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 adults.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms you experience must have started in childhood (technically before the age of 12). Your evaluator evaluates your medical and personal history.
You may also wish to discuss your issues with your friends, family members or coworkers. This allows them to view your problems from a different angle.
Diagnosis
Adults suffering from ADHD must also meet certain criteria to be diagnosed. The symptoms must be present for a minimum of two years and cause major difficulties with daily functioning. This problem may be caused by work, school or relationships, or even daily activities. People may have mild or moderate ADHD symptoms. Mild symptoms are not a problem with everyday functioning and are often mistakenly interpreted as other conditions such as anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions in social or work interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to hold a job or maintain relationships.
People who have ADHD may reach a point where they are unable to manage life's routines. They may become unorganized and make mistakes that aren't their fault. They can also be impulsive and hyperactive which can cause them to struggle to meet goals and responsibilities. They might have trouble recalling information and frequently forget what they've been told.
If you're struggling in your daily life and think you might have ADHD, ask for an appointment with an individual who is a mental health professional or specialist. Your GP may recommend you to a psychiatrist or another professional who can carry out an assessment. You could also consult a therapist that you know or someone from your family to recommend someone who has experience with ADHD evaluations.
A psychologist or health care provider will examine your medical history and perform a physical examination. They'll also discuss your current issues with you. They'll likely ask about your experiences having ADHD as a child, as well. They'll also speak to your partner and any other important people to you, like 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 apply for special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. 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 make sure that the medication works.
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 or lifestyle modifications are also effective. NIMH suggests talking to your healthcare provider to learn more about the options available to you.
To determine if you have ADHD, your healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood as well as your current life, as well as do a physical examination and psychological test (these aren't usually needed). The evaluator could also request that you speak to your spouse, family members or other people close to you to get a different perspective on your behavior.
The severity of your symptoms will determine whether you suffer from adult ADHD. The symptoms must last for at minimum six months and cause disruption with your work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This means that your symptoms are not caused by a mental illness or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH suggests talking with your doctor about the options available to you. This includes behavioral strategies and medication. Many primary care providers regularly evaluate and treat ADHD in children. Adults who suspect that they might have the disorder should seek a referral to a specialist.
Stimulants, the drugs that treat ADHD for adults, can cause side effects, such as stomach problems, or increased depression and anxiety. They also can increase your blood pressure and heart rate. Some people develop tics, which are rapid, repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD also have difficulty sleeping while taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests talking with your health-care professional about any concerns you have about the side effects of medications or about potential clinical trials that may be suitable for your needs. Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat conditions and diseases. Participants in clinical trials gain knowledge about their own health and may have the opportunity to help other people. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to learn more about clinical trial and choose the one that is suitable for you.
Therapy
If an adult suffers from ADHD it is important to consult with a physician to manage symptoms. There are many types of medications available to treat ADHD. You may need to try various dosages and medications to determine which is most effective for you. A therapist can assist you in understanding the health condition and how to deal better with its effects. They can also help you learn methods to improve your self-management skills, focus and organization.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD often feel as if they are constantly being behind in school, at work and in their relationships. Even the most forgiving colleagues, friends and partners can become unhappy with their actions. They might find themselves forgetting appointments or missing deadlines and making impulsive choices that don't always go well.
In addition to medication therapy can help adults with ADHD become more organized, create coping strategies and improve their quality of life. They can be taught to identify and alter undesirable behaviors, such as motivating themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire to unwind after completing emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is carried out in a one-on-one setting, can be extremely helpful. It can help reframe negative situations in a more positive way. For instance, a therapist can help people suffering from ADHD recognize that their impulsivity does not an indication of a bad character; it's simply an inherent response to intense levels of brain stimulation.
People who suffer from ADHD are more at risk for depression and anxiety and a therapist could teach them strategies for coping to manage these issues. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy and group support networks, as well as classes that are focused on conflict resolution and communication skills. The Department of Work and Pensions provides a service known as Access to Work, which assists in paying for workplace accommodations, such as ADHD, for individuals who are employed.
It is important to keep in mind that not all therapists are the same, and you should choose carefully. You should choose a therapist who you are comfortable with and who can empower you after the session, and is knowledgeable about the kind of therapy you're interested in. For instance, if you're looking for a therapist that uses psychosocial techniques Ask your psychiatrist to suggest someone. Child psychiatrists are adept at ADHD treatment and are able to provide you with recommendations.
Support
For people who suffer from ADHD the symptoms could be so disruptive that they need to visit a doctor for an evaluation. adhd diagnosis uk adults involves a discussion about the person's life from childhood to the present and how their conditions affect work, school, relationships and other aspects of everyday living. It's important that people with ADHD speak up candidly without fear or shame of criticism.
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 that medical professionals will look over during the evaluation.
It is essential to bring any documents that can help you understand your symptoms when you meet with an expert in healthcare. This includes old report cards or notes from your friends or parents. The person who conducts the exam will likely ask about the family history of the patient and personal life, as well as conduct a physical exam and some psychological tests.
Remember that inattention or impulsivity does not mean they are not able to perform their job or do other things. An ADHD person, for example is able to be productive and creative in a variety of ways, like writing stories, painting, or designing things.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can trigger many complicated emotions, from guilt about past mistakes to a sense of relief when they finally realize why they've struggled for so long. "There is a lot that needs to be done in terms of grief work, but when people have a clear explanation and all the pieces are in place it's like they're flying," Matlen explains.
People with ADHD often feel that they are not understood, whether by coworkers or family members and friends. They might have difficulty staying focused in conversations or meetings and are at risk of distractions from video games and social media. Some people with ADHD might even be told that they are inactive or over-focused.
Being a caregiver for a loved one suffering from ADHD can help them gain control over their symptoms, both at home and at work. They can utilize tools to help them organize their lives, like smartphone apps or daily planners, and they can seek out treatment options from a behavioral professional who specializes in ADHD. Treatments can also include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, and accommodations or other tools or modifications in the environment of a person to aid in managing their condition. An accommodation could be an adjustable stool that helps people who are shorter to get to higher levels of shelves or surfaces.