ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD it can lead to problems in all areas of your life. You may struggle to maintain relationships and jobs which can lead to frequent job changes or low ratings for performance.
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 an assessment and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that makes it difficult to stay focused, paying attention and responding to impulses. Adults suffering from ADHD typically have difficulties at work, school and in their relationships. It's a widespread disorder however it isn't always easy to identify because a lot of adults don't recall having symptoms as children, or were mistakenly diagnosed as children.
A person who is seeking an evaluation for ADHD in adults must consult an expert in health care who has expertise in ADHD evaluations. Requesting a doctor to refer you to a specialist who is an ADHD specialist can be performed by a person. You can also ask for a referral by contacting local universities, medical schools or graduate schools.
When interviewing adults, a therapist will take into consideration how long symptoms have been present and whether they've affected the life of the patient. They will also consider whether the root of the ADHD symptoms were 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 the patient must be exhibiting significant impairment in at least two aspects of their life for example, at home or work as well as with family and friends or in particular activities, such as driving or playing sports. Impairment is when the symptoms cause significant difficulty and have lasted for at minimum six months.
When determining a diagnosis, the doctor will also attempt to rule out any other illnesses that could trigger similar problems to ADHD like depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders. They can also conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities to determine if a person suffers from co-existing disorders.
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might be frustrated because they're not receiving the assistance and support they require. Some adults have reported feeling a sense of relief and renewal after they finally get a diagnosis. Others have reported having a lot of regrets about failed opportunities or failures in their lives because their ADHD symptoms went undiagnosed and untreated. Some people with ADHD are hesitant to admit they suffer from ADHD particularly women who were assigned a female at birth. Some people are reluctant to admit they suffer from ADHD due to the stigma associated with it.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD tend not to overcome the disorder. It can continue to affect them into adulthood, and can have similar impacts on relationships, work as well as family life and mental health. Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms are present in both adults and children suffering from ADHD. However, the symptoms in adults are more severe. They can affect the person's performance at work and cause troubled relationships. A professional can help with treatment and support.
The first step is to locate an accredited evaluator, like a psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask your friends and family for recommendations or use the internet to locate professionals in your region. Many people suffering from ADHD are also suffering from other illnesses like depression and anxiety that must be considered in their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator would like to learn as much as possible about your life. A thorough account of your life, especially one that spans from childhood, can give clues about whether ADHD symptoms are related to other disorders. Your evaluator may ask about your physical health and well-being, your development in the early years of your life, academic and work experiences and driving history, as well as drug and alcohol abuse, and how you manage stress on a daily on a daily basis.
If your evaluator suspects that you suffer from ADHD, they will assess your current symptoms to determine how they interfere with your daily life. For a diagnosis, your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairment in at least two major settings. Examples of impairment include losing a job because of inadequate time management, falling in financial trouble as a result of impulsive spending or failing to make payments on time, and interpersonal issues in your relationship due to communication issues.
You can improve your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning to manage the challenges they bring. For example, you can reduce your stress level by following a regular routine and keeping your schedule clean. You should also ensure you get enough sleep, stay away from sweet or caffeine-rich meals prior to bedtime, and do regular exercise. Certain people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Others take medication to reduce their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who suspect that they may have ADHD is to talk to their health healthcare provider. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who specialises in adult ADHD evaluations or provide suggestions for professionals who perform such evaluations. Certain insurance companies list professionals according to their specialties and may help those who are covered by their plans to find an expert.
The past of the adult is essential in diagnosing ADHD. A doctor could ask to examine the child's school report card or talk to family members regarding the child's early behavior. The health professional will then look for patterns in behavior that could indicate ADHD.
During the assessment process the health care professional could also use one or more standard rating scales. These tests compare the patient's behavior with the behavior of those who do not suffer from ADHD and can help the doctor determine whether or not symptoms meet diagnostic criteria.
In addition medical exams are generally required to identify medical conditions that could cause symptoms that mimic ADHD. For instance, thyroid issues, seizures hearing and vision problems, sleep disorders, and other dietary issues like lead poisoning or food allergies can have similar effects to ADHD.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be beneficial for adults with ADHD. Cognitive therapy for behavior, specifically can assist patients in changing negative thoughts and behavior. This can decrease stress, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also help people learn how to manage their time better, increase their organizational skills, and develop more effective coping strategies for dealing 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. These drugs can cause serious side effects in certain individuals, particularly teens and children. They are often only prescribed for short-term use and are not suitable for everyone.
Other treatments include lifestyle changes as well as psychotherapy. Many adults suffering from ADHD discover that exercising more can help them focus more effectively and become more productive. Other people with ADHD benefit from learning how to improve their planning and organizational abilities. Additionally, those who have difficulty keeping jobs or maintaining relationships can get assistance from a disability support service like Access to Work.
Support
Getting diagnosed and receiving effective treatment can help you manage problems that hinder your daily life. It can also help improve your self-image and improve your relationships with your family, friends, and colleagues. It's never too late to get a diagnosis and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP can recommend an area of mental health care that specializes in treating adults with ADHD. It could be a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults with ADHD which can offer advice and a sense of belonging. You can also join online discussion forums and share your experiences with others. There are also coaches and mentors who specialize in helping people with ADHD. However, you should be aware that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated and there are differences in the quality and expertise.
ADHD symptoms typically begin in childhood but can persist throughout adulthood. The disorder is more common for men and boys than girls and women. The inattentive type (formerly known as hyperactivity disorder causing attention deficit) 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.
It can be difficult to determine adult ADHD because symptoms vary from person to person. A history of difficulties in school, work or in relationships can help a doctor find patterns. how to diagnose adhd is also helpful. Numerous medical conditions can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, so the history can help to rule out or identify other possible causes of the symptoms. These include seizures, developmental disorders depression, anxiety 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 disappointment and failure. They could also suffer from comorbidities like anxiety or depression which can cause ADHD worse.
Adults suffering from ADHD may participate in clinical trials to help researchers better understand the disorder. This can lead to better treatments in the near future. On the NIMH website, you can get some suggestions on how to talk with your doctor about participating in a study.