Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can last throughout the course of a person's life. As adults, these symptoms can have significant effects on work and family.
For a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have been evident since the beginning of your childhood (technically, before the age of 12). Your evaluator will review your medical and personal history.
You might also want to talk to your partner, friends or coworkers. This helps them to see your challenges from other perspectives.
Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD must also meet certain criteria to be diagnosed. The symptoms must be present for a minimum of two years and cause significant difficulties with daily functioning. The problem could be related to school or relationships, work, or everyday activities. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild symptoms don't interfere with everyday functioning and are often confused with other conditions, like depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to work or social interactions. Severe symptoms can make it difficult to maintain relationships or hold the job.
ADHD sufferers can hit a tipping point when they're unable to handle the demands of everyday life. They might become unorganized or make a few erroneous mistakes. They may also be impulsive and hyperactive and be unable to meet objectives and responsibilities. They may have difficulty recalling information or forgetting what they were taught.
Get a referral if you are having trouble with your daily routine and think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP could refer you to a psychiatrist or any other specialist who can conduct an assessment. You could also request a therapist you are familiar with or a family member to suggest someone with experience in ADHD assessments.
A doctor or psychologist may want to review your medical history, take physical examination, and discuss your current concerns with you. They'll likely inquire about your experiences with ADHD as a child as well. They'll likely want to talk to the person you live with as well as other important people in your life, as well, like 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 your doctor will require an authority's approval prior to prescribing medication. New Zealand law requires that those suffering from ADHD must take a second step to be prescribed medication. The psychiatrist will collaborate with your GP and you to ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
The use of medication can be a successful treatment for adults with ADHD but they're not the only option. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications, can also help. NIMH suggests talking to your doctor to learn more about your options.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your childhood, and how your life is currently, and conduct a physical exam and psychological test. (These aren't typically required). Your evaluator might also ask you to talk to your family or partner or any other family members who know you to get an outside perspective on how your behavior affects your life.
The severity of your symptoms will determine if you suffer from adult ADHD. They have to be present for a minimum of six months and must be interfering with two major areas of your life, like your 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 suggests that you speak with your doctor about your options. This includes behavioral strategies and medications. A majority of primary care physicians regularly assess and treat ADHD in children. Adults who suspect they might have the condition should seek referral to a specialist.
Stimulants, the medications that treat ADHD in adults, can cause adverse side effects like stomach issues or an increase in depression and anxiety. They can also raise your heart rate and blood pressure. Some people experience tics, which are rapid repeated movements or sounds that resemble eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD have difficulty sleeping when they are taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests talking with your health care professional about any concerns you have regarding the potential side effects of medication or potential clinical trials that may be suitable for your needs. Clinical trials are research studies that look at new methods to prevent, detect, or treat conditions and diseases. People who participate in clinical trials can learn more about their personal health and may be able to assist other people. Learn more about clinical trials and find the right one for you by visiting the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It is essential that adults with ADHD collaborate with their physician to manage the symptoms. Medication is one way to manage it, and there are many different kinds of medications available. It is possible to test various dosages and medications to determine which is most effective for you. A therapist can help you understand your condition and learn to better cope with its effects. They can also teach methods to improve your self-management skills, attention and organization.
Adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD often feel that they are constantly falling behind in work, school and in their relationships. Even the most accommodating friends, colleagues and partners can become annoyed by their behavior. They might be prone to forgetting appointments or missing deadlines and making impulsive choices which don't always work out well.
Alongside medication, therapy can assist adults suffering from ADHD organize themselves, develop coping strategies and improve their lives. They can learn to identify and change bad habits, like rewarding themselves for motivation or playing computer solitaire to unwind after completing emails. One-on-one cognitive behavioral therapy can be beneficial too and help turn negative situations into positive ones. Therapists can help adults who have ADHD to understand that their impulsivity does not suggest a negative character. It's normal to experience high levels of brain activity.
People with ADHD are more at risk for depression and anxiety A therapist may also teach them coping skills to manage these issues. Other psychosocial treatments could include family therapy as well as group support networks. classes that focus on communication skills and conflict resolution. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a program called Access to Work, which assists in paying for workplace accommodations, including ADHD for those who are employed.
Be careful when choosing the right therapist. They aren't all the same. Find someone who you feel comfortable speaking with and who inspires you after a session and has an expertise in the type of therapy that you're interested in. Ask your psychiatrist for recommendations if you are seeking a psychosocial therapist. Children psychiatrists, specifically, have a good understanding of the treatment for ADHD and can refer you to an expert.
Support
Individuals suffering from ADHD might experience symptoms that are so disruptive that they require evaluation by a doctor. This evaluation involves having a conversation with the patient about their life from childhood to the present and how their symptoms impact work and school, relationships, and other aspects of life. It is essential that those with ADHD speak up candidly, without shame or fear of criticism.
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 that medical professionals will look over during the evaluation.
It is essential to bring any documents that could provide insight into your condition when you visit medical professionals. This includes old report cards or notes from friends or parents. The person conducting the evaluation will likely inquire about the person's family history and life, and conduct a physical examination and some psychological tests.
It's important to remember that just because someone has impulsivity and inattention does not mean they don't have the necessary skills for their job or other tasks. For instance, an ADHD person can be very creative and productive in a variety of ways from writing stories to painting to designing things.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can trigger many complicated emotions, from guilt about past mistakes to relief that they finally understand why they've had to struggle so much. "There's a lot of grief work that needs to happen, but when all the pieces are in place and people have that specific explanation, they can really begin to take off," Matlen says.
adhd diagnosis in adults with ADHD are often misunderstood by coworkers, friends, and family. They may struggle to stay focused in conversations or meetings, and they can be at risk of distractions from video games and social media. A few people who suffer from ADHD are told they're lazy or attention-seeking.
Supporting a loved one with ADHD can assist them in gaining control over their symptoms at home and at work. They can make use of tools to improve their organization like apps for smartphones or daily planners, and they can seek solutions from a behavioral specialist who specializes in ADHD. Treatments can include psychotherapy or talk therapy, as also accommodations, like tools or changes to the way a person's environment is designed which will assist them to better manage the condition. For instance an accommodation could be a step stool to allow a shorter person to reach higher shelves or other surfaces.