ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD, it can cause problems throughout your life. You may experience difficulties maintaining relationships and employment, resulting in frequent job changes and/or low ratings for performance.
You should first ask your primary care physician for a referral to a health professional who can conduct evaluations for adults with ADHD. Then, you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder that causes problems with staying focused, paying attention, and responding to impulses. Adults with ADHD have difficulties working, at school and in their relationships. It is a common disorder however, it can be difficult to recognize since many adults don't remember having symptoms as children or being misdiagnosed as kids.
Anyone seeking an assessment of ADHD in adults must consult an experienced health professional with experience in ADHD evaluations. One could ask their physician for a referral to someone who specializes in ADHD. They can also contact local medical schools or graduate schools to request an appointment.
When evaluating adults, the physician will assess how long the symptoms have been present and how they interfere with the person's life. They will also examine whether the 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 to be diagnosed, the person must exhibit significant impairment in two areas of their lives. This includes at home or at work, as well as with family and friends or in certain activities such as driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be significant and persistent for at least six months to be deemed impaired.
The doctor will also look into other conditions that could cause the same symptoms as ADHD, like depression, anxiety or addiction disorders. They may also conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities to determine if the patient has co-existing disorders.
People who haven't been diagnosed ADHD may be frustrated that they're not getting the help and support that they need. Some adults have experienced a sense satisfaction and renewal once they finally receive a diagnosis. Others have reported having many regrets over failed opportunities or failures in their lives because their ADHD symptoms went undiagnosed and untreated. Some people who suffer from ADHD are reluctant to admit that they have ADHD particularly women who were deemed female at birth. Some people are hesitant to admit they have ADHD due to the stigma associated with it.
Signs and symptoms
Like children, adults with ADHD don't typically outgrow their condition. It is a condition that persists into adulthood and can have the same impact on their work, friendships, family life and mental health. Signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity can be seen in both adults and children with ADHD however, the signs tend to be more severe in adults. For instance, they could affect a person's work performance and lead to troubled relationships. A professional can provide support and help.
The first step is to find an expert evaluator who is qualified, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask your family and friends for recommendations or search online to find professionals in your area. Many people suffering from ADHD also have other conditions like anxiety and depression, that must be taken into consideration in their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your evaluator will wish to know as much about your life as they can. A thorough history, particularly one that stretches across your entire childhood, can give clues to whether your ADHD symptoms are connected to any other disorder. Your evaluator might inquire about your physical health and well-being, your development from childhood, your educational and work experiences including driving history, drug and alcohol abuse and how you handle stress on a daily basis.
If the person who evaluated you suspects that you have ADHD the person will assess your symptoms to determine the degree to which they interfere with your daily life. For a diagnosis, your symptoms must be significant enough to cause impairment in at least two major situations. Some examples of impairment include losing your job because of poor time management, getting into financial trouble due to reckless spending, or failing to make payments on time.
You can increase your ability to manage ADHD symptoms by learning how to deal with their challenges. For instance, you can reduce your stress levels by following an established routine and keeping your calendar free of distractions. You can also ensure you get enough sleep, stay away from sweet or caffeine-rich meals prior to bedtime, and do regular exercise. Some people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Others use medication to lessen their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who think they might have ADHD is to talk to their health healthcare provider. They can refer you a mental health specialist who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations, or recommend specialists who are experts in this. Some insurance companies list professionals according to their specialties and can assist those who are covered by their plans to find an expert.
The history of the adult is crucial in determining ADHD. For example, a doctor might request to review school reports from the person's childhood or ask family members about their behavior in the beginning of their lives. The health care professional may analyze patterns of behavior that indicate a diagnosis of ADHD.
During the process of assessment, the health care provider may also employ one or more standardized rating scales. These questionnaires evaluate the behavior of the patient with the behavior of those who do not suffer from ADHD and may help the doctor determine whether or not symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria.
Additionally medical exams are typically required to rule out medical conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. For instance, thyroid issues seizures, hearing and vision issues, sleep disorders, and dietary issues such as lead poisoning or food allergies may have similar effects as ADHD.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy and behavioral therapy. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients change their negative thoughts and behaviors. This can help reduce stress, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can teach people to better manage their time, enhance their organizational skills, and discover more effective ways of dealing with stressful situations.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used treatments for ADHD in adults. They appear to increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These drugs can cause serious side effects in certain individuals, particularly teens and children. These drugs are usually prescribed for short-term treatments and are not appropriate for everyone.
Psychotherapy and lifestyle changes are also options. Many adults suffering from ADHD find that increasing their physical activity can help them focus better and be more productive. Certain people with ADHD can benefit from improving their planning and organization skills. In addition, people who struggle to keep jobs or maintain relationships can get assistance from a disability support service such as Access to Work.
Support
Finding a doctor and receiving a successful treatment can help you manage issues that affect your daily routine. getting diagnosed with adhd can also make a difference in your self-image and improve relationships with family, friends and colleagues. It is never too late to seek a diagnosis and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP may recommend an area of mental health care that specializes in treating adult ADHD. This may be an Community Mental Health Service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults suffering from ADHD that can provide advice and a sense of community. You can join online discussion forums and discuss your experiences with other people. There are coaches and mentors who specialize in helping people suffering from ADHD. However, it is important to be aware that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated and there are variations in quality and knowledge.
ADHD symptoms usually start in childhood, but they can continue well into adulthood. The disorder is more common in boys and men in comparison to women and girls. The inattentive type (formerly known as attention deficit disorder hyperactivity) is more prevalent 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.
It can be difficult to determine adult ADHD due to the fact that symptoms differ from person to. A doctor can find patterns in the history of a patient of difficulties at school, work or with relationships. A thorough medical history could be helpful. Certain medical conditions can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD, so the history can help rule out or pinpoint other possible causes of the symptoms. These include seizures, developmental disorders anxiety, depression, substance abuse and certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can lead to the sufferer developing a low self-esteem as well as a negative self-image due to frustration and failure. They may also develop mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety which can cause ADHD worse.
Adults with ADHD could be involved in clinical trials that aid researchers to better understand the disorder. This could result in more effective treatments in the future. On the NIMH site, you can find some tips on how to talk with your doctor about taking part in a clinical study.