Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can be persistent throughout the course of a person's life. These symptoms can have a major impact on family and work as adults.
For a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have been evident since childhood (technically, before the age of 12). The evaluator will look over your medical and personal background.
You might also want to speak with your friends, partners or coworkers. This lets them see your problems from a different angle.
Diagnosis
Like children who are diagnosed adults with ADHD must meet certain criteria to receive a diagnosis. The symptoms should have been present for at least 2 years and have caused significant difficulties in the way they function. The problem could be related to school, work or relationships, or even everyday activities. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Mild symptoms don't interfere with everyday functioning and are often mistaken for other disorders, like depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms cause minor disruptions in social or work-related interactions. Severe symptoms make it difficult to keep jobs or maintain relationships.
ADHD sufferers can reach a tipping-point when they're unable to handle the demands of daily life. They may lose their focus or make mistakes that are not their fault. They may also be hyperactive and impulsive and have difficulty meeting objectives and responsibilities. They may have difficulty remembering things and are often unable to remember what they've been taught.
If you're having trouble in your daily life and think you might have ADHD you should seek an appointment with an expert in mental health or a specialist. Your GP may recommend psychiatrists, or a different professional who can conduct an assessment. You can ask a therapist or a friend you have to recommend a person with experience in ADHD evaluations.
A health care provider or psychologist will review your medical history, conduct a physical exam and discuss your current concerns with you. They'll also inquire about your experiences dealing with ADHD as a kid. They'll want to speak to the person you live with and 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're diagnosed with ADHD the psychiatrist will request special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. New Zealand law requires that those suffering from ADHD take an additional step to be prescribed medication. The psychiatrist will also work with you and your GP to help ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Medications can be an effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD however they're not the only option. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes can also be helpful. NIMH suggests talking to your healthcare provider to find out more about the options available to you.
Your healthcare professional 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 aren't usually required). The evaluator could also ask to speak to your spouse or family members, or other people who know you to get an outside perspective about how your actions impact your life.
The severity of your symptoms will determine whether you have adult ADHD. The symptoms should last for at least six months and interfere with your relationships and work. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This means that your symptoms cannot be explained by another mental disorder or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH recommends talking to your health-care provider about your options, which include medications and strategies for managing behavior. Many primary care providers regularly examine and treat ADHD in children however, adults who believe they may be suffering from ADHD should request the referral to an expert in mental health.
Stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults can cause side effects like stomach problems depression, anxiety, or stomach issues. They can also raise your heart rate and blood pressure. Certain people develop tics, sudden, repetitive movements, or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearance. Some people with ADHD have difficulty sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends that you speak with your physician regarding any concerns you might have about side effects of medications or possible clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies which test new methods for detecting, preventing or treat diseases. People who take part in clinical trials can learn more about their own health and could be able to assist other people. You can find out more about clinical trials and locate the right one for you by visiting the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
If you are an adult with ADHD, it's important to consult with a physician to manage symptoms. Medication is one way to treat it, and there are many different types of pills available. It is possible to try different medications and dosages before you find the right one for you. A therapist can help comprehend your condition and to better cope with its effects. They can also teach you techniques to improve your focus, self-management and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD feel constantly behind at work, in school and in their relationships. Their behaviors can strain the patience of the most tolerant coworkers or friends. They may forget appointments or deadlines and make impulsive choices.
In addition to medication therapy can help adults with ADHD get organized, develop strategies to cope and improve their quality of life. They can be taught to recognize and modify undesirable behaviors, such as using rewards for motivation or playing computer solitaire to relax after answering emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is done one-on-one, can be very beneficial. It can assist in frame negative situations in an optimistic way. For instance, a therapist can help people suffering from ADHD recognize that their impulsivity isn't a sign of bad character; it's an inherent response to high levels of brain stimulation.
A therapist can teach them strategies to deal with depression and anxiety. People who suffer from ADHD have a higher likelihood of suffering from anxiety and depression. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy, group support networks and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution. For those employed in the Department of Work and Pensions offers a program called Access to Work that helps pay for workplace accommodations for people who have disabilities, such as ADHD.
It is important to keep in mind that not all therapists are created equal, and you should choose carefully. Look for someone you can trust, who makes you feel empowered after a session, and who has experience in the type of therapy you're interested in. Ask your doctor for recommendations if you're seeking a psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists are especially well-versed in ADHD treatment and can recommend you.
Support
People with ADHD might experience symptoms that are so disruptive, they require the evaluation of medical professionals. The evaluation is a discussion about the person's personal life, from childhood to present, and how their symptoms impact school, work relationships, and other aspects of everyday life. It is essential that those with ADHD talk about their problems without fear of ridicule or shame.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD for adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria that medical professionals will look over when evaluating.
When you visit the healthcare professional to conduct 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 friends or parents. The person conducting the evaluation will likely ask about the person's family history and lifestyle, and will also conduct a physical exam and some psychological tests.
It is important to keep in mind that just because someone is afflicted with inattention or impulsivity, it doesn't mean that they don't have the necessary skills for their job or other pursuits. An ADHD person, for example is able to be productive and creative in a variety of ways, like painting, writing stories, or creating things.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can bring up many complicated emotions, from guilt over past mistakes to relief that they now recognize the reason they've struggled so much. "There's plenty of grief work that needs to happen however once all the pieces are in place and people have that clear explanation, they truly begin to take off," Matlen says.
Individuals with ADHD are often misunderstood by colleagues or family members. They may have trouble staying focused during meetings or conversations and they may be at risk of distractions from social media and video games. People who suffer from ADHD might even be told they're lazy or attention-seeking.
Helping a loved one who suffers from ADHD can assist them in gaining control over their symptoms, both at home and at work. adhd in adults undiagnosed can utilize strategies and tools to improve their organization, such as daily planners or smartphone apps, and they can get treatment options from a behavioral therapist who specializes in ADHD. Treatments may also include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, and accommodations or modifications in the environment of a person to help them better manage their condition. A possible accommodation is a step stool to help people who are shorter to reach higher shelves or surfaces.