Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
Ask your primary doctor for a referral if think you might be suffering from ADHD. You can also ask your family and friends for recommendations or use the internet to find specialists who are competent to assess ADHD.
A doctor will ask you questions about your current symptoms, however according to current guidelines, a diagnosis can't be determined without taking into account your childhood history. Your doctor might talk to your parents, teachers, or other adults who knew you as a child.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people with ADHD do not realize they have it until they reach adulthood. They may have missed out on the diagnosis as a child and then have to deal with problems at home, work and school. A diagnosis and treatment plan could assist them in getting their lives back on track.
Adults with ADHD frequently have trouble focusing, planning or paying attention to the finer details. They are more prone to act on impulse and become easily distracted. They might also discover that they can't sit through boring activities and will often shift their attention from one task to the next. This could lead to unplanned events, poor time management and frequent mistakes at school or at work.
The signs and symptoms of adult adhd can be different for everyone. The signs typically appear in the early years, but may also manifest as the adolescent years or even as adults. To be diagnosed with the disorder, the symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months and cause significant difficulty in a variety of situations.
In some instances, a doctor will review school reports to find out if there are any comments regarding behavior issues or a lack of effort and inadequacy compared to your potential. The doctor may also request that the person being assessed speak to their parents. Adults who are being evaluated by a clinician for ADHD should be honest and open about their issues. They shouldn't hold back out of fear of shame or embarrassment.
Women suffering from ADHD can be omitted or misdiagnosed, as their symptoms are not as evident as those of males. Their struggles can be hidden by the responsibilities of caring for children, or working in more traditionally gender-specific roles. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to forgetting important tasks or being unfocused or being late in completing tasks, and making mistakes. They may also lack concentration in school or in work. They are more likely to engage in fidgeting like tapping their feet or bouncing their legs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD can still achieve success in their professional and personal lives. They just need to learn to deal with their issues and take advantage of the help that is available. They can also employ strategies to help them succeed, like an organizer or a calendar, or phone apps with reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be difficult to differentiate from normal problems that occur in daily life, such as a tendency to forget appointments or slipping up on tasks. However, the difference is important because, if it is left untreated, neglected or treated poorly the disorder could result in serious social and work-related issues which include financial issues and troubled relationships.
A mental health professional who has special training and experience treating ADHD can diagnose the condition. This could include psychotherapists, clinical psychologists or doctors (such as neurologists, psychiatrists or family physicians) who specialize in neurology or psychiatry. Professionals with qualifications also know how to deal with co-existing conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which are frequently associated with ADHD.
A thorough evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD will involve an extensive interview to look over the patient's medical, personal and family background. The interview will include questions about the effects of ADHD symptoms on one's job and relationships. It is essential that the person be honest and not hide any information.
It's also a great idea to bring up problems that the person might have had at work or in their personal life prior to childhood. In many cases, these issues can be indicators that the person is suffering from ADHD. For example, many people with ADHD shift jobs frequently and have trouble forming close relationships. Adults with ADHD often struggle with managing their money and tend to spend more than necessary.
In certain cases an assessment of adults with ADHD may include other tests, like neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests, to rule out any other causes for the person's issue. For instance, a person with ADHD might also have an impairment in learning, like dyscalculia or dyslexia. In these situations, accommodations--tools or changes in the environment that help manage a disability--may be helpful.
In addition to treatment strategies and lifestyle adjustments Certain people suffering from ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy. They can help them recognize their own thoughts and behaviors and develop strategies for dealing with them.
Seek Treatment
As adults, many people who suffer from ADHD have the same issues that they had in childhood: trouble with relationships and work, as well as difficulties getting through school or finding work. Many times, these issues can lead to medical referrals for a diagnosis and treatment. The first step for many is to talk to their primary healthcare provider. They will likely recommend you to a mental health professional who has experience diagnosing adult ADHD.
Your doctor will conduct an extensive exam to determine whether you suffer from ADHD or another condition that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They will ask you questions, go over your behavior and history as well as inquire about your family and medical background, and use the psychiatric scales and questionnaires. The doctor will also examine your physical health, including blood pressure and heartbeat. Other conditions that may cause similar symptoms are depression, anxiety and stress and also certain medications and substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD may be unable to recognize the disorder. They might have learned to conceal their symptoms or compensate for them, but have low self-confidence and self-esteem. Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms than men and could be labeled as a goof-off, slacker or troublemaker.
In an ADHD evaluation, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. He or she will likely interview you, as well as your family and work colleagues. He or she will make use of various tools, like old report cards to document childhood ADHD symptoms.
Adult ADHD can be treated with both the use of pharmacological as well as behavioral (behavioral) treatments. The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication that helps balance brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These include stimulants such as amphetamine, methylphenidate and atomoxetine, as well nonstimulants.
Certain behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy and education about ADHD may also be helpful. Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from lifestyle changes like setting routines, and using journals or a planner. Family and marriage counseling or a life coach who can assist with time management and organizing skills, are beneficial for many. Some people with ADHD can also benefit from a variety of accommodations at school or at work for extended deadlines and flexible time, which can make it easier to meet the goals of performance and be successful.
Find Help
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is stressful. It can also be the first step towards finally gaining control over symptoms that be affecting your life for years. The signs of adult ADHD can include trouble staying on top of work or school obligations, misplacing important personal belongings, not making appointments, impulsively spending money and not adhering to instructions from your doctor and many more. These issues can result in an ongoing stress level, low self-esteem and feelings of unworthiness. Having a good support system and adhering to the most effective practices can make all the difference in how you cope with your symptoms.
In the past, a lot people with ADHD were incorrectly diagnosed. They might have struggled finding a job that was suitable, failed in their educational efforts, and struggled to establish long-term relationships. They could be left with regrets about missed opportunities and wasted time.
A thorough interview with a mental healthcare specialist is typically required to determine the severity of adult ADHD. If possible, family members are also present during the interview. In addition, the person will be asked to fill out questionnaires and scales, as well as to talk about their history. In order to be diagnosed, the person must have experienced at least five symptoms of inattention and/or five symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity before age 12.
Depending on the person and their symptoms, additional tests for neuropsychological or psychological testing could be performed. This test can provide more details about how the person's ADHD affects their lives, and also help determine if there are any co-existing conditions that need to be treated.
Adult ADHD is treated with psychotherapy (psychotherapy), educational programs, and occasionally medication. Psychotherapy helps individuals recognize and manage their ADHD and improve their ability to cope with it. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps people to alter negative thoughts and behaviors. Family and marriage counseling could be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD who are having difficulty maintaining relationships.
The first step to find the right counselor is to request a referral from your doctor or an expert. You can also reach out to a local psychology graduate college or a hospital at the university to obtain recommendations. Choose adhd diagnosis adult with whom you feel comfortable and who has experience working with adults.