ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all areas of your life. You may have difficulty maintaining relationships and jobs which can lead to frequent job changes or low performance ratings.
Request your primary care physician to refer you to a medical professional who can examine adults suffering from ADHD. You will then receive an assessment and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that makes it difficult to stay focused, paying attention and acting on impulses. Adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty working, at school, and in their relationships. It's a very common condition, but can be difficult for adults to diagnose as they may not remember the symptoms they experienced as children or have been incorrectly diagnosed.
A person seeking an assessment of ADHD in adults should speak with an expert in health care who has expertise in ADHD evaluations. One could ask their physician for a referral to someone who is an expert in ADHD. You can also ask for a referral by contacting local medical schools, universities, or graduate schools.
When evaluating adults, a clinician will look at how long the symptoms have been present and if they have affected the life of the patient. They will also determine if the underlying ADHD symptoms have been 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, the person must have significant impairment in at least two areas of their life for example, at work or home or with family and friends or in specific activities like driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be substantial and persistent for at least six month to be considered impaired.
The doctor will also look into other conditions that might cause the same symptoms as ADHD, like depression, anxiety, or substance abuse disorders. They may also do additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests to determine if the patient suffers from co-existing disorders.
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might be feeling unhappy because they're not receiving the help and support they require. Some adults have experienced a sense relief and renewal after they finally be diagnosed. Others say they have many regrets about failed opportunities or failures in their lives due to the fact that their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and untreated. Some people suffering from ADHD are hesitant about admitting that they have the disorder, especially women assigned female at birth (AFAB). Some are reluctant due to the stigma surrounding it.
Signs and symptoms
Like children, adults with ADHD aren't able to overcome their condition. It is a condition that persists into adulthood and can have similar effects on their relationships, work as well as family life and health. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity can be seen in both children and adults with ADHD however, the signs are often more serious in adults. They can impact a person's work performance and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can offer assistance and treatment.
The first step is to locate an accredited evaluator for example, a psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask for recommendations from family members and family or search on the internet for professionals in your region. Many people suffering from ADHD are also suffering from other illnesses like depression and anxiety that must be considered in their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator will want to know as much about your life as is possible. A detailed account of your life, particularly one that stretches across your entire childhood, can give clues as to whether your ADHD symptoms are linked to any other disorders. Your evaluator will likely ask about your emotional and physical health, your development from childhood as well as your academic and work experience, driving history, any substance or alcohol abuse, and how you deal with stress in your everyday life.
If your evaluator suspects you have ADHD, they will assess your current symptoms to determine if they interfere with your daily routine. Your symptoms must be sufficient to cause impairments in at two different areas. Examples of impairment include losing a job because of poor time management skills, getting into financial trouble due to impulsive spending or failing to pay on time, or having interpersonal issues in your relationship because of difficulty communicating.
You can increase your ability to manage ADHD symptoms by learning how to cope with their challenges. For example you can lower the stress level by implementing a regular routine and keeping your schedule clear. You can also get better sleep, avoid eating sweet or caffeinated drinks close to bedtime and exercise regularly. Certain people suffering from ADHD find that psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy can help them manage their symptoms, whereas others take medication to lessen the impact of their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who think they might be suffering from ADHD is to talk to their health medical professional. They may refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in adult ADHD assessments, or suggest specialists who are experts in this. Some insurance companies also list professionals by specialty and can help those who are part of their plans to find an expert.
The most crucial factor in determining ADHD in adults is the person's history. For instance, a physician might request to review school reports from the person's childhood or ask relatives about the person's behavior during the early years of life. The health care professional may then examine patterns of behavior that indicate that there is a diagnosis of ADHD.
During the examination the health care professional can also use one or several scales of rating that are standardized. These tests compare the behavior of the patient with the behavior of those who do not have ADHD and may help the doctor determine whether or not symptoms fit diagnostic criteria.
Additionally an examination by a doctor is generally required to identify medical conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid issues seizures, hearing and vision issues sleep disorders, as well as dietary issues such as food allergies or lead poisoning may have similar effects as ADHD.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Particularly, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients overcome their negative thoughts and behaviors. This can lessen stress, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also help people learn how to manage their time better, improve their skills in organization, and create more effective coping strategies to deal with stressful situations.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used medications used to treat ADHD in adults. They appear to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. However, these drugs may cause serious side effects for certain individuals, particularly teenagers and children. They are usually prescribed for short-term use and are not appropriate for everyone.
Changes in lifestyle and psychotherapy are alternatives. Many adults suffering from ADHD find that exercising more can help them focus more effectively and become more productive. Some people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from improving their planning and organization skills. Access to Work, a disability support organization, can assist people who are having difficulty maintaining relationships or keeping the job they have.
Support
Diagnosed and treated effectively it is possible to manage the issues that are affecting your daily life. It can also help improve your self-image and improve relationships with your family, friends and coworkers. It is never too late to get a diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
Your GP may refer you to an individual mental health provider that is specialized in treating adults with ADHD. This could be an Community Mental Health Service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults suffering from ADHD that can provide guidance and a sense that you are part of a community. You can join online forums and talk to others about their experiences. There are coaches and mentors who specialize in helping those with ADHD. However, you must be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions and there are differences in the quality and knowledge.
ADHD symptoms usually begin in childhood, but they can continue throughout adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent for men and boys than women and girls. People who suffer from the inattentive type of the disorder (formerly referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are more likely to be diagnosed than those with 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 isn't easy to identify adult ADHD due to the fact that symptoms differ from person to person. A doctor can find patterns in the history of a patient of problems at work, school or in relationships. A thorough medical history can also be beneficial. Certain medical conditions can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD, so the history can help rule out or identify other possible causes of the symptoms. These include seizures, developmental disorders anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and certain medications.
A person with untreated ADHD may develop a poor self-image and low self-esteem because of the constant frustration and failure. They may also develop mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety which can make ADHD worse.
adhd diagnosing with ADHD might be able to participate in clinical trials that aid researchers to better understand the disorder. This could lead to better treatments in the near future. There are tips to talk with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial on the NIMH website.