ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can create problems in all aspects of your life. You may have difficulty maintaining relationships and employment, resulting in frequent job changes or low ratings for performance.
Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a medical professional who can examine adults with ADHD. You can then get an assessment and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder that causes problems in staying focussed, paying to one's surroundings and responding to impulses. Adults with ADHD typically have difficulties at work, school and in their relationships. It's a very common condition, but it can be difficult for adults to diagnose, because they may not be able to recall symptoms from childhood or have been wrongly diagnosed.
A person seeking a diagnosis of ADHD for adults should consult an experienced health professional with expertise in ADHD evaluations. Asking a doctor to refer you to a specialist who is an ADHD specialist can be done by a person. You can also request a referral by calling local medical schools, universities, or graduate schools.
When evaluating adults, the physician will assess how long the symptoms have been present and how they affect the individual'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, a person must demonstrate significant impairment in two aspects of their life. This includes at home at work, in the company, with friends and family or in particular activities such as driving or playing sports. Impairment means that the symptoms cause significant difficulty and have lasted for at minimum six months.
In determining a diagnosis the doctor will also try to rule out other conditions that could cause the same problems as ADHD like depression, anxiety, or addiction disorders. They can also conduct additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or learning disabilities tests to determine if the patient suffers from co-existing disorders.
People who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD might feel unhappy because they're not receiving the help and support they need. Adults have reported feeling happy and renewed after finally getting a diagnosis. Others report having many regrets about failed opportunities or failures in their lives because their ADHD symptoms went undiagnosed and untreated. Certain people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit they suffer from ADHD particularly women who were assigned female at birth. Some are reluctant due to the stigma surrounding it.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD tend not to overcome the condition. It persists into adulthood and can cause similar impacts on their friendships, work as well as family life and health. Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are seen in both adults and children with ADHD however, the signs are more prevalent in adults. For instance, they could affect the performance of a worker and cause troublesome relationships. A professional can provide support and help.
The first step is to locate a qualified evaluator such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Request recommendations from your friends and family or search on the internet for professionals in your region. Many people who suffer from ADHD have other conditions like anxiety and depression, which 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, particularly one that spans from childhood, can give clues as to whether ADHD symptoms are linked to other issues. Your evaluator will likely ask about your physical and emotional health, your progress going back to early childhood, your academic and professional experiences, your driving history, any drug or alcohol use, and how you handle stress in your everyday life.
If your evaluator suspects you have ADHD they will evaluate your current symptoms to determine how they affect your daily routine. For a diagnosis to be granted, your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairment in at least two important settings. Examples of impairment include losing your job because of inadequate time management, or getting into financial trouble due to excessive spending, or failing to make payments on time.
You can enhance your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning to cope with the challenges they bring. For instance you can reduce the stress level by implementing a regular routine and keeping your calendar free of distractions. You should also get enough sleep, avoid food items that are high in caffeine or sugar prior to bedtime, and exercise regularly. Certain people suffering from ADHD discover that psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy helps them to manage their symptoms, while others use medication to reduce the effects of their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who suspect that they may have ADHD is to talk to their health care provider. They can refer you a mental health specialist who specializes in adult ADHD assessments, or suggest professionals who do this. Some insurance companies provide professionals based on their specialties and may assist those who are covered by their plans to locate the right specialist.
The background of the adult is essential in determining ADHD. A doctor could ask, for instance, to examine the child's school report card or interview family about the child's behavior in the beginning. The health care professional will then search for patterns in behavior that may indicate ADHD.
During the evaluation the health professional may also employ one or several scales of rating that are standardized. These tests compare the behavior of a patient to that of people without ADHD and can help a physician determine whether the symptoms are in line with diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is required to rule out other illnesses that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Thyroid problems, seizures as well as hearing and vision problems can all be associated with similar effects.
adhd diagnosis adult and behavioral therapy can be helpful for adults suffering from ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular can assist patients in changing negative attitudes and behaviors. This can lessen stress which can cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can teach people to better manage their time, enhance their organization skills, and discover more effective strategies for dealing with stressful situations.
Stimulants are the most common medications used to treat ADHD in adults. They can increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. These medications can cause serious side effects in certain people, especially adolescents and children. They are often only used for short-term treatments and are not suitable for everyone.
Lifestyle changes and psychotherapy are also options. For instance, some people who suffer from ADHD find that exercising more regularly can help them focus and be more productive. Some people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from improving their organization and planning abilities. Access to Work, a disability support group, can aid those who have trouble maintaining relationships or keeping the job they have.
Support
If you are diagnosed and treated properly, you can manage symptoms that are interfering with your life. It can also help improve your self-image and relationships with your family as well as your friends and colleagues. It is never too late to seek a diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
Your GP could recommend a mental health facility that specialises in treating adult ADHD. This could be a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults with ADHD that can provide guidance and a sense of community. You can join online discussion forums and share your experiences with others. There are coaches or mentors who specialize in helping people with ADHD. It is important to be aware, however, that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated careers and there are a variety of differences in quality and expertise.
The signs of ADHD typically manifest in the early years of childhood, but can last into adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent in boys and men than women and girls. People who suffer from the inattentive type of the disorder (formerly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are more likely to be diagnosed as compared to those who have 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 determine adult ADHD because symptoms vary from person to person. A history of issues at school, at work or in relationships can help a physician find the pattern. A complete medical history can also be helpful. Many medical conditions can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, so the background information can help determine or pinpoint other possible causes of the symptoms. These include developmental disorders and seizure disorders. They also include depression, anxiety and drug addiction, as well as certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can lead to the sufferer developing a low self-esteem as well as a negative self-image because of frustration and failure. They may also develop disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety or depression, which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
A few adults suffering from ADHD participate in clinical trials to help researchers learn more about the disorder. This can lead to improved treatments in the future. On the NIMH site, you will learn some helpful tips about how to speak to your doctor about taking part in a study.