ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have untreated ADHD, it can lead to problems in all areas of your life. You may find it difficult to maintain relationships and work. This could lead to frequent changes in jobs or low ratings for performance.
Ask your primary care doctor to recommend you to a health professional who can assess adults with ADHD. Then, you can get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause problems in staying focussed, paying attention and acting upon impulses. Adults with ADHD have difficulty at work, at school and in their relationships. It's a widespread disorder however it can be difficult to recognize because many adults don't remember having symptoms as children, or were incorrectly diagnosed as children.
A person seeking to receive a diagnosis should visit a health care professional with experience performing ADHD assessments for adults. Requesting a doctor to refer you to a specialist who is an ADHD specialist can be done by a person. You can also ask for an appointment by calling local medical schools, universities, or graduate schools.
When interviewing adults, a therapist will look at how long the symptoms have been present and if they have interfered with the person's life. They will also look at whether the ADHD symptoms were present in the early years of childhood. adhd in adults diagnosis will also determine if the person meets diagnostic guidelines for either the predominantly inattentive, the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive or combined subtypes of the disorder.
To diagnose ADHD, a person must show significant impairment in two aspects of life. These include at home at work, in the company, with family and friends, or in specific activities such as driving or playing sports. Impairment is when the symptoms cause significant difficulties and have been present for at least six months.
The clinician will also look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse disorders. They can also conduct additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests to determine if a person has co-existing disorder.
Individuals who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might be feeling unhappy because they're not receiving the support and assistance they require. Adults have reported feeling rejoicing and rejuvenated after receiving the diagnosis. Some adults regret missed opportunities or failings due to the fact that their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and not treated. Some people who suffer from ADHD are reluctant to admit they have ADHD, especially women who were assigned female at birth. Some are afraid because of the stigma surrounding it.
Symptoms
Unlike children, adults with ADHD aren't able to overcome their condition. It can last into adulthood, and can have similar effects on relationships at work as well as family life and mental health. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are present in both children and adults with ADHD, but the symptoms tend to be more severe in adults. For instance, they can affect the performance of a worker and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can offer support and treatment.
The first step is to find an accredited evaluator, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask your friends and family for recommendations or go online to find professionals in your area. Many people suffering from ADHD have other conditions such as anxiety and depression that should be considered in their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator will wish to learn as much about your life as possible. A thorough history, particularly one that spans your childhood, could provide clues to determine if your ADHD symptoms are linked to any other disorder. The evaluator will inquire about your physical health and well-being, the development of your personality from childhood, your academic and work experiences including driving history, alcohol and drug abuse, and how you deal with stress on a regular basis.
If your evaluator suspects you suffer from ADHD, they will assess your current symptoms to determine how they impact your daily life. For a diagnosis, your symptoms must be significant enough to cause impairment in at least two major situations. Some examples of impairment are losing your job due to inadequate time management, or getting into financial difficulties because of reckless spending, or not making payments on time.
You can increase your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning to cope with the challenges they create. You can reduce stress by keeping a clear schedule and following a regular routine. You can also get better sleep, avoid eating sugary or caffeinated drinks before bed, and regularly exercise. Certain people suffering from ADHD discover that psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy helps them to manage their symptoms, while others use medications to ease the impact of their symptoms.
Treatment
For adults who suspect they are suffering from ADHD the first step is to speak with a health professional. They may refer you to a mental health specialist who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations, or recommend specialists who can perform this. Certain insurance companies will provide professionals based on their specialties, and can assist those who are covered by their plans find an expert.
The history of the adult is essential in diagnosing ADHD. A doctor might ask, for instance, to examine the child's school report card or talk to family members about the child's behavior in the beginning. The health care professional can then examine signs of behavior that could indicate the diagnosis of ADHD.
During the evaluation, the health care provider can also use one or several rating scales that are standardized. These questionnaires compare the behavior of a patient to those of people who do not have ADHD, and may help a doctor determine whether symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria.
A medical exam is required to rule out other illnesses that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid issues seizures, hearing and vision issues, sleep disorders, and other dietary issues like food allergies or lead poisoning may have similar effects as ADHD.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be helpful for adults suffering from ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular helps patients overcome negative thoughts and behaviors. This can reduce stress which can cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also help people learn how to manage their time better, increase their organizational skills, and develop more effective coping mechanisms for dealing with stressful situations.
Stimulants are the most popular medications used to treat ADHD in adults. They are believed to balance and increase the levels of certain brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. However, these drugs can have serious side effects for some people, particularly teenagers and children. These drugs are usually prescribed for short-term use and are not suitable for all people.
Lifestyle changes and psychotherapy are alternatives. For example, some adults with ADHD discover that exercising more can aid in their focus and make them more productive. Some people with ADHD can benefit from improving their organization and planning skills. Access to Work, a disability support group, can aid people who are having difficulty maintaining relationships or keeping a job.
Support
Diagnosed and treated effectively and effectively, you can control the symptoms that are interfering with your life. It can also make a difference in your self-image and improve relationships with your family, friends, and coworkers. It's never too late to seek a diagnosis and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP may refer you to a mental service that specializes in treating adult ADHD. This could be a Community Mental Health Service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
Support groups for adults with ADHD can provide advice and a community-like feeling. You can also join online discussion forums and share your experiences with others. There are also coaches or mentors who specialize in helping those with ADHD. It is important to be aware, however, that mentorship and coaching are self-regulated professions and there are a variety of differences in terms of expertise and quality.
ADHD symptoms usually begin in the early years of childhood, but they can last well into adulthood. The disorder is more common for men and boys than women and girls. The inattentive type (formerly known as hyperactivity disorder causing attention deficit) is more common than the combined type. Symptoms of the hyperactive/impulsive subtype are less common in adults than those of the inattentive type, but they can still occur.
Adult ADHD can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms vary from one person to the next. A doctor can spot patterns in a patient's history of problems at school, work or in relationships. A complete medical history can also be helpful. Numerous medical conditions can cause similar symptoms to ADHD A thorough medical background information can help determine or determine the cause of the symptoms. These include seizures, developmental disorders depression, anxiety as well as certain medications.
A person with untreated ADHD may develop a negative self-image and low self-esteem due to constant frustration and failure. They may also develop disorders that are comorbid, such as depression or anxiety and this can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Some adults with ADHD take part in clinical trials to help researchers learn more about the disorder. This can result in better treatments in the near future. On the NIMH site, you can find some tips on how to talk with your doctor about participating in a study.