Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout the life of a person. As adults, these symptoms can have significant effects on family and work.
For adhd diagnosis adults uk of ADHD your symptoms must have been evident since the beginning of your childhood (technically, prior to the age of 12). Your evaluator reviews your medical and personal background.
They might also speak to your spouse or your friends, colleagues and partners. This allows them to view your issues from a different point of view.
Diagnosis
As with diagnosing children, adults who have ADHD must meet certain criteria to be considered for diagnosis. The symptoms must have been present for a minimum of 2 years and have caused significant difficulties in daily functioning. This problem can be related to school or work, relationships or daily activities. Individuals may experience mild or moderate ADHD symptoms. Mild symptoms do not interfere with daily functioning and are often misdiagnosed as different illnesses like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause small disruptions in work or social interactions. The severity of the symptoms can make it difficult to maintain relationships or keep a job.
People who have ADHD can experience an extreme point at which they find it difficult to cope with life's demands. They may become unorganized and make a lot of mistakes. They could also be impulsive and hyperactive which can cause them to be unable to meet objectives and responsibilities. They may have trouble remembering things and often forget the things they've been taught.
If you're struggling in your daily life and suspect you have ADHD and need help, request an appointment with a mental health provider or specialist. Your GP could refer you to psychiatrists, or a different professional who can conduct an assessment. You may also request a therapist you are familiar with or a family member to suggest someone with experience in ADHD evaluations.
A doctor or psychologist may want to review your medical history, conduct an examination of your body and discuss your current concerns with you. They'll likely ask you about your experiences having ADHD as a child, as well. They'll want to talk to the person you live with and any other important people in your life as well, like 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 need to apply for special authority approval before prescribing medication. New Zealand law requires that people with ADHD undergo an additional procedure to receive a medication. The psychiatrist will work with your GP and you to ensure that the medication works.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from taking medication however, it's not the only option. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications, can also help. NIMH suggests talking with your doctor to find out more about your options.
Your healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood and the way you live your life currently, and conduct an examination of your body and psychological test. (These aren't typically required). The evaluator could also request that you speak to your spouse, family members or other family members close to you to gain an outsider's view of your behavior.
The severity of your symptoms will determine if you suffer from adult ADHD. The symptoms must last for at minimum six months and cause disruption with your relationships and work. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This includes that your symptoms are not explained by another mental illness or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH suggests talking with your health-care provider about your options, which include medication and behavioral strategies. Many primary care providers regularly examine and treat ADHD in children, but adults who think they may have it should seek an appointment with an expert in mental health.
The stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can trigger side effects like stomach problems, anxiety, and depression. They can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. Some people develop tics, which are sudden repeated movements or sounds that resemble eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD are unable to sleep when they are taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests talking with your doctor about any concerns you might have regarding the potential side effects of medication or potential clinical trials that may be suitable for your needs. Clinical trials are research studies that look at new methods to prevent, detect, or treat conditions and diseases. Clinical trials allow people to gain knowledge about themselves and their health, as well as the opportunity to assist others. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to learn more about clinical trial and choose one that is appropriate for you.
Therapy
It's important that an adult with ADHD work with their doctor to manage their symptoms. There are many types of medication that can be used to treat ADHD. You may need to try various dosages and medications to find the one that best suits your needs. A therapist can help get to know your condition and to better cope with its effects. They can also instruct you on techniques to improve your self-management, organization and attention.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD often feel as if they're always falling behind in school, work and in their relationships. Their behaviors can strain the patience of even the most accommodating coworkers as well as friends and partners. They might be prone to forgetting appointments or missing deadlines and making impulsive choices that don't always go well.
Alongside medication, therapy can assist adults suffering from ADHD get organized, develop strategies for dealing with the disorder and improve their quality of life. They can learn to recognize and alter their bad habits for example, rewarding themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire following the answer to emails. One-on-one cognitive behavioral therapy can be beneficial too and can help to transform negative situations into positive ones. For example a therapist can help people suffering from ADHD recognize that their impulsivity does not an indication of bad character, it's just an inherent response to intense levels of stimulation in the brain.
People suffering from ADHD are more prone for anxiety and depression A therapist may teach them strategies for coping to manage these conditions. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy and group support networks and classes that concentrate on communication and conflict resolution. For those who are employed in the Department of Work and Pensions offers a program called Access to Work that helps pay for workplace accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including ADHD.
Be cautious when selecting a therapy provider. Not all are alike. You should choose one with whom you feel comfortable and who is able to empower you following a session, and who is knowledgeable about the kind of therapy that you are interested in. Ask your doctor for recommendations if you are seeking a psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists are especially well-versed in ADHD treatment and can refer you.
Support
For individuals who suffer from ADHD, their symptoms may be so disruptive that they have to visit a doctor for an evaluation. The evaluation is a discussion about the person's personal life, from childhood to present and how their conditions affect school, work relationships, and other aspects of daily life. It is important that people with ADHD speak up without fear of ridicule or shame.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria medical professionals review when evaluating.
When visiting medical professionals for an evaluation, it's beneficial to bring any records that might help identify the cause of the symptoms such as old report cards and notes from parents or friends. The person conducting the evaluation will likely inquire about the person's family history and personal life, as well as conduct a physical exam and some psychological tests.
It is important to keep in mind that just because someone has inattention or impulsivity, it doesn't mean that they don't have the appropriate abilities for their job or other activities. For example an ADHD person could be extremely creative and productive in many ways including writing stories, painting and even designing things.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can bring up many complicated emotions, from guilt about past mistakes to a sense of relief when they finally understand why they've had to struggle so much. "There's a lot of grief work to be done, but when all the pieces are in place and people have a clear explanation, they truly get going," Matlen says.
People suffering from ADHD are often misunderstood by coworkers as well as their friends and family. They may have trouble staying focused in meetings or conversations and are prone to distractions like 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 help them gain control over their symptoms at home and at work. They can use tools to improve their organization like smartphone apps or daily planners. They may seek treatments from a behavioral expert who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments can include psychotherapy or talk therapy as also accommodations, like tools or changes to a person's surroundings that can help them better manage the condition. For instance an accommodation could be a step stool for people who are shorter to access higher shelves or other surfaces.