Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many people, the symptoms of ADHD persist throughout their lives. As adults, these issues can have a significant impact on family and work.
To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must have begun in childhood (technically, before the age of 12). Your evaluator reviews your medical and personal background.
You might also want to talk to your friends, partners or colleagues. This can help them understand your challenges from other perspectives.
Diagnosis
Adults suffering from ADHD must also meet certain criteria in order to be diagnosed. The symptoms must have been present for a minimum of 2 years and have caused significant difficulties in the way they function. The problem 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 confused with other conditions, like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to work or social interactions. The severity of the symptoms makes it difficult to hold a job or maintain relationships.
ADHD sufferers may get to a point where they're unable to handle the demands of everyday life. They may lose their focus or make careless errors. They could also be hyperactive and impulsive and have difficulty meeting objectives and responsibilities. They may have difficulty remembering things and are often unable to remember the things they've been taught.
If you're having difficulty in your daily life and you suspect that you may have ADHD, ask for a referral to a mental health provider or specialist. Your GP may refer you to a psychiatrist, or another professional who can carry out an assessment. You could ask a therapist or a friend you have to recommend someone with expertise in ADHD assessments.
A doctor or psychologist may want to examine your medical history, conduct a physical exam and discuss your current problems with you. They will also ask about your experiences having ADHD as a child. They'll want to speak to the person you live with as well as any 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 The psychiatrist will seek special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. This is an extra step that New Zealand regulations require for people with ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will also work with you and your GP to help ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from taking medication however, it's not the only option. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or lifestyle modifications can also prove beneficial. NIMH suggests talking to your health care provider to learn more about your options.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your childhood and what your life is like now, and perform a physical exam and psychological tests. (These are not usually required). Your evaluator may also ask to speak to your spouse or family members, or any other family members who know you to gain an outside view about how your actions impact your life.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD depends on whether your symptoms are mild or severe. They must be present for a minimum of six months and must be interfering with two major areas of your life, such as work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria, which includes that your symptoms aren't better explained by a mental health issue or addiction disorder.
NIMH recommends talking to your health care provider about your options, which include medication and behavioral strategies. Many primary care physicians regularly evaluate and treat ADHD in children, but adults who think they may be suffering from ADHD should request an appointment with an expert in mental health.
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 also can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Some people develop tics, which are sudden repeated movements or sounds that resemble eye blinks or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD also have difficulty sleeping while taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends talking to your doctor about any concerns you might have about the side effects of medication or about possible clinical trials that could be suitable for your needs. Clinical trials are research studies that try new methods to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. Participants in clinical trials are able to learn more about their personal health and may have the chance to help other people. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to learn more about clinical trials and choose one that is appropriate for you.
Therapy
When an adult has ADHD, it's important to work with a doctor to treat the symptoms. There are a variety of medication available to treat ADHD. It is possible to try various dosages and medications before you find the right one for you. A therapist can assist you in understanding the condition and help you cope better with its effects. They can also help you learn techniques to improve your attention span, self-management, and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are constantly lagging at work, in school and in their relationships. Even the most forgiving friends, colleagues and partners may be unhappy with their actions. They might forget appointments or deadlines and make impulsive decisions.
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 modify their problematic behaviors, such as rewarding themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire after answering emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is done one-on-one, is extremely helpful. It can help change negative situations into an optimistic way. For example a therapist can help adults with ADHD realize that their impulsivity isn't an indication of bad character, it's just an instinctual response to high levels of stimulation in the brain.
People suffering from ADHD are at greater risk for depression and anxiety A therapist may teach them coping strategies to manage these conditions. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy and group support networks, as well as classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution. For individuals employed, the Department of Work and Pensions can offer a service called Access to Work that helps with workplace accommodations for individuals who have disabilities, such as ADHD.
It's important to remember that not all therapists are the same and you must choose carefully. You should select someone with whom you feel comfortable and who can empower you after an appointment, and who is knowledgeable about the type of therapy you're interested in. Ask your psychiatrist for recommendations if looking for a psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists, in particular are well-informed of the treatment for ADHD and can recommend a specialist.
Support
Individuals suffering from ADHD might experience symptoms that are so disruptive they require evaluation by medical professionals. More Support involves a discussion about the person's personal life, from childhood to the present and how their conditions affect work, school as well as relationships and other aspects of daily life. It is essential that those with ADHD speak up candidly, without shame or fear of being judged.
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 that a medical provider will review when evaluating.
When visiting medical professionals to conduct an assessment, it's helpful to bring any records that may shed light on symptoms such as old reports and notes from friends or parents. The person who conducts the exam will likely inquire about the person's family background and life, and conduct a physical exam and some psychological tests.
You should remember that someone's inattention or impulsivity does not mean they lack the skills to do their job or do other things. For instance, an ADHD person can be very imaginative and productive in a variety ways, from writing stories to painting to designing things.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can trigger a variety of complex emotions, ranging from guilt about past mistakes to a sense of relief when they finally realize why they've been struggling so much. "There is a lot that needs to be done in terms of grief work but when people have a concrete explanation and all the pieces fall into place it's like they're flying," Matlen explains.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood and mistreated by their colleagues, friends, and family. They may struggle to stay focussed in conversations or meetings and are easily distracted by video games or social media. People with ADHD may even be told they're inactive or over-focused.
Being a supporter for someone with ADHD can help that person manage their symptoms at home and at work. They can employ tools and strategies to improve their organization, such as daily planners or apps for smartphones and also get treatment options from a behavioral specialist who is skilled in ADHD. Treatments could include psychotherapy or talk therapy as in addition to accommodations, such as devices or changes to a person's surroundings that will help them better manage their condition. For instance, an accommodation might be a step stool to allow someone who is shorter to reach higher shelves or other surfaces.