ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all areas of your life. It may be difficult to maintain relationships and employment. This could result in frequent job changes or poor performance ratings.
You should first consult your primary care physician for a referral to an expert in health care who conducts assessments for adults with ADHD. Then, you can get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental issue that causes problems staying focused and paying attention. It also causes difficulty in responding to impulses. Adults with ADHD frequently have issues at school, work and in their relationships. It's a widespread disorder, but 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 evaluations in adults. Asking a doctor to refer you to a specialist who is an ADHD specialist can be done by a person. They can also contact local university-based hospitals, medical schools or graduate schools to request recommendations.
When evaluating adults, a clinician will take into consideration how long symptoms have been present and whether they've interfered with the person's life. They will also look at 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 the patient must exhibit significant impairment in at least two aspects of their life for example, at work or at home; with friends and family or in particular activities, such as driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be severe and persistent for at least six months to be deemed impaired.
When making a diagnosis, the doctor will also attempt to rule out any other conditions that might cause similar problems to ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or other substance use disorders. They may also do additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities to determine if the patient suffers from co-existing disorders.
Individuals who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might feel unhappy because they're not receiving the support and help they require. Adults have reported feeling happy and renewed after finally getting the diagnosis. Some adults regret missed opportunities or failures because their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and untreated. Certain people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit that they have ADHD particularly women who were deemed female at birth. Some are reluctant due to the stigma surrounding it.
Symptoms
Like children, adults with ADHD do not typically overcome their condition. It can last into adulthood, and can have similar impacts on relationships, work, family life, and mental health. Hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are common in adults and children suffering from ADHD. However the symptoms of adults are more severe. For example, they may affect the performance of a worker and cause troublesome relationships. A professional can offer support and treatment.
The first step is to find an accredited evaluator, like a psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask your family and friends for recommendations or search online to find professionals in your area. Many people who suffer from ADHD are also suffering from other illnesses like depression and anxiety that should be considered in their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator will wish to learn as much about your life as is possible. A detailed history of your life, especially one that goes back to childhood, can give clues as to whether ADHD symptoms are linked to other conditions. The person evaluating you will likely inquire about your emotional and physical health, your progress that began in early childhood, your academic and work experiences, your driving history, any substance or alcohol abuse and how you cope with stress in your everyday life.
If the person who evaluated you suspects that you have ADHD then they will evaluate your symptoms to determine the extent to which they affect your daily life. For a diagnosis to be granted, your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairment in at least two major situations. Examples of impairment could include losing a job because of poor time management skills, or getting into financial trouble due to impulsive spending or failing to pay on time, or having relationships that are strained due to communication issues.
You can increase your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning how to manage the challenges they create. For example you can reduce your stress levels by following a regular routine and keeping your schedule clear. Also, you can 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 find that cognitive or psychotherapy therapy helps them to manage their symptoms, whereas others use medication to reduce the effects of their symptoms.
Treatment
For adults who suspect they have ADHD the first step is to talk with a health professional. They may refer you to a mental health professional who specialises in adult ADHD evaluations or provide suggestions for professionals who do so. Certain insurance companies also list specialists by specialization and help those who are part of their plans to locate an expert.
The past of the adult is essential in determining ADHD. A doctor could ask, for instance, to see the child's school report card or interview family about the child's early behavior. The health care professional will then look for patterns of behavior that could be indicative of ADHD.
During the assessment process the health professional may also use one or more of the standardized rating scales. These tests compare the behavior of a patient with the behavior of those who don't have ADHD, and may aid a doctor in determining whether symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria.
A medical exam is necessary to rule out illnesses that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. The thyroid, seizures, and hearing and vision issues can all be associated with similar effects.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be beneficial for adults with ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular, can help patients change negative thoughts and behaviors. This can lessen stress and anxiety, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also help people learn how to manage their time better, improve their organizational skills, and develop more effective coping mechanisms to deal with stressful situations.
Stimulants are the most common treatments for ADHD in adults. They are believed to regulate and increase the levels of certain brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. However, these medications can have serious side effects for some individuals, especially adolescents and children. These drugs are usually used for short-term treatment and are not suitable for all people.
Other treatment options include lifestyle changes and psychotherapy. Some adults with ADHD discover that exercising more helps them concentrate more effectively and become more productive. Certain people with ADHD may benefit from enhancing their planning and organization abilities. Access to Work, a disability support organization, can assist people who are having difficulty maintaining relationships or retaining a job.
Support
If you are diagnosed and treated properly it is possible to manage the problems that affect your life. It can also help improve your self-image, and your relationships with your family and friends as well as coworkers. It is never too late to seek the diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
Your GP might refer you to an individual mental health provider that is specialized in treating adult ADHD. This may be an Community Mental Health Service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
Support groups for adults suffering from ADHD can provide guidance and a sense of community. You can join online discussion forums and share your experiences with others. There are also coaches and mentors who specialize in helping people suffering from ADHD. However, you should be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions and there are variations in quality and expertise.
The symptoms of ADHD typically manifest in the early years of childhood, but may persist into adulthood. The disorder is more common in boys and men 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.
Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis because the symptoms can vary from one person to another. A doctor may spot patterns in a patient's past of difficulties at work, school or in relationships. A complete medical history is also useful. Many medical conditions can cause similar symptoms as ADHD The background information can help determine or pinpoint other possible causes of the symptoms. getting a adhd diagnosis include developmental disorders and seizures disorders. They also include anxiety, depression, drug abuse, and certain medications.
A person with untreated ADHD may develop a negative self-image and low self-esteem as a result of constant frustration and failure. They might also experience compulsive disorders like depression or anxiety that can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Adults suffering from ADHD could be involved in clinical trials that help researchers better understand the disorder. This can lead to improved treatments in the future. On the NIMH site, you will learn some helpful tips on how to talk with your doctor about taking part in a study.