ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have untreated ADHD it can cause problems throughout your life. It may be difficult to maintain relationships and work. This can lead to frequent changes in your job or low ratings for performance.
Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a medical professional who can evaluate adults suffering from ADHD. You can then get an assessment and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause problems with staying focused, paying close to one's surroundings and responding to impulses. Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulties at school, work and in their relationships. It's a very common condition however it can be difficult to diagnose since many adults don't remember having symptoms as children or were misdiagnosed as kids.
A person who is seeking an evaluation for ADHD for adults should consult an experienced health professional with experience in ADHD evaluations. One could ask their physician for a referral to a specialist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also ask for a referral by calling local medical schools, universities or graduate schools.
In evaluating adults, the doctor will consider how long the symptoms have been present and how they affect the life of the patient. They will also examine whether the ADHD symptoms were present in childhood. The clinician 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, one must exhibit significant impairment in two areas of life. This includes at home, at work, with friends and family or in certain activities such as driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be significant and persistent for a minimum of six months before being considered impaired.
The clinician will also rule out other conditions that may cause the same symptoms as ADHD, like depression, anxiety or addiction disorders. They can also conduct additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing to determine if a patient suffers from a co-existing disorder.
People who haven't been diagnosed with ADHD may be frustrated that they aren't getting the help and support that they need. Some adults have experienced a sense relief and renewal after they are finally able to receive a diagnosis. Some adults regret missing opportunities or failings due to the fact that their ADHD symptoms were not diagnosed and untreated. Some people suffering from ADHD are hesitant about admitting to themselves that they have the disorder, especially women assigned female at birth (AFAB). Some are afraid because of the stigma that surrounds it.
Signs and symptoms
Like children, adults with ADHD do not typically overcome their condition. It is a condition that persists into adulthood and can have similar effects on their friendships, work, family life and mental health. Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity symptoms are common in adults and children with ADHD. However, the symptoms in adults are more severe. They can impact a person's work performance and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can provide treatment and support.
The first step is to find an expert evaluator who is qualified, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Request recommendations from your friends and family or search on the internet for experts in your region. adults diagnosed with adhd who suffer from ADHD also have other conditions such as anxiety and depression, that must be considered in their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your evaluator will want to learn as much as possible about your life. A detailed account of your life, especially one that goes back to childhood, could provide clues to determine if ADHD symptoms are linked to other issues. Your evaluator will likely ask about your physical and mental health, your progress going back to early childhood, your academic and work experiences, your driving history, any drugs or alcohol abuse, and how you cope with stress in your everyday life.
If your evaluator suspects that you may have ADHD, they will assess your current symptoms to determine how they affect your daily life. For a diagnosis to be granted, your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairment in at least two important settings. Some examples of impairment include losing your job due to poor time management, falling into financial difficulties because of reckless spending, or not making payments on time.
You can increase your ability to manage ADHD symptoms by learning to cope with their challenges. You can reduce stress by keeping a schedule and following a routine. Additionally, you can get more sleep, avoid eating sweet or caffeinated foods close to bedtime and regularly exercise. Certain people suffering from ADHD discover that psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy helps them to manage their symptoms, while others take medication to lessen the effects of their symptoms.
Treatment
If you are an adult and suspect that you are suffering from ADHD the first step is to talk with a health care provider. They can refer you to an expert in mental health that is skilled in adult ADHD assessments or offer suggestions for professionals who do so. Some insurance companies also list specialists by specialization and assist those who take part in their plans to find an expert.
The background of the adult is crucial in determining ADHD. For example, a doctor might request to review school reports from the person's childhood or talk to family members about his or her behaviors during the early years of life. The health care professional will then search for patterns in the behavior that may indicate ADHD.
During the assessment process, the health professional may utilize one or more of the standardized rating scales. These questionnaires compare the patient's behavior with that of people who don't have ADHD and may aid the doctor in determining whether or not the symptoms meet diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is necessary to rule out illnesses that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Thyroid problems, seizures and hearing and vision issues can all be associated with similar effects.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be beneficial for adults with ADHD. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients change their negative thoughts and behavior. This can lessen stress which can cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also teach people how to manage their time better, increase their skills in organization, and create more effective coping strategies to deal with stressful situations.
Stimulants are the most popular treatments for ADHD in adults. They are believed to balance and increase the levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These drugs can trigger serious side effects in certain people, particularly children and teenagers. These drugs are usually prescribed for short-term treatments and are not suitable for everyone.
Psychotherapy and lifestyle changes are also options. Some adults with ADHD find that a greater amount of physical activity can help them focus more effectively and become more productive. Others with ADHD benefit from learning how to improve their organization and planning abilities. Access to Work, a disability support organization, can help those who have trouble maintaining relationships or retaining a job.
Support
Getting diagnosed and receiving effective treatment can help you deal with problems that hinder your daily routine. It can also help improve your self-image and improve relationships with your family, friends and colleagues. It is never too late for the diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
Your GP may recommend an individual mental health provider that is specialized in treating adult ADHD. It could be a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
Support groups for adults with ADHD can provide advice and a sense of community. You can join online discussion forums and discuss your experiences with other people. There are also coaches and mentors who specialise in helping people with ADHD. It is important to be aware, however, that mentoring and coaching are self-regulated professions and there are differences in terms of expertise and quality.
ADHD symptoms typically begin in the early years of childhood, but they can last well into adulthood. The disorder is more common for men and boys than girls and women. The inattentive type (formerly known as attention deficit disorder hyperactivity) 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.
It can be difficult to diagnose adult ADHD due to the fact that symptoms differ from person to. A doctor can spot patterns in a patient's history of problems at work, school or with relationships. A complete medical history is also helpful. The medical history can be used to rule out or determine the cause. These include developmental disorders, seizure disorders anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can result in the sufferer developing a low self-esteem as well as a negative self-image because of frustration and failure. They could also develop compulsive disorders like depression or anxiety, which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Adults with ADHD could be involved in clinical trials that aid researchers to better understand the disorder. This could help in developing better treatments in the near future. On the NIMH site, you will get some suggestions about how to speak to your doctor about participating in a clinical study.