10 Life Lessons That We Can Learn From Diagnosing ADHD
Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can be persistent throughout the course of a person's life. These symptoms can have a significant impact on work and family as they grow older.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, your symptoms must have begun in childhood (technically before the age of 12). Your evaluator will go over your medical and personal history.
You may also want to speak with your friends, family members or colleagues. This helps them view your issues from a different perspective.
Diagnosis
Adults who suffer from ADHD must also meet certain criteria to be diagnosed. The symptoms must be present for a minimum of two years and cause major problems with everyday functioning. The problem could be related to school, work, relationships or daily activities. ADHD symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild symptoms do not affect normal functioning and are often confused with other conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to social or work-related interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to maintain relationships or keep an employment.
ADHD sufferers can reach a tipping-point when they are unable to manage the demands of everyday life. They might lose their focus and make careless mistakes. They may also be impulsive and hyperactive which can cause them to have difficulty meeting goals and responsibilities. They may have trouble remembering things and are often unable to remember what they've been told.
Request an appointment if you're struggling with your day-to-day life and suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD. Your GP might refer you to psychiatrists, or a different professional who can conduct an assessment. You could also ask a therapist you know or a family member to suggest someone who has experience with ADHD evaluations.
A psychologist or health care professional will examine your medical history and perform an examination. They'll also discuss your current issues with you. They'll also inquire about your experiences dealing with 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, including 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 request special authority approval to prescribe medication for you. New Zealand law requires that those suffering from ADHD take an additional step to be prescribed medication. The psychiatrist will also collaborate with you and your GP to help ensure that the medication is effective.
Medication
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medications, but it's not the only option. Other therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications, can also help. NIMH recommends talking to your healthcare provider to learn more about your options.
Your healthcare professional will ask you questions about your childhood, and the way you live your life currently, and conduct a physical exam and psychological test. (These aren't typically required). Your evaluator may also ask you to speak to your family, friends, members or other people close to you to gain a different perspective on your behavior.
The severity of your symptoms will determine whether you have adult ADHD. The symptoms must last at least six months and interfere with your relationships and work. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This means that your symptoms cannot be explained by another mental illness or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH recommends talking to your health care provider about your options, including behavioral strategies and medications. Many primary care providers regularly examine and treat ADHD among children. adhd adults diagnosis 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 anxiety and depression. They can also raise your heart rate and blood pressure. Certain people develop tics which are rapid repetitive movements or sounds that resemble eye blinks or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD have trouble sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends speaking with your doctor about any concerns you have about the side effects of medication or about potential clinical trials that may be suitable for you. Clinical trials are research studies that try new methods to prevent, detect, or treat illnesses and conditions. People who take part in clinical trials can learn more about their personal health and have the chance to help others. You can learn more about clinical trials and locate the right one for you by visiting the NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It is essential that adults with ADHD work with their doctor to treat the symptoms. Treatment with medication is one way to treat it, and there are many different kinds of medications available. You may need to try different dosages and medications to determine which one works best for you. A therapist can help you in understanding your condition and learning to cope better with its effects. They can also help you learn techniques to improve your self-management, organization and attention.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD feel constantly behind in school, at work and in their relationships. Even the most accommodating colleagues, friends, and partners can be unhappy with their actions. They might be prone to forgetting appointments or missing deadlines and making impulsive decisions which don't always work out well.
Alongside medication, therapy can assist adults suffering from ADHD get organized, develop strategies to cope and improve their lives. They can learn how to identify and change problematic behaviors such as motivating themselves with rewards or playing computer solitaire to unwind after completing emails. One-on-one cognitive therapy can also be beneficial and can help to transform negative experiences into positive ones. For instance, a therapist can help people suffering from ADHD see that their impulsivity isn't a sign of bad character; it's simply a natural response to high levels of stimulation in the brain.
People with ADHD are more at risk for depression and anxiety and a therapist could teach them coping strategies to manage these issues. Other psychosocial treatments include group therapy and family networks and classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication skills. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a service called Access to Work, which helps pay for workplace accommodations, such as ADHD for those who are employed.
You should be careful when selecting a therapy provider. There are many different therapists who are not the same. Look for someone you can trust, who can make you feel confident after a session and who is knowledgeable about the kind of therapy you're interested in. Ask your doctor for recommendations if seeking a psychosocial therapist. Children psychiatrists, specifically have a thorough understanding of the treatment for ADHD and can refer you to an expert.
Support
Individuals suffering from ADHD may experience symptoms that are so disruptive they require the evaluation of medical professionals. This evaluation involves a conversation with the patient about their life from childhood to the present and how the symptoms affect work and school relationships, as well as other aspects of daily life. It is crucial that those with ADHD speak up without fear or shame.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), fifth edition is a clinical guideline from the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing ADHD among adults. These are the criteria a medical provider will review when evaluating.
When visiting a healthcare professional for an evaluation, it's beneficial to bring any records that might shed light on symptoms, including old report cards and notes from parents or friends. The person who is conducting the exam will likely ask questions about the person's family and life history, and conduct a physical examination and psychological tests.
You should remember that someone's inattention and impulsivity does not mean they are not able to do their job or do other things. For instance, an ADHD person could be extremely creative and productive in many ways, from writing stories to painting to designing things.
If adults are diagnosed with ADHD, they can experience a range of emotions. They may feel guilt-ridden about past mistakes or feel relieved that they finally know why they have struggled. "There is a lot to be done in terms of grief work but when people have a solid explanation and all the pieces fall into place, they really take off," Matlen explains.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood by coworkers as well as their 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 who suffer from ADHD might even be told that they are unmotivated or apathetic.
Supporting a loved one with ADHD can assist them in gaining control over their symptoms at home and at work. They can use tools to improve their organization like apps for smartphones or daily planners. They can seek solutions from a behavioral professional who is specialized in ADHD. Treatments can also include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, and accommodations or modifications in a person's surroundings that assist them in managing their condition. For example an accommodation could be a step stool for people who are shorter to access higher shelves or other surfaces.