Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many, the symptoms of ADHD persist throughout their lives. 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 early years of your life (technically, before the age of 12). Your evaluator evaluates your medical and personal history.
They may also talk with your spouse or your friends, colleagues and partners. This lets them see your problems from a different angle.
Diagnosis
As with diagnosing children adults with ADHD must meet specific criteria to receive a diagnosis. The symptoms have to be present for at least two years and cause serious difficulties with daily functioning. This issue could be related to school, relationships, work or other daily activities. Individuals may experience mild moderate, severe, or mild ADHD symptoms. The symptoms that are mild do not interfere with everyday functioning and are often mistakenly interpreted as other disorders like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms cause minor disruptions in social or work-related interactions. The severity of the symptoms makes it difficult to hold the job or maintain relationships.
People with ADHD can experience an extreme point at which they find it difficult to cope with life with its usual demands. They might become unorganized or make mistakes that are not their fault. They could also be hyperactive or impulsive and have difficulty fulfilling their goals and responsibility. They may have difficulty remembering things and often forget what they've been taught.
Request referral if you're struggling with your daily life and suspect you be suffering from ADHD. Your GP may refer you to a psychiatrist or other professional who can do an assessment. You can also ask a therapist you know or a family member to recommend someone who has experience with ADHD evaluations.
A psychologist or health care professional will review your medical history and perform an examination. They'll also discuss your current concerns with you. They'll likely ask about your experiences having ADHD as a child too. They'll want to speak to the person you live with and any other important people in your life, including 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 will require an authority's approval prior to prescribing medication. New Zealand law requires that people with ADHD take an additional step to receive medication. The psychiatrist will also work with you and your GP to ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from medication however, it's not the only option. Other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy or lifestyle changes can also prove beneficial. NIMH suggests talking with your physician to find out more about the options available to you.
Your healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood and how your life is today, and will conduct an examination of your body and psychological tests. (These aren't typically required). The evaluator could also ask to speak to your spouse or family members, or other people who know you, to gain a different perspective on how your behavior affects your life.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD is based on whether your symptoms are mild or moderate. They must be present for a minimum of six months and must be interfering with two major areas of your life, like work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This includes that your symptoms can't be explained by another mental disorder or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH suggests talking to your doctor about options. This includes strategies for managing behavior and medication. A majority of primary care physicians regularly assess and treat ADHD in children. Adults who suspect they may have the disorder should seek a referral to an expert.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can cause side effects like stomach problems, anxiety, and depression. They also can increase the heart rate and blood pressure. Certain people develop tics, sudden, repetitive movements, or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD also have trouble sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests talking with your health care professional about any concerns you have regarding the adverse effects of medication or about possible clinical trials that could be suitable for your needs. Clinical trials are research studies which test new methods to identify, prevent or treat illnesses. Clinical trials let people discover more about their health and themselves as well as the chance to help others. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to learn more about clinical trials and choose the one that is suitable for you.
Therapy
If you are an adult with ADHD, it's important to work with a doctor to treat the symptoms. There are a variety of medication available to treat ADHD. You may need to try several medications and dosages to determine which one works best for you. A therapist can help you in understanding your health condition and how to deal better with its effects. They can also instruct you on techniques to improve your self-management skills, attention and organization.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD find themselves constantly behind at work, in school and in their relationships. Their actions can test the patience of even the most tolerant coworkers or friends. They might find themselves forgetting appointments or ignoring deadlines, and making decisions based on impulsivity that don't always turn out well.
In addition to medication therapy can also assist adults suffering from ADHD become more organized, create coping strategies and improve their lives. adhd in adults undiagnosed can learn to recognize and change their problematic behaviors, such as rewarding themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire after responding to emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is done in a one-on-one setting, can be extremely beneficial. It can help reframe negative situations in a more positive way. A therapist can help people with ADHD understand that their impulsivity does not suggest a negative character. It's normal to experience high levels in the brain.
A therapist can help them learn strategies to deal with anxiety and depression. People with ADHD have a higher risk of depression and anxiety. Other psychosocial treatments can include family therapy as well as group support networks. classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a service called Access to Work, which aids in the payment of workplace accommodations, such as ADHD for those who are employed.
You should be careful when choosing the right counselor. Not all are alike. You should pick a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and who is able to empower you following a session, and who is knowledgeable about the kind of therapy you're interested in. Ask your doctor for recommendations if looking for psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists are particularly well-versed in ADHD treatment and are able to recommend you.
Support
For people who suffer from ADHD, their symptoms may be so disruptive that they need to see a doctor to be evaluated. This evaluation involves a conversation with the patient about their lives from childhood to present and how their symptoms impact work and school, relationships, and other aspects of life. It's important that people with ADHD open up honestly, without shame or fear of criticism.
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 review during the assessment.
It is essential to bring any documents that could help you understand your symptoms when you meet with medical professionals. This includes old report cards or notes from family members or parents. The person who is conducting the exam will likely inquire about the patient's family and life history, and conduct a physical exam and psychological tests.
It's important to remember that just because someone displays inattention and impulsivity doesn't mean that they don't have the necessary skills for their job or other tasks. A ADHD person, for instance can be productive and creative in many different ways, including writing stories, painting, or creating things.
If adults are diagnosed with ADHD, they can be afflicted with a variety of emotions. They may feel guilty about previous mistakes or be relieved they understand why they've struggled. "There is a lot to be done in the area of grief work, but when people have a clear explanation and all the pieces are in place, they really take off," Matlen explains.
Individuals with ADHD often feel misunderstood by their coworkers or friends and family. They may have trouble staying focused during meetings or conversations and may be distracted by video games or social media. A few people who suffer from ADHD are told they're lazy or attention-seeking.
Supporting someone with ADHD can help that person gain control of their symptoms at home and work. They can utilize strategies and tools to improve their organization, like daily planners or apps for smartphones and also seek treatment options from a behavioral therapist who is skilled in ADHD. Treatments can include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, and accommodations or modifications in a person's surroundings that assist them in managing their condition. For instance an accommodation could be a step stool for someone who is shorter to access higher shelves or other surfaces.