Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many people, the symptoms of ADHD continue throughout their life. These symptoms can have a major impact on work and family as they grow older.
For a diagnosis of ADHD your symptoms must have started in the early years of your life (technically, before the age of 12). The evaluator will review your medical and personal history.
You may also want to talk to your partner, friends or colleagues. This helps them to see your challenges from other perspectives.
how is adhd diagnosed in adults
Like children who are diagnosed, adults who have ADHD must meet certain requirements to be diagnosed. The symptoms have to be present for at least two years and cause significant difficulties with daily functioning. This issue could be related to work, school or relationships, or even daily activities. Individuals may experience mild moderate, severe, or mild ADHD symptoms. Mild symptoms are not a problem with everyday functioning and are often misdiagnosed as other disorders like depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms cause minor disruptions to social or work interactions. Severe symptoms can make it difficult to maintain relationships or keep a job.
ADHD sufferers can reach a tipping-point when they are unable to manage the demands of everyday life. They may lose their focus or make mistakes that are not their fault. They can also be hyperactive and impulsive, causing them to struggle to meet objectives and responsibilities. They might have trouble remembering things and are often unable to remember what they've been taught.
If you're having trouble in your everyday life and think you might have ADHD you should seek a referral to a mental health provider or specialist. Your GP could recommend you to a psychiatrist or another professional who can conduct an assessment. You can also request a therapist you are familiar with or a family member to suggest someone who has experience with ADHD assessments.
A health professional or psychologist will examine your medical history and conduct an exam. They'll also discuss your current health concerns with you. They'll likely ask you about your experiences with ADHD as a child as well. They'll want to speak to the person you live with and other important people in your life, too, such as your parents or 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're diagnosed with ADHD the psychiatrist will seek special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. New Zealand law requires that people suffering from ADHD undergo an additional procedure to receive a medication. The psychiatrist will also work with you and your GP to ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medications however it's not the only option. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications can also aid. NIMH suggests talking with your doctor to find out more about your options.
To determine whether you suffer from adult ADHD the healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood and your life currently, as well as conducting a physical examination and psychological tests (these aren't typically required). Your evaluator might also ask you to talk to your partner, family members or other family members close to you to get a different perspective on your behavior.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD depends on whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. The symptoms should last for at least six months and interfere with your work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria, which includes that your symptoms aren't explained by another mental health condition or substance use disorder.
NIMH recommends speaking with your health care provider about your options, which include medication and behavioral strategies. Many primary care providers regularly evaluate and treat ADHD among children. Adults who suspect that they might be suffering from the condition should seek a referral to an expert.
Stimulants, which are the drugs used to treat ADHD in adults, may cause side effects such as stomach problems or increased anxiety and depression. They can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. Some people develop tics, which are rapid repeated movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD also have difficulty sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends talking to your health care professional about any concerns you might have regarding the potential side effects of medication or potential clinical trials that may be suitable for you. Clinical trials are research studies that look at new methods to prevent, detect or treat conditions and diseases. Clinical trials help people learn more about their health and themselves as well as the chance to help others. Learn more about clinical trials and select the right one for you by visiting 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 it, and there are many different kinds of medications available. You may need to test different medications and dosages before you discover the right one for you. A therapist can help get to know your condition and to better cope with its effects. They can also help you learn methods to improve your self-management, focus and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD often feel that they are constantly falling behind in school, at work and in their relationships. Their actions can test the patience of the most tolerant coworkers, friends and partners. They may forget appointments or deadlines and make impulsive choices.
Therapy can help adults suffering from ADHD to become more organized, learn coping skills and improve their quality of life. They can learn to recognize and modify problematic behaviors such as rewarding themselves for motivation or playing computer solitaire to relax after answering emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is conducted in a one-on-one setting, can be extremely beneficial. It can help change negative situations into positive ways. For example a therapist can help people suffering from ADHD see that their impulsivity is not a sign of bad character; it's simply a natural response to intense levels of stimulation in the brain.
People who suffer from ADHD are more at risk for depression and anxiety A therapist may teach them coping strategies to manage these issues. Other psychosocial treatments can include family therapy as well as support groups for groups and classes focused on communication skills and conflict resolution. The Department of Work and Pensions provides a service known as Access to Work, which assists in paying for workplace accommodations, including ADHD, for individuals who are employed.
It is important to keep in mind that not all therapists are alike, and you should choose carefully. You should select someone with whom you feel comfortable and who is able to empower you following an appointment, and who is knowledgeable about the kind of therapy you're interested in. Ask your doctor for recommendations if seeking psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists, in particular have a thorough understanding of the treatment of ADHD and can refer you to an expert.
Support
For people who suffer from ADHD, their symptoms may be so disruptive that they have to see a doctor to be evaluated. The evaluation involves a discussion about the person's life from childhood to present and how their conditions affect school, work as well as relationships and other aspects of daily life. It is crucial that those who suffer from ADHD talk about their problems without fear or shame.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD for adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). These are the guidelines a medical professional will take into consideration during the assessment.
When meeting with the healthcare professional for an evaluation, it's beneficial to bring any documentation that could provide insight into the condition such as old report cards and notes from parents or friends. The person who conducts the exam will likely inquire about the person's family history and lifestyle, and will also conduct a physical examination and some psychological tests.
It is important to remember that inattention and impulsivity does not mean they lack the skills to perform their job or perform other tasks. For example, an ADHD person can be very imaginative and productive in a variety ways from writing stories to drawing to creating things.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can trigger a variety of complicated emotions, ranging from guilt about past mistakes to a sense of relief when they finally recognize the reason they've had to struggle for so long. "There's lots of grieving work that needs to happen, but when all the pieces are in place and people have that clear explanation, they truly get going," Matlen says.
Individuals with ADHD often feel misunderstood by their coworkers or friends and family. They may have trouble staying focused in conversations or meetings and are at risk of distractions from video games and social media. Some people with ADHD are told that they're lazy or apathetic.
Helping a loved one who suffers from ADHD can assist them in gaining control over their symptoms, both at home and at work. They can use strategies and tools to improve their organization, such as daily planners or apps for smartphones and can also seek treatment options from a behavioral expert who specializes in ADHD. Treatments could include psychotherapy or talk therapy as in addition to accommodations, such as tools or changes to the environment of a person that will help them better manage their condition. For example an accommodation could be a step stool that allows someone who is shorter to access higher shelves or other surfaces.