Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many people, the signs of ADHD continue throughout their life. As adults, these symptoms can have significant effects on family and work.
To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must have started in the early years of your life (technically before age 12). Your evaluator evaluates your medical and personal background.
You might also want to speak with your friends, family members or coworkers. This can help them understand your issues from different perspectives.
Diagnosis
In the same way as diagnosing children, adults who have ADHD must meet specific criteria to be considered for diagnosis. The symptoms must have been present for at least two years and have caused significant problems in everyday functioning. This issue could be related to school, work or relationships, or even daily activities. People may have mild or moderate ADHD symptoms. Mild symptoms do not affect daily functioning and are often confused with other disorders, like depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to social or work interactions. The severity of the symptoms makes it difficult to keep the job or maintain relationships.
People who have ADHD might reach a point where they can no longer manage life with its usual demands. They may lose their focus or make mistakes that are not their fault. They could also be impulsive and hyperactive and be unable to meet objectives and responsibilities. They might have trouble remembering things and are often unable to remember what they've been taught.
If you're struggling in your everyday life and think you might have ADHD, ask for an appointment with a mental health provider or specialist. Your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist or other professional who can do an assessment. You can ask a therapist or a friend you have to recommend a person with expertise in ADHD assessments.
A health care provider or psychologist may want to review your medical history, conduct physical examination, and discuss your current problems with you. They'll likely ask about your experiences having ADHD as a child as well. They'll want to speak to the person you live with as well as any 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're diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will need to apply for an authority's approval prior to 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 make sure that the medication works.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from medication however it's not the only option. Other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy or lifestyle modifications can also be helpful. NIMH recommends speaking with your physician to find out more about your options.
To diagnose adult ADHD, your healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood and current life, as well as conducting a physical examination and psychological test (these aren't required in most cases). Your evaluator might also ask you to speak with your spouse or family members, or any other family members who know you to gain an outside view on how your behaviors affect your life.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD is determined by whether your symptoms are mild or moderate. The symptoms must last at minimum six months, and they must interfere with your relationships and work. You must also meet diagnostic criteria, including that your symptoms aren't explained by a mental health issue or substance use disorder.
NIMH suggests that you speak with your doctor about options. This includes strategies for managing behavior and medications. A lot of primary care doctors regularly evaluate and treat ADHD in children however adults who suspect they may have ADHD should request the referral to an expert in mental health.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can cause adverse effects such as stomach issues, anxiety, and depression. They can also raise your heart rate and blood pressure. Some people experience tics, which are sudden repetitive actions or sounds such as eye blinks or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD are unable to sleep when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends speaking with your doctor about any concerns you might have about the side effects of medication or potential clinical trials that may be appropriate for you. Clinical trials are research studies which test new methods to identify, prevent or treat illnesses. Clinical trials help people learn more about themselves and their health and also the opportunity to help others. You can learn more about clinical trials and find the one that is right for you by visiting the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It is essential that adults with ADHD consult with their doctor 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 can find the best one for you. A therapist can help understand your condition and learn how to better manage its effects. They can also instruct you on techniques to improve your self-management, organization and attention.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD often feel that they're always falling behind at school, at work and in their relationships. Even the most accommodating colleagues, friends, and partners can be frustrated by their behaviors. They might be prone to forgetting appointments or missing deadlines and making impulsive decisions which don't always work out well.
Therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD become more organized, learn coping skills and improve their quality-of-life. They can learn to recognize and modify their problematic behaviors by rewarding themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire following the answer to emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is done one-on-one, is extremely helpful. It can assist in reframe negative situations in a more positive way. 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 more at risk for depression and anxiety A therapist may teach them coping strategies to manage these issues. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy as well as support groups for groups and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a program called Access to Work, which assists in paying for workplace accommodations, such as ADHD, for individuals who are employed.
It's important to remember that not all therapists are the same, and you should choose carefully. Find adhd diagnosis uk adult who you can trust, who makes you feel empowered after a session and who has an expertise in the type of therapy you're interested in. For adhd diagnosis in adult , if you're searching for a therapist who employs psychosocial methods consult your psychiatrist to suggest someone. Child psychiatrists are adept at ADHD treatment and are able to provide you with recommendations.
Support
For individuals with ADHD the symptoms could be such that they require to see a physician for an evaluation. The evaluation is a discussion about the person's life from childhood to present and how their conditions affect work, school, relationships and other aspects of everyday life. It is essential that those with ADHD speak up without fear of ridicule or shame.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD in adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria medical professionals will look over when evaluating.
When you visit medical professionals for an evaluation, it's helpful to bring any documents that could help identify the cause of the symptoms like old reports and notes from parents or friends. The person conducting the evaluation will likely inquire about the individual's life and family history, and perform a physical examination and a few psychological tests.
It's important to remember that just because someone has impulsivity and inattention does not mean they don't have the appropriate abilities for their job or other pursuits. For example an ADHD person can be very creative and productive in a variety of ways, from writing stories to painting and even designing things.
When adults are diagnosed with ADHD, they can feel a variety of emotions. They may 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 are in place, they really take off," Matlen explains.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood by coworkers as well as their friends and family. They may have trouble staying focused in conversations or meetings and they may be susceptible to distractions such as video games and social media. Some people with ADHD are told that they're lazy or apathetic.
Supporting someone with ADHD can assist them to manage their symptoms at home as well as at work. They can utilize strategies and tools to improve their organization, such as daily planners or smartphone apps and also seek out treatment options from a behavioral expert who is skilled in ADHD. Treatments may include psychotherapy or talk therapy, as well as accommodations, such tools or modifications to a person's surroundings that can help them better manage their condition. An accommodation could be an adjustable stool that helps those who are smaller to climb higher shelves or reach for higher surfaces.