ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in every area of your life. You may experience difficulties maintaining relationships and jobs which can lead to frequent job changes or low performance ratings.
Ask your primary care doctor to recommend you to a health professional who can assess adults suffering from ADHD. You can then get an assessment and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes problems with staying focused, paying to one's surroundings and responding to impulses. Adults with ADHD typically have difficulties at school, at work and in their relationships. It's a very common condition however it can be difficult to diagnose because a lot of adults don't recall 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. One could ask their physician for a referral to a specialist who is specialized in ADHD. They can also contact local medical schools, or graduate schools to ask for recommendations.
In evaluating adults, the clinician will look at how long the symptoms have been present and how they impact the individual's life. They will also determine if the primary ADHD symptoms were present in the early years of 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 home or work as well as with family and friends; or when engaging in particular activities, such as driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be severe and persistent for at least six months before being considered impaired.
In determining a diagnosis the doctor will also try to rule out any other conditions that could cause the same issues as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or other substance use disorders. They may also perform additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests to determine if a patient has co-existing disorder.
People who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD might feel frustrated because they're not getting the support and help they need. Adults have reported feeling rejoicing and refreshed after obtaining the diagnosis. Others report having many regrets about the opportunities they missed or the failures they made in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and untreated. Certain people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit they suffer from ADHD particularly women who were deemed female at birth. Some are afraid because of the stigma surrounding it.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD tend not to overcome the condition. It can continue to affect them into adulthood, and can have similar effects on work, relationships as well as family life and mental health. Hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are prevalent in both adults and children suffering from ADHD. However, the symptoms in adults are more severe. They can impact a person's work performance and cause troubled relationships. A professional can assist with treatment and help.
The first step is to locate an expert evaluator who is qualified, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask your friends and family for recommendations or use the internet to find professionals in your area. adult diagnosis of adhd who suffer from ADHD have other conditions such as anxiety and depression that must be considered in their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator will want to learn as much about your life as possible. A detailed history, especially one that spans your childhood, could provide clues to whether your ADHD symptoms are connected 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 experiences, your driving history, any drugs or alcohol use, and how you cope with stress in your daily life.
If the person who evaluated you suspects that you are suffering from ADHD then they will assess your symptoms to determine the extent to which they impact your daily life. Your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairments in at least two areas. Examples of impairment include losing your job due to poor time management, falling in financial trouble as a result of excessive spending or failure to pay bills on time, or having relationships that are strained because of difficulty communicating.
You can improve your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning how to cope with the challenges they pose. You can lessen stress by keeping a schedule and observing a routine. You should also get enough sleep, avoid food items that are high in caffeine or sugar prior to the time you go to bed, and keep exercising regularly. Certain people suffering from ADHD discover that psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy can help them manage their symptoms, and others use medication to reduce the effects of their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who think they might have ADHD is to consult with their health medical professional. They can refer you to an expert in mental health that is specialized in adult ADHD assessments or offer suggestions for professionals who can do so. Certain insurance companies list professionals according to their specialties and may assist those who are covered by their plans to locate a specialist.
The history of the adult is vital in determining ADHD. A doctor might, for example, ask to examine the child's school report card or talk to family members regarding the child's early behavior. The health professional could then look for signs of behavior that could indicate that there is a diagnosis of ADHD.
During the examination the health professional can also use one or several scales of rating that are standardized. These questionnaires compare the patient's behavior to that of people who do not suffer from ADHD and can help the doctor determine whether or not symptoms fit diagnostic criteria.
In addition, a medical examination is typically required to determine if there are medical conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. The thyroid, seizures, and hearing and vision issues can all have similar effects.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from psychological and behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular helps patients overcome negative thoughts and behaviors. This can help reduce stress, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also teach people how to manage their time better, improve their skills in organization, and create more effective strategies to deal with stressful situations.
Stimulants are the most common treatments for ADHD in adults. They can increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These medications can cause serious side effects in certain individuals, particularly teens and children. They are usually prescribed for short-term treatment and are not appropriate for everyone.
Changes in lifestyle and psychotherapy are alternatives. For example, some adults who suffer from ADHD find that exercising more can help them focus and be more productive. Other people with ADHD benefit from learning to improve their organizational and planning capabilities. Access to Work, a disability support group, can aid those who have difficulty maintaining relationships or holding their jobs.
Support
Finding a doctor and receiving a successful treatment can help you manage symptoms that interfere with your daily life. get diagnosed with adhd can also help improve your self-image and improve your relationships with family, friends and colleagues. It's never too late to seek an assessment and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP might refer you to an individual mental health provider that is specialized in treating adults with ADHD. It could be an Community Mental Health Service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults with ADHD which can offer advice and a sense that you are part of a community. You can also join online forums and talk with others about their experiences. There are also coaches or mentors who specialize in helping those with ADHD. However, you should be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions and there are variations in quality and expertise.
ADHD symptoms usually start in childhood, but they can continue until adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent in boys and men than girls and women. The inattentive type (formerly known as hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder) 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 diagnose because symptoms vary between individuals. A doctor can find patterns in the history of a patient of difficulties at work, school or with relationships. A thorough medical history could also be useful. The history can be used to determine if or determine the cause. These include developmental disorders and seizures. They also include anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs as well as certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can lead to people developing low self-esteem and negative self-image as a result of frustration and failure. They could also develop disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety or depression, which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
A few adults suffering from ADHD take part in clinical trials to help researchers learn more about the disorder. This can lead to improved treatments in the future. On the NIMH website, you can learn some helpful tips on how to talk with your doctor about participating in a study.