Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many people, the symptoms of ADHD persist throughout their lives. As adults, these signs can have significant effects on work and family.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms you experience must have been present since the early years of your life (technically before age 12). The evaluator will look over your medical and personal history.
You may also want to talk to your partner, friends or coworkers. This can help them see your problems from different angles.
Diagnosis
Like children who are diagnosed adults, those with ADHD must meet certain criteria to be considered for diagnosis. The symptoms have to be present for a minimum of two years and cause serious problems with everyday functioning. This problem may be caused by work, school, relationships, or daily activities. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. The symptoms that are mild do not interfere with daily functioning and are often misdiagnosed as other disorders like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause small disruptions in social or work interactions. Severe symptoms can make it difficult to maintain relationships or keep an employment.
ADHD sufferers can get to a point where they're not able to cope with the demands of everyday life. They might become unorganized or make a few erroneous mistakes. They could also be hyperactive and impulsive which can cause them to be unable to meet goals and responsibilities. They may have trouble remembering things and are often unable to remember what they've been told.
If you're having trouble in your daily life and suspect you have ADHD and need help, request the referral to an individual who is a mental health professional or specialist. Your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist or another specialist who can conduct an assessment. You could ask a therapist or a family member you know to recommend someone with expertise in ADHD evaluations.
A health professional or psychologist may want to examine your medical history, conduct physical examination, and discuss your current problems with you. adult adhd diagnoses will also ask about your experiences dealing with ADHD as a kid. They will also want to talk to your spouse and other people that are important to you, like your parents or your 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 are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will need to apply for special authority approval before prescribing medication. New Zealand law requires that people suffering from ADHD undergo an additional procedure to receive a medication. The psychiatrist will also collaborate with you and your GP to ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Medications can be an effective treatment for adults with ADHD however they're not the only option. Other therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy or lifestyle changes can also prove beneficial. NIMH recommends talking to your healthcare provider to learn more about the options available to you.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your childhood, and the way you live your life today, and will conduct a physical exam and psychological tests. (These are not usually required). The evaluator could also ask to talk to your spouse or family members, or other people who know you to get an outside perspective on how your behavior affects your life.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD is based on whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. They should 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 means that your symptoms can't be explained by another mental disorder or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH recommends that you talk with your doctor about the options available to you. This includes behavioral strategies and medication. Many primary care providers regularly assess and treat ADHD among children. Adults who suspect that they might be suffering from the condition should seek referral to an expert.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can trigger side effects like stomach problems as well as depression, anxiety, and stomach problems. They also can increase your blood pressure and heart rate. Some people develop tics, which are rapid repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinks or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD also have difficulty sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends speaking with your health-care professional regarding any concerns you may have about the side effects of medication or about possible clinical trials that might be suitable for your needs. Clinical trials are research studies that test new ways to prevent, detect or treat diseases and conditions. Clinical trials help people discover more about themselves and their health and also the chance to help others. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to find out more about clinical trials and select one that is right for you.
Therapy
It's important that an adult with ADHD collaborate with their physician to treat the symptoms. Medication is one way to treat ADHD, and there are many different types of pills available. It is possible to test different dosages and medications 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 strategies to improve your self-management skills, focus and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are constantly lagging in school, at work and in their relationships. Their behaviors can strain the patience of the most tolerant coworkers as well as friends and partners. They might forget appointments or deadlines and make impulsive decisions.
Therapy can help adults with ADHD become more organized, learn coping skills and improve their lives. They can be taught to recognize and modify their problematic behaviors by rewarding themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire after answering emails. One-on-one cognitive behavior therapy can also be helpful and help turn negative experiences into positive ones. For instance a therapist can assist adults suffering from ADHD realize that their impulsivity does not a sign of bad character; it's an inherent response to intense levels of stimulation in the brain.
People with ADHD are more prone for depression and anxiety and a therapist could teach them strategies for coping to manage these issues. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy and group support networks and classes that concentrate on conflict resolution and communication skills. For those who are employed by the Department of Work and Pensions offers a program called Access to Work that helps with workplace accommodations for people who have disabilities, such as ADHD.
Be cautious when selecting an therapy provider. Not all are the same. Look for someone you feel comfortable talking to, who makes you feel empowered after a session, and who has experience in the kind of therapy you're interested in. Ask your doctor for recommendations if you are seeking psychosocial therapist. Children psychiatrists, specifically are well-informed of the treatment options for ADHD and can recommend a specialist.
Support
For people who suffer from ADHD the symptoms could be so disruptive that they need to visit a doctor to be evaluated. This evaluation involves a conversation with the patient about their experiences from childhood to the present and how the symptoms affect school and work as well as relationships and other aspects of everyday living. It's important that people with ADHD speak up candidly, without shame or fear of criticism.
adult adhd diagnoses 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 assessment.
When you visit the healthcare professional for an evaluation, it's helpful to bring any documents that could help identify the cause of the symptoms such as old reports and notes from parents or friends. The person conducting the evaluation will likely inquire about the person's family history and life, and conduct a physical exam and some psychological tests.
It's important to remember that just because someone is afflicted with inattention or impulsivity, it does not mean they don't have the necessary abilities for their job or other activities. For example an ADHD person may be imaginative and productive in a variety ways, from writing stories to painting to designing things.
If adults are diagnosed with ADHD, they can experience a range of emotions. They might feel guilty about past mistakes or relieved that they finally know the reason they struggled. "There's a lot of grief work to be done however once all the pieces are in place and people have that clear explanation, they truly take off," Matlen says.
People suffering from ADHD are often misunderstood by their coworkers as well as their friends and family. They may have trouble staying focused in conversations or meetings and are at risk of distractions from social media and video games. Certain people who suffer from ADHD may even be told that they are lazy or attention-seeking.
Being a supporter for someone with ADHD can help that person get control of their symptoms at home and work. They can employ tools and strategies to improve their organization, such as daily planners and smartphone apps and can also seek treatment options from a behavioral specialist who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments may include psychotherapy or talk therapy as in addition to accommodations, such as devices or changes to the environment of a person that will help them better manage their condition. For instance, an accommodation might be a step stool for a shorter person to reach higher shelves or other surfaces.