ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in every area of your life. It may be difficult to maintain relationships and employment. This could result in frequent changes in jobs or poor performance ratings.
You should first consult your primary care doctor for an appointment with a health care professional who performs evaluations for adults with ADHD. You can then get an assessment and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause difficulties with staying focused, paying attention, and responding to impulses. Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently have issues at school, work and in their relationships. It's a very common condition, but can be difficult for adults to diagnose, as they may not remember the symptoms they experienced as children or have been incorrectly diagnosed.
A person who wants to be diagnosed with ADHD must see a health care professional with experience in conducting ADHD evaluations in adults. One may ask their doctor for a referral to someone who specializes in ADHD. You can also ask for a referral by calling local medical schools, universities or graduate schools.
When interviewing adults, a therapist will take into consideration how long symptoms have been present and whether they've negatively affected the person's life. They will also look at whether the root of the ADHD symptoms have been present since 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 demonstrate significant impairment in two areas of their life. This includes at home, at work, with family and friends or in particular activities such as driving or playing sports. Impairment means that the symptoms cause significant problems and have been present for at least six months.
The clinician will also rule out any other conditions that could cause the same symptoms as ADHD, like anxiety, depression or other addiction disorders. They may also perform additional mental, learning or neuropsychological tests to determine if a person has co-existing disorder.
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may be frustrated that they're not receiving the assistance and support that they need. Some adults have felt a sense of relief and renewal after they finally get a diagnosis. Some adults regret missed opportunities or failings due to the fact that their ADHD symptoms were not diagnosed and treated. adults diagnosed with adhd with ADHD struggle with admitting to themselves that they have the disorder, particularly women who were born female (AFAB). Some are afraid because of the stigma surrounding it.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to overcome the condition. It can persist throughout adulthood and have similar effects on relationships at work, family life, and mental health. Hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are present in both adults and children suffering from ADHD. However the symptoms for adults are more severe. For instance, they could affect the performance of a worker and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can help with treatment and counseling.
The first step is to locate an expert evaluator who is qualified, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. Request recommendations from your friends and family members or look online for professionals in your region. Many people who suffer from ADHD have other conditions like anxiety and depression, which must be considered in their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator will want to know the most details possible about your life. A detailed history, especially one that stretches across your entire childhood, could provide clues to determine if your ADHD symptoms are related to other disorders. Your evaluator may ask about your physical health and emotional well-being, your growth from childhood, your academic and work experiences, driving history, drug and alcohol abuse and how you manage stress on a daily on a daily basis.
If your evaluator suspects you are suffering from ADHD the person will assess your symptoms to determine the degree to which they interfere with your daily life. Your symptoms must be sufficient to cause impairments in at least two areas. Examples of impairment include losing your job because of inadequate time management, or getting into financial difficulties because of impulsive spending, or failing to make payments on time.
You can increase your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning to cope with the challenges they create. You can reduce stress by keeping a clear schedule and following a routine. You can also get more sleep, avoid eating sweet or caffeinated foods prior to bed and exercise regularly. Certain people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Some people use medication to lessen their symptoms.
Treatment
If you are an adult and suspect that you are suffering from ADHD, the first step is to speak with a healthcare professional. They may refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations, or recommend specialists who are experts in this. Certain insurance companies also provide specialists by specialization and help those who are part of their plans to find an expert.
The most crucial factor in determining ADHD in adults is the person's history. A doctor might ask to look over the child's report card or speak with family about the child's early behavior. The health care professional may analyze patterns of behavior that suggest a diagnosis of ADHD.
During the evaluation, the health care provider may also employ one or several rating scales that are standardized. These tests compare the behavior of the patient with that of people who do not suffer from ADHD and may help the doctor determine whether or not symptoms meet diagnostic criteria.
Additionally an examination by a doctor is usually necessary to identify medical conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. Thyroid problems, seizures and hearing and vision issues can all have similar effects.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be beneficial for adults with ADHD. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help patients overcome their negative thoughts and behaviors. This can reduce stress, which may make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also help people learn how to manage their time better, enhance their ability to organize their lives, and develop more effective coping strategies to deal with stressful situations.
Stimulants are the most popular treatments for ADHD in adults. They can increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These drugs can trigger serious side effects for some people, especially teens and children. They are typically used for short-term treatments and are not appropriate for everyone.
Psychotherapy and lifestyle changes are alternatives. Some adults with ADHD find that increasing their physical activity can help them focus more effectively and become more productive. Others with ADHD benefit from learning how to improve their planning and organizational abilities. Additionally, those who have difficulty keeping jobs or maintain relationships can get assistance through a disability-related support service such as Access to Work.
Support
Diagnosed and treated effectively, you can manage symptoms that are interfering with your daily life. It can also help improve your self-image, and your relationships with your family and friends as well as coworkers. It's never too late to get an assessment and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP can recommend a mental health facility that specializes 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 offer advice and a sense of community. You can also join online discussion forums and discuss your experiences with other people. There are coaches or mentors who specialize in helping people with ADHD. However, you must be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions and there are a variety of quality and knowledge.
ADHD symptoms usually begin in childhood, but they can continue until adulthood. The disorder is more common among males and boys 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 symptoms vary from one person to another. A history of difficulties in school, work or in relationships can help a physician find a pattern. A thorough medical history could also be beneficial. The medical history can be used to rule out or determine the cause. These include developmental disorders and seizures disorders. They also include depression, anxiety and drug addiction, as well as certain medications.
A person suffering from untreated ADHD may develop a poor self-image and low self-esteem as a result of the constant frustration and failure. They may also develop compulsive disorders like anxiety or depression that can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Some adults with ADHD take part in clinical studies to help researchers discover more about the disorder. This can lead to better treatments in the future. On the NIMH site, you will get some suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about taking part in a clinical study.