Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many, the symptoms of ADHD persist throughout their lives. These symptoms can have a significant impact on work and family as they grow older.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms you experience must have begun in the early years of your life (technically before age 12). Your evaluator will review your medical and personal background.
You may also wish to discuss your issues with your friends, partners or colleagues. This can help them see your problems from different angles.
Diagnosis
Adults suffering from ADHD must also meet certain criteria in order to be diagnosed. The symptoms must be present for at least 2 years and cause significant difficulties in daily functioning. The problem could be related to school or relationships, work, or everyday activities. People can have mild or moderate ADHD symptoms. The symptoms aren't affecting normal functioning and are often mistaken for other conditions, such as depression or anxiety. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions in work or social interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to hold jobs or maintain relationships.
People who have ADHD can experience a tipping point when they can no longer manage life's routines. They may become unorganized and make mistakes that aren't their fault. They can also be hyperactive and impulsive and be unable to meet objectives and responsibilities. They may have difficulty recalling information and frequently forget what they've been told.
If you're having trouble in your everyday life and suspect you have ADHD, ask for an appointment with an expert in mental health or a specialist. Your GP may recommend a psychiatrist or another professional, who can perform an assessment. You may also consult a therapist that you know or a family member to recommend someone who has experience with ADHD evaluations.
adhd diagnosis adult uk or psychologist will examine your medical history, perform physical examination and discuss your current concerns with you. They will also ask about your experiences having ADHD as a kid. They'll also talk to your spouse and any other people that are important in your life such as your parents or your 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 your doctor must apply for an authority's approval prior to prescribing medication. This is an extra step that New Zealand regulations require for people with ADHD to take medication. The psychiatrist will also collaborate 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 therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes, can also help. NIMH recommends speaking with your healthcare provider to learn more about the options available to you.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your childhood and the way you live your life now, and perform physical and psychological tests. (These aren't typically required). Your evaluator might also ask you to talk to your partner, family members, or any other close to you to get an alternative view of your behavior.
The severity of your symptoms will determine if you have adult ADHD. The symptoms must last at minimum six months, and they must interfere with your work and relationships. You must also meet diagnostic criteria, which includes that your symptoms aren't better explained by a mental health issue or a substance use disorder.
NIMH suggests that you speak to your doctor about the options available to you. This includes strategies for managing behavior and medication. Many primary care providers regularly examine and treat ADHD in children however, adults who believe they may be suffering from ADHD should request an appointment with a mental health specialist.
Stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults can cause adverse effects such as stomach issues depression, anxiety, or stomach issues. They can also increase your blood pressure and heart rate. Certain people develop tics, frequent, erratic movements, or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD have difficulty sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends that you speak to your doctor about any concerns you may have about side effects of treatments or potential clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies that try new methods to prevent, detect, or treat conditions and diseases. Participants in clinical trials can learn more about their own health and have the opportunity 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
It is crucial that a person with ADHD collaborate with their physician to manage their symptoms. There are a variety of medication available to treat ADHD. You may need to test various dosages and medications before you discover the right one for you. A therapist can assist you in understanding your condition and learning to cope better with its effects. They can also teach methods to improve your self-management skills, attention and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD often feel as if they are constantly being behind in school, at work and in their relationships. Their behavior can be a strain on the patience of the most forgiving co-workers or friends. They might find themselves forgetting appointments or missing deadlines and making impulsive choices which don't always work out well.
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 change their problematic behaviors for example, rewarding themselves to encourage themselves or playing computer solitaire after answering emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is conducted one-on-one, can be very helpful. It can help to reframe negative situations in an optimistic way. A therapist can help adults who have ADHD to understand that their impulsivity does not indicate a bad character. It's normal to experience high levels of brain activity.
A therapist can help them learn ways to cope with anxiety and depression. People who suffer from ADHD are at a higher likelihood of suffering from anxiety and depression. Other psychosocial treatments include family therapy as well as support groups for groups and classes that focus on communication and conflict resolution. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a service called Access to Work, which aids in the payment of workplace accommodations, including ADHD for those who are employed.
It is important to keep in mind that not all therapists are the same, and you should choose carefully. Choose someone you can trust and who can make you feel confident after a session and who has an expertise in the type of therapy you're interested in. For instance, if you're looking for a therapist that uses psychosocial methods, ask your psychiatrist to recommend someone. Child psychiatrists, in particular are well-informed of the treatment for ADHD and can recommend an expert.
Support
For people who suffer from ADHD their symptoms could be such that they require to see a physician for an evaluation. This evaluation involves having a conversation with the patient about their experiences from childhood to now and how their symptoms impact school and work, relationships, and other aspects of daily life. It is important that people who suffer from ADHD speak up without fear or shame.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), fifth edition is a guideline for clinical use from the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing ADHD in adults. These are the criteria medical professionals will look over during the evaluation.
When meeting with medical professionals for an evaluation, it's helpful to bring any records that may help identify the cause of the symptoms such as old report cards and notes from friends or parents. The person conducting the evaluation will likely ask about the person's family history and life, and conduct a physical exam as well as some psychological tests.
It is important to remember that inattention or impulsivity does not mean they are not able to perform their job or do other things. For example, an ADHD person could be extremely creative and productive in a variety of ways from writing stories to drawing to creating things.
If adults are diagnosed with ADHD, they can feel a variety of emotions. They might feel guilt-ridden about previous mistakes or be relieved they finally know why they've struggled. "There's plenty of grief work that needs to happen, but once all the pieces are in place and people have that specific explanation, they can really get going," Matlen says.
People suffering from ADHD are often misunderstood by their coworkers or friends. They might have difficulty staying focused in meetings or conversations, and they can be susceptible to distractions such as video games and social media. Certain people with ADHD are told they are lazy or over-focused.
Helping a loved one who suffers from ADHD can help them gain control over their symptoms, both at home and at work. They can use tools to improve their organization like smartphone apps or daily planners. They can seek treatment options from a behavioral specialist who specializes in ADHD. Treatments can include psychotherapy, or therapy for talking, as well as accommodations or modifications in the environment of a person to assist them in managing their condition. For example, an accommodation might be a step stool for people who are shorter to access higher shelves or other surfaces.