Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout the life of a person. These symptoms can have a significant impact on work and family as they grow older.
For a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have been evident since the early years of your life (technically prior to the age of 12). Your evaluator will review your personal and medical background.
You may also wish to talk to your friends, family members or colleagues. This can help them see your challenges from other perspectives.
Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD must also meet certain criteria in order to be diagnosed. The symptoms should have been present for a minimum of 2 years and be causing significant difficulties in the way they function. This issue could be related to school or work, relationships or daily activities. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Mild symptoms don't interfere with everyday functioning and are often mistaken for other conditions, such as depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms cause minor disruptions in social or work interactions. Severe symptoms make it difficult to keep jobs or maintain relationships.
People who have ADHD might reach an extreme point at which they are unable to manage life's routines. They may lose their focus or make a few erroneous mistakes. They can also be impulsive and hyperactive and have difficulty meeting goals and obligations. They may have difficulty remembering things and often forget the things they've been taught.
If you're struggling in your daily life and think you might have ADHD, ask for the referral to an expert in mental health or a specialist. Your GP may recommend a psychiatrist, or another professional who can conduct an assessment. You may also request a therapist you are familiar with or a family member to recommend someone who has experience with ADHD evaluations.
A health professional or psychologist will examine your medical history and perform an examination. They'll also discuss your current health concerns with you. They'll likely ask you about your experiences having ADHD as a child too. They'll also speak to your partner and any other people that are important in your life such as 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 psychiatrist will require special authority approval prior to prescribing medication. This is a step that New Zealand regulations require for those with ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will also work with you and your GP to ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
The use of medication can be a successful treatment for adults suffering from ADHD however they're not the only option. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications can also be helpful. NIMH suggests talking to your health care provider to learn more about the options available to you.
To determine whether you suffer from adult ADHD the doctor who diagnoses ADHD will ask you questions about your childhood as well as your life today, as do a physical examination and psychological test (these aren't required in most cases). Your evaluator might also ask you to speak to your spouse or family members, or other people who know you to get an outside perspective on how your behavior affects your life.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD is based on whether your symptoms are mild or severe. They must be present for at least six months, and they must interfere with two important areas of your life, like work and relationships. You must also meet diagnostic criteria, which includes that your symptoms aren't better explained by a mental health issue or substance use disorder.
NIMH suggests that you speak with your doctor about your options. This includes strategies for managing behavior and medications. A lot of primary care doctors regularly evaluate and treat ADHD among children. Adults who suspect they might have the disorder should seek a referral to a specialist.
Stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults can trigger side effects like stomach problems, anxiety, and depression. They also can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people develop tics, frequent, erratic movements, or sounds such as eye blinking 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 regarding the adverse effects of medication or about potential clinical trials that may be appropriate for you. Clinical trials are research studies which test new methods to detect, prevent or treat diseases. People who participate in clinical trials learn more about their personal health and have the opportunity to help other people. You can find out more about clinical trials and select the one that is right for you by going to the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It's important that an adult with ADHD work with their doctor to treat the symptoms. There are many types of medication available to treat ADHD. You may need to try different dosages and medications to determine which one works best for you. A therapist can help comprehend your condition and to better cope with its effects. They can also teach techniques to improve your self-management skills, attention and organization.
Adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD often feel as if they are constantly falling behind at work, school and in their relationships. Even the most accommodating colleagues, friends, and partners can be frustrated by their behaviors. They might be prone to forgetting appointments or missing deadlines, and making decisions based on impulsivity that don't always go well.
In addition to medications therapy can also assist adults suffering from ADHD get organized, develop coping strategies and improve their quality of life. iampsychiatry.com can learn to recognize and alter their bad habits for example, rewarding themselves to encourage themselves or playing computer solitaire after responding to emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is conducted one-on-one, can be very beneficial. It can help frame negative situations in positive ways. A therapist can assist adults with ADHD understand that their impulsivity does not indicate a bad character. It's an normal response to high levels of activity in the brain.
People suffering from ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression, so a therapist can teach them strategies for coping to manage these issues. Other psychosocial treatments can include family therapy, group support networks and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a service called Access to Work, which helps pay for workplace accommodations, such as ADHD, for individuals who are employed.
It's important to remember that not all therapists are alike and you should pick carefully. Find someone who you feel comfortable speaking with and who can make you feel confident after a session and who has experience in the type of therapy that you're interested in. For instance, if you're searching for a therapist that uses psychosocial methods consult your psychiatrist to recommend someone. Child psychiatrists are particularly adept at ADHD treatment and are able to refer you.
Support
For those who suffer from ADHD, their symptoms may be so disruptive that they need to see a physician for an evaluation. This evaluation involves a conversation with the patient about their life from childhood to now and how symptoms affect school and work as well as relationships and other aspects of life. It is important that people with ADHD speak up without fear or resentment.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD for adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria a medical professional will look at during the assessment.
It is important to bring any documents that could help you understand your symptoms during your visit to a healthcare professional. These include old reports cards or notes from family members or parents. The person conducting the evaluation will also likely inquire about the patient's family and life history, and perform a physical examination and some psychological tests.
You should remember that someone's inattention or impulsivity does not mean they lack the skills to perform their job or do other things. An ADHD person, for example, can be creative and productive in many ways, such as painting, writing stories, or creating things.
When adults are diagnosed with ADHD the sufferers can be afflicted with a variety of emotions. They might feel guilty about past mistakes or relieved that they finally know why they have struggled. "There's a lot of grief work that needs to happen however once all the pieces are in place and people have a clear explanation, they truly take off," Matlen says.
Individuals with ADHD are often misunderstood by their coworkers or family members and friends. They may struggle to stay focused during meetings or conversations and can be distracted by video games and social media. Certain people with ADHD may even be told that they are unmotivated or apathetic.
Supporting a loved one with ADHD can assist them in gaining control over their symptoms at home and at work. They can use strategies and tools to improve their organization, like daily planners or apps for smartphones, and they can get treatment options from a behavioral expert who is skilled in ADHD. Treatments could include psychotherapy or talk therapy as also accommodations, like tools or modifications to the environment of a person that will help them better manage their condition. An accommodation could be an adjustable stool that helps those who are smaller to get to higher levels of shelves or surfaces.