ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can create problems in all aspects of your life. You may experience difficulties maintaining relationships and jobs which can lead to frequent job changes and/or low performance ratings.
It is recommended to first seek out your primary doctor for a referral to an expert in health care who performs evaluations for adults with ADHD. Then, you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that makes it difficult to stay focused and paying attention, as well as acting on impulses. Adults suffering from ADHD typically have difficulties at work, 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 who wants a diagnosis must visit a health care professional with experience in conducting ADHD tests on adults. A person may ask their doctor for a referral to someone who specializes in ADHD. You can also ask for an appointment by calling local medical schools, universities or graduate schools.
When evaluating adults, a clinician will consider how long symptoms have been present and whether they've negatively affected the person's life. They will also look at whether the primary ADHD symptoms have existed 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 to be diagnosed, the patient must exhibit significant impairment in at least two areas of their lives for example, at work or home; with friends and family or while engaging in specific activities such as driving or playing sports. Impairment is when the symptoms cause significant problems and have lasted for at least six months.
adhd diagnosed will also rule out any other conditions that may cause the same symptoms as ADHD such as depression, anxiety or other addiction disorders. They can also conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests to determine if the person has co-existing disorders.
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may feel frustrated that they're not getting the help and support they require. Adults have reported feeling happy and rejuvenated after receiving a diagnosis. Others say they have many regrets about failed opportunities or failures in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms went undiagnosed and untreated. Some people with ADHD struggle with admitting that they have the disorder, particularly women who are assigned female at birth (AFAB). Some people are hesitant to admit they have ADHD due to the stigma associated with it.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD are not typically able to outgrow the condition. It can continue to affect them throughout adulthood and have similar impacts on relationships, work as well as family life and mental health. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are seen in both children and adults with ADHD, but the symptoms are more prevalent in adults. They can impact the performance of a person at work and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can provide treatment and counseling.
The first step is to locate a qualified evaluator, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, or search on the internet for experts in your area. Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other conditions such as anxiety and depression which should be considered in their treatment and diagnosis.
Your evaluator will wish to know as much about your life as they can. A detailed account of your life, particularly one that stretches across your entire childhood, can provide clues as to whether your ADHD symptoms are connected to any other disorder. Your evaluator may ask about your physical health and emotional well-being, your growth from childhood, your academic and work experiences and driving history, as well as alcohol and drug abuse, and how you deal with stress on a regular day basis.
If your evaluator suspects you are suffering from ADHD, he or she will assess your symptoms to determine the degree to which they interfere with your daily routine. Your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairments in at least two areas. Examples of impairment could include losing a job because of inadequate time management skills, or getting into financial trouble due to impulsive spending or failing to pay bills on time, and relationships that are strained because of communication difficulties.
You can enhance your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning to deal with the challenges they bring. For instance you can reduce the stress level by implementing an established routine and keeping your calendar free of distractions. You can also get more sleep, avoid eating sugary or caffeinated drinks prior to bed and exercise regularly. Certain people suffering from ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Others take medications to manage their symptoms.
Treatment
For adults who suspect they have ADHD the first step is to discuss the issue with a health care provider. They can refer you a mental health specialist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments, or suggest specialists who can perform this. Some insurance companies also list professionals by specialty and can assist those who participate in their plans to locate an expert.
The most important factor in determining ADHD in adults is the person's past. For example, a doctor might ask to look over school report cards from a person's childhood or ask relatives about their behavior in the beginning of their lives. The health care professional may then examine patterns of behavior that suggest a diagnosis of ADHD.
During the process of assessment, the health care professional could also employ one or more standardized rating scales. These questionnaires assess the behavior of a patient with the behavior of those who don't have ADHD, and may help a physician determine whether the symptoms are in line with diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is also required to rule out other illnesses that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid issues, seizures, hearing and vision issues sleep disorders, as well as food-related issues like food allergies or lead poisoning can all have similar effects to ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy and behavioral therapy. Particularly, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients change their negative thoughts and behaviors. This can help reduce stress, which can cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also help people learn how to manage their time better, increase their skills in organization, and create more effective coping strategies to deal with stressful situations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are frequently treated with stimulants. They are believed to increase and balance the levels of certain brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. However, these drugs may cause serious side effects for some individuals, especially adolescents and children. They are typically used for short-term treatments and are not suitable for everyone.
Lifestyle changes and psychotherapy are alternatives. For instance, some people with ADHD discover that increasing physical exercise can help them focus and be more productive. Other people with ADHD benefit from learning to improve their organization and planning abilities. In addition, some people who are having difficulty keeping jobs or maintain relationships can benefit from a disability support service such as Access to Work.
Support
When you are properly diagnosed and treated, you can manage issues that are affecting your life. getting a adhd diagnosis can also help improve your self-image and improve your relationships with your family, friends, and colleagues. It is never too late to get an assessment and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP might recommend an expert mental health service that specializes in treating adults with ADHD. This may be a Community Mental Health Service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults suffering from ADHD which can offer advice and a sense of community. 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 mentoring and coaching are self-regulated jobs and there are differences in the quality and expertise.
Symptoms of ADHD usually appear in childhood, but they can last into adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent in boys and men than women and girls. People with the inattentive subtype of the condition (formerly called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are more likely to be diagnosed than those who suffer from 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 diagnose because the symptoms can vary from one person to the next. A doctor may spot patterns in a patient's history of difficulties at school, work or with relationships. A complete medical history can also be helpful. The history can be used to determine if or pinpoint possible causes. These include seizures, developmental disorders depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can lead to people developing low self-esteem and a negative self-image because of disappointment and failure. They may also develop disorders that are comorbid, such as depression or anxiety that can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Some adults with ADHD are involved in clinical trials to help researchers learn more about the disorder. This could result in more effective treatments in the future. There are tips for talking with your doctor about participating in an investigational trial on the NIMH website.