Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many, the symptoms of ADHD persist throughout their lives. As adults, these signs can have significant effects on work and family.
For a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have been evident since the beginning of your childhood (technically prior to the age of 12). The evaluator will look over your personal and medical background.
You might also want to discuss your issues with your partner, friends or colleagues. This helps them view your issues from a different perspective.
getting a adhd diagnosis
In the same way as diagnosing children, adults who have ADHD must meet specific criteria to be considered for diagnosis. The symptoms have to be present for at least two years and cause significant problems with everyday functioning. This problem may be caused by work, school or relationships, or even daily activities. People can have mild or moderate ADHD symptoms. Mild symptoms do not interfere with the daily activities of people and are often misdiagnosed as other disorders like depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to social or work interactions. Severe symptoms make it difficult to keep jobs or maintain relationships.
ADHD sufferers can get to a point where they're not able to cope with the demands of everyday life. They may lose their focus or make careless errors. They can also be hyperactive or impulsive and have difficulty accomplishing goals and fulfilling responsibilities. They may have difficulty remembering things and often forget what they've been told.
Get an appointment if you're struggling with your day-to-day life and think you might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP may refer you to a psychiatrist or other specialist who can conduct an assessment. You can also consult a therapist that you know or someone from your family to recommend someone who has experience with ADHD evaluations.
A health care provider or psychologist will want to review your medical history, conduct physical examination and discuss your current concerns with you. They'll likely ask you about your experiences with ADHD as a child too. They'll want to speak to the person you live with and other important people in your life, too, such as 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 Your psychiatrist will require special authority approval before prescribing medication. New Zealand law requires that people with ADHD take an additional step to receive medication. The psychiatrist will collaborate with your GP and you to ensure that the medication works.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from medications, but it's not the only option. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or lifestyle modifications are also effective. NIMH suggests talking to your health care provider to learn more about your options.
Your healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood and what your life is like now, and perform a physical exam and psychological test. (These are not usually required). The evaluator could also request that you speak to your spouse, family members, or any other close to you to get an outsider's view of your behavior.
The severity of your symptoms will determine whether you have adult ADHD. The symptoms must last at minimum six months, and they must interfere with your work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic requirements, such as that your symptoms aren't better explained by a mental health condition or addiction disorder.
NIMH recommends speaking with your health-care provider about your options, which include medication and behavioral strategies. A majority of primary care physicians regularly assess and treat ADHD among children. Adults who suspect that they may have the condition should seek a referral to a specialist.
Stimulants, the drugs that treat ADHD in adults, can cause side effects, such as stomach problems, or increased anxiety and depression. They can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. Some people develop tics - frequent, erratic movements, or sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD have difficulty sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends that you speak with your physician about any concerns you have about side effects of drugs or clinical trials that may be in the pipeline. Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat illnesses and conditions. Clinical trials help people discover more about themselves and their health, as well as the opportunity to help others. Learn more about clinical trials and find the right one for you by visiting the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It's important that an adult with ADHD work with their doctor to treat the symptoms. The use of medication is one method to treat ADHD and there are different kinds of drugs available. You may need to test different dosages and medications before you discover the right one for you. A therapist can aid you in understanding the condition and learning to cope better with its effects. They can also teach you techniques to improve your focus, self-management and organization.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD feel constantly behind at work, in school and in their relationships. Their actions can test the patience of even the most accommodating coworkers, friends and partners. They may miss deadlines or appointments and make impulsive choices.
Therapy can help adults with ADHD improve their organization and learn to manage their ADHD and improve their quality-of-life. They can learn to recognize and change their problematic behaviors by rewarding themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire following the answer to emails. One-on-one cognitive therapy can also be helpful and can help to transform negative situations into more positive ones. Therapists can help adults who have ADHD to understand that their impulsivity doesn't necessarily indicate a bad character. It's normal to experience high levels of brain activity.
People who suffer from ADHD are at greater risk for depression and anxiety and a therapist could teach them strategies for coping to manage these issues. Other psychosocial treatments include group therapy and family networks and classes that concentrate on communication and conflict resolution. For those employed by the Department of Work and Pensions can provide a service known as Access to Work that helps with 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 pick carefully. You should pick a therapist who you are comfortable with and who is able to empower you following an appointment, and who is knowledgeable about the type of therapy you're interested in. For instance, if you're searching for a therapist that uses psychosocial techniques, ask your doctor to suggest someone. Child psychiatrists, in particular are well-informed of the treatment options for ADHD and can recommend an expert.
Support
Individuals suffering from ADHD may experience symptoms that are so disruptive that they require the evaluation of medical professionals. This evaluation involves a conversation with the patient about their life from childhood to present and how symptoms affect work and school, relationships, and other aspects of life. It's important that people with ADHD are honest about their experiences, 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 a medical provider will review during the evaluation.
It is important to bring any documents that could shed light on your symptoms when you visit medical professionals. This includes old report cards or notes from friends or parents. The person who is conducting the exam will likely inquire about the patient's life and family background, and also conduct a physical examination and psychological tests.
Remember that inattention or impulsivity does not mean they are not able to complete their job or do other things. A ADHD person, for instance can be creative and productive in many different ways, including writing stories, painting, or even designing things.
When adults are diagnosed with ADHD, they can feel a variety of emotions. They might be resentful of previous mistakes or be relieved they finally know why they've struggled. "There's lots of grieving work to be done, but when all the pieces are in place and people have a specific explanation, they can really begin to take off," Matlen says.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood by coworkers as well as their friends and family. They may struggle to stay focused during meetings or conversations and can be distracted by video games and social media. Some people with ADHD are told that they're lazy or apathetic.
Helping someone suffering from ADHD can help them manage their symptoms at home and at work. They can make use of tools to help them organize their lives, such as smartphone apps or daily planners, and can seek treatments from a behavioral professional who specializes in ADHD. Treatments may include psychotherapy or talk therapy as well as accommodations, such devices or changes to the environment of a person that can help them better manage the condition. For example an accommodation could be a step stool that allows someone who is shorter to reach higher shelves or other surfaces.