Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many people, the symptoms of ADHD persist throughout their lives. As adults, these issues can have significant impacts on work and family.
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD, your symptoms must have started in childhood (technically before the age of 12). The evaluator will review your medical and personal background.
They may also talk to your spouse or your friends, colleagues and partners. This can help them understand your challenges from other perspectives.
Diagnosis
Adults suffering from ADHD must also meet certain criteria in order to be diagnosed. The symptoms must be present for a minimum of two years and cause significant difficulties with daily functioning. This issue could be related to work, school or relationships, or even daily activities. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Mild symptoms don't interfere with normal functioning and are often mistaken for other conditions, like depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms cause small disruptions in social or work-related interactions. The severity of the symptoms can make it difficult to maintain relationships or keep a job.
People who have ADHD may reach an extreme point at which they find it difficult to cope with life's demands. They may lose their focus or make mistakes that are not their fault. They can also be impulsive or hyperactive, leading to trouble accomplishing goals and fulfilling obligations. They may have difficulty remembering details or forgetting the things they were taught.
Ask for a referral if you are struggling with your daily life and suspect you have ADHD. Your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist or another specialist who can conduct an assessment. You can ask a therapist or a friend you have to recommend someone with expertise in ADHD evaluations.
A health care provider or psychologist will want to review your medical history, conduct an examination of your body and discuss your current concerns with you. They'll likely inquire about your experiences having ADHD as a child, as well. They'll want to speak to the person you live with as well as 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 are diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist must apply for special authority approval before prescribing medication. This is a step that New Zealand regulations require for people with ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will also collaborate with you and your GP to help ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Medical treatments can be a beneficial treatment for adults with ADHD but they're not the only option. Other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy or lifestyle modifications can also prove beneficial. NIMH recommends speaking to your doctor to learn more about your options.
To determine if you have ADHD the healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood as well as your current life, as well as a physical exam and psychological test (these aren't usually needed). Your evaluator may also ask you to talk to your partner, family members, or any other close to you in order to get an outsider's view of your behavior.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD depends on whether your symptoms are mild or severe. The symptoms must last for at minimum six months and cause disruption with your relationships and work. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This includes that your symptoms can't be explained by another mental illness or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH suggests that you speak to your doctor about the options available to you. This includes behavioral strategies and medication. A majority of primary care physicians regularly evaluate and treat ADHD in children. Adults who suspect they may have the disorder should seek a referral to a specialist.
Stimulants, which are the drugs used to treat ADHD for adults, can cause adverse side effects like stomach problems, or increased anxiety and depression. They also can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Some people experience tics, which are sudden repeated movements or sounds that resemble eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD also have difficulty sleeping while taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests talking with your doctor about any concerns you might have regarding the potential side effects of medications or about possible clinical trials that might be appropriate for you. Clinical trials are research studies which test new methods to identify, prevent or treat illnesses. People who participate in clinical trials can gain knowledge about their own health and may have the opportunity to help other people. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to find out more about clinical trials and select one that is right for you.
Therapy
If you are an adult with ADHD it is essential to work with a doctor to treat the symptoms. The use of medication is one method to manage it and there are different kinds of drugs available. You may need to test various dosages and medications before you can find the best one for you. A therapist can help comprehend your condition and to better cope with its effects. They can also instruct you on techniques to improve your self-management, focus and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are constantly lagging in school, at work and in their relationships. Even the most tolerant colleagues, friends, and partners can be unhappy with their actions. They might be prone to forgetting appointments or ignoring deadlines, and making impulsive choices that don't always turn out well.
Alongside medication, therapy can assist adults suffering from ADHD become more organized, create coping strategies and improve their quality of life. They can learn to recognize and change their problematic behaviors, such as using rewards to motivate themselves or playing computer solitaire after responding to emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is carried out one-on-one, can be very beneficial. It can help change negative situations into an optimistic way. A therapist can assist adults with ADHD recognize that their impulsivity does not necessarily indicate a bad character. It's an normal response to high levels of brain activity.
A therapist can teach them coping techniques to manage depression and anxiety. People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be at risk of depression and anxiety. Other psychosocial treatments can include family therapy, group support networks and classes that focus on communication skills and conflict resolution. For adult diagnosis of adhd employed, the Department of Work and Pensions can offer a service called Access to Work that helps to pay for workplace accommodations for people who have disabilities, such as ADHD.
Be cautious when choosing the right therapy provider. They aren't all alike. Look for someone you feel comfortable talking to and who inspires you after a session and is knowledgeable about the type of therapy you're interested in. For instance, if your goal is to search for a therapist who employs psychosocial methods, ask your psychiatrist to recommend someone. Child psychiatrists are adept at ADHD treatment and can refer you.
Support
For individuals who suffer from ADHD the symptoms could be such that they require to visit a doctor to be evaluated. The evaluation involves a discussion about the person's personal life, from childhood to present, and how their symptoms affect school, work relationships, and other aspects of daily living. It is crucial that people suffering from 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 in adults. These are the criteria medical professionals review during the evaluation.
When meeting with medical professionals for an assessment, it's helpful to bring any documentation that might shed light on symptoms like old report cards and notes from parents or friends. The person who is conducting the exam will likely inquire about the patient's family and life history, and perform a physical examination and psychological tests.
It's important to remember that just because someone displays inattention or impulsivity, it doesn't mean that they don't have the right abilities for their job or other pursuits. An ADHD person, for instance, can be productive and creative in many ways, like writing stories, painting, or designing things.
When people are diagnosed as having ADHD, they can feel a variety of emotions. They may feel guilt-ridden about previous mistakes or be relieved they now know the reason they struggled. "There's a lot of grief work to be done, but once all the pieces are in place and people have a clear explanation, they truly begin to take off," Matlen says.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood by their coworkers or friends and family. They may have trouble staying focused during meetings or conversations and are easily distracted by video games and social media. Certain people with ADHD are told that they're lazy or apathetic.
Helping someone suffering from ADHD can help that person manage their symptoms at home and work. They can utilize tools to improve their organization like smartphone apps or daily planners, and they can seek treatment options from a behavioral expert who specializes in ADHD. Treatments can include psychotherapy or talk therapy as also accommodations, like devices or changes to the way a person's environment is designed that can help them better manage their condition. For example an accommodation could be a step stool that allows someone who is shorter to access higher shelves or other surfaces.