards to motivate themselves or playing computer solitaire after answering emails. One-on-one cognitive behavior therapy can be beneficial too and help turn negative situations into positive ones. A therapist can assist adults with ADHD recognize that their impulsivity doesn't necessarily indicate a bad character. It's normal to experience high levels in the brain.
A therapist can teach them ways to cope with anxiety and depression. People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be at chance of developing depression and anxiety. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy and group support networks and classes that are focused on the ability to resolve conflicts and improve communication. The Department of Work and Pensions provides a service known as Access to Work, which helps pay for workplace accommodations, such as ADHD, for individuals who are employed.
It's important to remember that not all therapists are created equal, and you should choose carefully. Find someone who you feel comfortable talking to, who makes you feel empowered after a session and is knowledgeable about the kind of therapy you're interested in. Ask your doctor for recommendations if you're seeking a psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists are knowledgeable about ADHD treatment and can provide you with recommendations.
Support
Individuals suffering from ADHD may experience symptoms that are so disruptive, they need to be evaluated by a doctor. The evaluation involves a discussion about the person's personal life, from childhood to present and how their conditions affect school, work relationships, and other aspects of everyday life. It is essential that those with ADHD are honest about their experiences without fear or shame of being judged.
The American Psychiatric Association 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 that medical professionals will look over during the evaluation.
It's important to bring along any documents that can provide insight into your condition during your visit to an expert in healthcare. This could include old report cards or notes from your friends or parents. The person who conducts the exam will likely ask about the person's family background and lifestyle, and will also conduct a physical exam and some psychological tests.
It is important to keep in mind that just because someone is afflicted with impulsivity and inattention does not mean they don't have the appropriate skills for their job or other tasks. For example an ADHD person could be extremely imaginative and productive in a variety ways, from writing stories to drawing to creating things.
When people are diagnosed as having ADHD and are diagnosed with it, they may experience a range of emotions. They may feel guilty about past mistakes or relieved that they finally know why they have struggled. "There's a lot of grief work that needs to happen, but when all the pieces are in place and people have a concrete explanation, they really get going," Matlen says.
Individuals with ADHD often feel misunderstood by colleagues or family members and friends. Iampsychiatry might have difficulty staying focused during meetings or conversations and are at risk of distractions from video games and social media. People with ADHD may even be told they're lazy or attention-seeking.
Helping someone suffering from ADHD can help that person manage their symptoms at home as well as at work. They can make use of tools to improve their organization such as smartphone apps or daily planners, and they can seek out treatment options from a behavioral professional who specializes in ADHD. Treatments may also include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, and accommodations or modifications in a person's environment that aid in managing their condition. A possible accommodation is a step stool to help those who are smaller to climb higher shelves or reach for higher surfaces.