ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have untreated ADHD it could cause problems throughout your life. You may struggle to maintain relationships and work, resulting in frequent job changes or low performance ratings.
Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a medical professional who can examine adults with ADHD. Then, you can get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes problems staying focused, paying attention and acting on impulses. Adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty at work, in school and in their relationships. It's a very common condition however it can be difficult to diagnose because many adults don't remember having symptoms as children, or were mistakenly diagnosed as children.
A person seeking a diagnosis of ADHD for adults should consult an experienced health professional with expertise in ADHD evaluations. One may ask their doctor for a referral to a doctor who is specialized in ADHD. They can also call local medical schools or graduate schools to ask for recommendations.
When interviewing adults, a therapist will consider how long symptoms have been present and whether they have negatively affected the person's life. They will also consider whether the underlying ADHD symptoms have existed 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 show significant impairment in two aspects of life. This includes at home at work, in the company, with family and friends or in certain activities such as driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be severe and persistent for at least six month to be considered impaired.
The physician will also rule out any other conditions that may cause the same symptoms as ADHD such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse disorders. They can also conduct additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or learning disabilities tests to determine if the patient suffers from co-existing disorders.
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might be frustrated because they aren't getting the help and support that they need. Adults have reported feeling rejoicing and rejuvenated after receiving a diagnosis. Many adults regret missed opportunities or failings due to the fact that their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and not treated. Some people who suffer from ADHD are reluctant to admit they suffer from ADHD, especially women who were assigned a female at birth. Some are afraid because of the stigma surrounding it.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD are not typically able to outgrow the condition. It can last into adulthood, and can have similar effects on work, relationships family life, and mental health. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity symptoms are common in adults and children with ADHD. However the symptoms for adults are more severe. For adhd adults diagnosis , they may affect the performance of a worker and cause troublesome relationships. A professional can offer support and help.
The first step is to find an accredited evaluator, like a psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask your friends and family for recommendations or use the internet to locate 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 treatment and diagnosis.
Your evaluator wants to know as much as possible about your life. A detailed account of your life, especially one that goes back to childhood, can provide clues to determine if ADHD symptoms are linked to other conditions. The evaluator will inquire about your physical health and emotional well-being, your development from childhood, your educational and work experiences and driving history, as well as drug and alcohol abuse and how you handle stress on a regular on a daily basis.
If your evaluator suspects that you have ADHD they will evaluate your current symptoms to determine how they affect your everyday life. Your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairments in at two different areas. Examples of impairment include losing a job because of inadequate time management skills, getting in financial trouble as a result of reckless spending or inability to pay on time, or having relationships that are strained due to communication issues.
You can increase your ability to manage ADHD symptoms by learning to cope with their challenges. For example you can lower your stress level by following an established routine and keeping your schedule free of distractions. You can also get better sleep, avoid eating sweet or caffeinated foods before bed, and exercise regularly. Some people with ADHD discover that psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy can help them manage their symptoms, while others use medications to ease the effects of their symptoms.
Treatment
For adults who suspect they have ADHD, the first step is to speak with a healthcare professional. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations or offer suggestions for professionals who can do so. Some insurance companies also list professionals by specialty and can assist those who participate in their plans to find a specialist.
The most important factor in diagnosing ADHD in adults is the history of the individual. For instance, a physician may ask to review school reports from the person's childhood or interview relatives about his or her behaviors in the beginning of their lives. The health care professional will then look for patterns in the behavior that could be indicative of ADHD.
During the assessment process the health care provider may also employ one or more standard rating scales. These questionnaires compare the patient's behavior with the behavior of those who do not have ADHD and may aid the doctor in determining whether or not symptoms fit the diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is also required to rule out other illnesses that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid issues seizures hearing and vision problems sleep disorders, and other dietary issues like food allergies or lead poisoning may have similar effects as ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from psychological and behavioral therapy. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients overcome their negative thoughts and behavior. This can reduce stress, which can often make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can help people better manage their time, enhance their organization abilities, and learn more effective strategies for dealing with stressful situations.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used drugs used to treat ADHD in adults. They appear to increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These drugs can cause serious side effects for some people, especially adolescents and children. These drugs are usually prescribed for short-term treatments and are not appropriate for everyone.
Lifestyle changes and psychotherapy are also options. Many adults suffering from ADHD discover that increasing their physical activity can help them focus more effectively and become more productive. Other people with ADHD benefit from learning how to improve their organization and planning capabilities. Additionally, those who are having difficulty keeping jobs or maintaining relationships can get assistance through a disability-related support service such as Access to Work.
Support
Finding a doctor and receiving a successful treatment can help you manage symptoms that interfere with your daily life. It can also improve your self-image and relationships with family members, friends, and coworkers. It is never too late to get an assessment and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP may recommend an area of mental health care that specializes in treating adults with ADHD. This could be a Community Mental Health Service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
Support groups for adults with ADHD can provide advice and a sense of community. You can join online forums and talk to others about their experiences. There are coaches and mentors who specialize in helping those with ADHD. However, you must be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions and there are variations in quality and competence.
ADHD symptoms typically begin in childhood but can persist until 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 called 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.
Adult ADHD can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms vary from one person to the next. A doctor can spot patterns in a patient's past of difficulties at work, school or with relationships. A thorough medical history may also be beneficial. The history can be used to determine if or determine the cause. These include developmental disorders and seizures. They also include depression, anxiety and drug addiction, as well as certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can result in the sufferer developing a low self-esteem and a negative self-image because of disappointment and failure. They may also develop compulsive disorders like anxiety or depression, which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Adults with ADHD may participate in clinical trials to help researchers better understand the disorder. This could result in better treatments in the near future. There are tips for talking to your doctor about participating in clinical trials on the NIMH website.