Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many people, the signs of ADHD persist throughout their lives. As adults, these signs can have a significant impact on work and family.
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD, your symptoms must have been present since childhood (technically before age 12). Your evaluator will go over your medical and personal background.
You may also wish to talk to your partner, friends or colleagues. This helps them to see your problems from different angles.
Diagnosis
Like children who are diagnosed, adults who have ADHD must meet specific criteria to receive a diagnosis. The symptoms must be present for at least two years and be causing significant problems in everyday functioning. The problem could be related to school, work relationships, everyday activities. ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild symptoms do not interfere with the daily activities of people and are often mistakenly interpreted as other disorders like depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to social or work interactions. adhd adults diagnosis uk can make it difficult to maintain relationships or keep an employment.
ADHD sufferers can reach a tipping-point when they're not able to cope with the demands of everyday life. They might become unorganized or make mistakes that are not their fault. They may also be hyperactive and impulsive, causing them to struggle to meet goals and responsibilities. They might have trouble remembering things and often forget the things they've been taught.
If you're having trouble in your everyday life and think you might have ADHD you should seek the referral to a mental health provider or specialist. Your GP might recommend psychiatrists, or a different professional, who can perform an assessment. You could also request a therapist you are familiar with or a family member to recommend someone who has experience with ADHD assessments.
A psychologist or health care provider will go over your medical history and conduct an examination. They will also discuss your current health concerns with you. They will also ask about your experiences dealing with ADHD as a child. They'll likely want to talk to the person you live with and 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 your doctor will need to apply for an authority's approval prior to prescribing medication. This is a step that New Zealand regulations require for people who have ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will work with your GP and you to make sure that the medication works.
Medication
Adults with ADHD may benefit from taking medication however, it's not the only option. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or lifestyle modifications are also effective. NIMH recommends speaking to your doctor to learn more about your options.
Your healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood and the way you live your life today, and will conduct physical and psychological tests. (These aren't typically required). Your evaluator may also ask you to speak to your family, friends, members or other family members close to you to gain a different perspective on your behavior.
The severity of your symptoms will determine if you suffer from adult ADHD. The symptoms must last for at least six months and interfere with your work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This means that your symptoms cannot be caused by a mental disorder or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH recommends that you talk with your doctor about the options available to you. This includes behavioral strategies and medications. Many primary care physicians regularly examine and treat ADHD in children however, adults who believe they may have ADHD should request a referral to a mental health specialist.
Stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can trigger adverse effects such as stomach issues, anxiety, and depression. They can also increase your blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people develop tics, rapid, repetitive movements or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD also have trouble sleeping while taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests that you talk with your doctor regarding any concerns you might have regarding the side effects of treatments or potential clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies that test new ways to prevent, detect or treat diseases and conditions. Clinical trials help people learn more about their health and themselves as well as the opportunity to assist others. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to learn more about clinical trial and find one that is right for you.
Therapy
It is crucial that a person with ADHD work with their doctor to treat the symptoms. There are a variety of medication available to treat ADHD. You may have to try different medications and dosages before you can find the best one for you. A therapist can help you in understanding the condition and learning to cope better with its effects. They can also teach you strategies to improve your attention, self-management, and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD often feel as if they're always being behind in school, work and in their relationships. Even the most tolerant friends, colleagues, and partners can be frustrated by their behaviors. They may forget appointments or deadlines and make impulsive choices.
Alongside medication therapy can also help adults with ADHD organize themselves, develop strategies for dealing with the disorder and improve their quality of life. They can learn to identify and change bad habits, like motivating themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire to unwind after completing emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is done one-on-one, can be very helpful. It can help frame negative situations in a more positive way. A therapist can assist adults with ADHD understand that their impulsivity doesn't necessarily indicate a bad character. It's normal to experience high levels of activity in the brain.
People who suffer from ADHD are more at risk for depression and anxiety, so a therapist can also teach them coping skills to manage these conditions. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy as well as support groups for groups and classes that focus on communication skills and conflict resolution. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a program called Access to Work, which aids in the payment of workplace accommodations, including ADHD for those who are employed.
Be cautious when selecting the right counselor. They aren't all the same. Find someone who you feel comfortable talking to, who makes you feel empowered after a session, and who has experience in the kind of therapy you're interested in. Ask your doctor for recommendations if you are looking for a psychosocial therapist. Child psychiatrists are well-versed in ADHD treatment and can provide you with recommendations.
Support
Individuals with ADHD may experience symptoms that are so disruptive that they require evaluation by medical professionals. This evaluation involves having a conversation with the patient about their experiences from childhood to present and how the symptoms affect work and school, relationships, and other aspects of daily life. It is essential that those with ADHD open up honestly, without shame or fear of being judged.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD in adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria that a medical provider will review when evaluating.
It is essential to bring any documents that can provide insight into your condition when you meet with an expert in healthcare. These include old reports cards or notes from family members or parents. The person conducting the examination will likely ask about the person's family background and life, and conduct a physical examination and some psychological tests.
You should remember that someone's inattention or impulsivity doesn't mean they lack the skills to do their job or other activities. A ADHD person, for example is able to be creative and productive in many ways, including painting, writing stories, or even designing things.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can bring up many complicated emotions, from guilt over past mistakes to a sense of relief when they finally understand why they've been struggling 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, they really take off," Matlen explains.
People suffering from ADHD often feel misunderstood by their coworkers or friends and family. They may struggle to stay focused in meetings or conversations and may be distracted by video games or social media. Certain people with ADHD are told they're lazy or attention-seeking.
Being a supporter for someone with ADHD can help that person gain control of their symptoms at home as well as 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 specialist who specializes in ADHD. Treatments can include psychotherapy, also known as therapy for talking, as well as accommodations, or tools or changes in a person's surroundings that aid in managing their condition. An accommodation could be an aid to help a shorter person reach higher shelves or surfaces.