ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can create problems in all aspects of your life. It may be difficult to maintain relationships and work. This could lead to frequent job changes or poor performance ratings.
Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a medical professional who can assess adults with ADHD. Then, you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes problems staying focused and paying attention. It also causes difficulty in responding to impulses. Adults with ADHD have difficulties at work, in school as well as in their relationships. It's a very common condition, but can be difficult for adults to diagnose, because they may not be able to recall symptoms from childhood or have been incorrectly diagnosed.
A person who is seeking an assessment of ADHD in adults must consult an expert in health care who has expertise in ADHD evaluations. Asking a doctor to refer you to someone who is an ADHD specialist can be done by a person. You can also request an appointment by calling local universities, medical schools, or graduate schools.
When evaluating adults, the clinician will look at how long the symptoms have been present and how they interfere with the person's life. They will also look at 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 be diagnosed with ADHD, one must exhibit significant impairment in two aspects of their lives. These include at home or at 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 problems and last for at least six months.
The doctor will also look into other conditions that might cause the same symptoms as ADHD, like depression, anxiety, or substance abuse disorders. They can also conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests to determine if the person suffers from co-existing disorders.
Individuals who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might feel frustrated because they're not getting the support and assistance they require. Adults have reported feeling rejoicing and rejuvenated after receiving the diagnosis. Others say they have many regrets over lost opportunities or failures in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms went undiagnosed and untreated. Some people with ADHD are hesitant to admit that they have ADHD, especially women who were assigned a female at birth. Some are reluctant due to the stigma associated with it.
Signs and symptoms
Unlike children, adults with ADHD aren't able to overcome their condition. It is a condition that persists into adulthood and can cause similar impacts on their work, friendships and family life, as well as their mental health. Hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity symptoms are present in both adults and children with ADHD. However, the symptoms in adults are more severe. For instance, they could affect a person's work performance and cause troublesome relationships. A professional can provide treatment and help.
The first step is to locate an expert evaluator who is qualified, like a psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask your friends and family for recommendations or search online to locate professionals in your area. Many people with ADHD have other conditions like anxiety and depression, which must be considered in their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator will want to learn as much information about your life as possible. A thorough account of your life, especially one that spans from childhood, could provide clues to determine if ADHD symptoms are related to other issues. The person evaluating you will likely inquire about your physical and mental health, your growth going back to early childhood as well as your academic and work experience, driving history, any substance or alcohol use, and how you handle stress in your daily life.
If your evaluator suspects you suffer from ADHD, they will assess your current symptoms to determine how they interfere with your daily routine. Your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairments in at least two areas. Examples of impairment could include losing your job due to inadequate time management skills, or 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 enhance your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning how to manage the challenges they bring. You can reduce stress by keeping a clear schedule and following a routine. You can also get enough rest, avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods before the time you go to bed, and keep exercising regularly. Some people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Others use medications to manage their symptoms.
Treatment
If you are an adult and suspect that you have ADHD the first step is to speak with a health care provider. They may refer you to a mental health specialist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments, or suggest specialists who can perform this. Some insurance companies list professionals according to their specialties and may help those who are covered by their plans to locate an expert.
The history of the adult is vital in diagnosing ADHD. A doctor might, for example, ask to see the child's school report card or interview family about the child's behavior in the beginning. The health care professional can analyze patterns of behavior that suggest the diagnosis of ADHD.
During the examination the health professional can also utilize one of several scales of rating that are standardized. These questionnaires compare the behavior of the patient with that of people who don't have ADHD and can help the doctor determine whether or not the symptoms meet diagnostic criteria.
In addition medical exams are usually necessary to identify medical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid issues, seizures or hearing or vision issues sleep disorders, as well as other dietary issues like lead poisoning or food allergies can have similar effects to ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychological and behavioral therapy. Cognitive therapy for behavior, specifically, can help patients change negative thoughts and behaviors. This can decrease stress, which may cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also help people learn how to manage their time better, enhance their organizational skills, and develop more effective coping mechanisms for dealing with stressful situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulants. They are believed to boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These medications can cause serious side effects in some people, especially teens and children. These drugs are usually used for short-term treatment and are not appropriate for everyone.
Other treatment options include lifestyle changes and psychotherapy. Some adults with ADHD discover that a greater amount of physical activity can help them focus more effectively and become more productive. Others with ADHD benefit from learning to improve their organizational and planning abilities. Access to Work, a disability support group, can aid those who have trouble maintaining relationships or holding their jobs.
Support
Getting diagnosed and receiving effective 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 seek an assessment and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP may recommend a mental health facility that specialises in treating adult ADHD. This 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 forums and talk with other members about their experiences. There are adhd diagnosis in adults and mentors that specialize in helping people suffering from ADHD. However, adult diagnosis of adhd should be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions and there are variations in quality and expertise.
The signs of ADHD usually appear in childhood, but they may persist throughout adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent among males and boys than women and girls. People who suffer from the inattentive type of the condition (formerly called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are more likely to be diagnosed than those with 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 the symptoms differ from one person to another. A history of difficulties in work, school or relationships can help a physician identify 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 as well as seizures. They also include anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs as well as certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can result in a person developing a low self-esteem as well as a negative self-image because of frustration and failure. They might also experience compulsive disorders like depression or anxiety, which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Adults suffering from ADHD might be able to participate in clinical trials that aid researchers to better understand the disorder. This could lead to more effective treatments in the future. On the NIMH site, you can get some suggestions about how to speak to your doctor about taking part in a study.