ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in every area of your life. It may be difficult to maintain relationships as well as employment. This could lead to frequent job changes or low performance ratings.
Ask your primary care physician to recommend you to a health professional who can assess adults with ADHD. You will then be able to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental issue that causes problems staying focused and paying attention. It also causes difficulty in responding to impulses. Adults suffering from ADHD often have trouble at work, school and in their relationships. It's a fairly common disorder, but it can be difficult for adults to diagnose since they may not recall symptoms from childhood or have been misdiagnosed.
A person seeking an evaluation for ADHD in adults should speak with an expert in health care who has experience in ADHD evaluations. Asking 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 calling local universities, medical schools or graduate schools.
When conducting an evaluation of adults, a doctor 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 in the early years of 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, the person must have significant impairment in at least two areas of their lives for example, at work or home or with family and friends or while engaging in specific activities such as driving or playing sports. Impairment is when the symptoms cause significant difficulties and have been present for at minimum six months.
When making a diagnosis, the doctor will also try to rule out any other illnesses that could trigger the same issues as ADHD for instance depression, anxiety or substance use disorders. They can also conduct additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or learning disabilities testing to determine if the person suffers from co-existing disorders.
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might feel unhappy because they're not receiving the help and support they require. Adults have reported feeling relieved and rejuvenated after receiving an diagnosis. get diagnosed with adhd say they have a lot of regrets about the opportunities they missed or the failures they made in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and untreated. Some people with ADHD are hesitant 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
As opposed to children, adults suffering from ADHD do not typically overcome their condition. It persists into adulthood and can cause similar impacts on their friendships, work and family life, as well as their mental health. Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity can be seen in both children and adults with ADHD but the symptoms tend to be more severe in adults. They can impact the person's performance at work and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can offer support and help.
The first step is to locate an expert evaluator who is qualified, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask for recommendations from friends and family members or look online for professionals in your region. Many people with ADHD are also suffering from other illnesses such as anxiety and depression that should be considered in their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator would like to learn as much as possible about your life. A thorough history, particularly one that stretches across your entire childhood, can give clues to whether your ADHD symptoms are linked to any other disorders. The evaluator will inquire about your physical health and well-being, the development of your personality since early childhood, academic and work experiences, driving history, drug and alcohol abuse, and how you handle stress on a daily basis.
If your evaluator suspects that you may have ADHD they will examine your current symptoms to determine how they affect your daily routine. Your symptoms must be sufficient to cause impairments in at least two areas. Some examples of impairment are losing your job because of inadequate time management, or getting into financial difficulties because of reckless spending, or failing to make payments on time.
You can improve your ability manage ADHD symptoms by learning how to manage their issues. For instance you can lower your stress level by following a regular routine and keeping your calendar clear. You can also get more sleep, avoid eating sweet or caffeinated foods close to bedtime and regularly exercise. Certain people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Some people use medication to lessen their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who suspect that they might be suffering from ADHD is to consult with their health care provider. They can refer you to a mental health specialist who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations, or recommend professionals who do this. Certain insurance companies also provide specialists by specialization and help those who are part of their plans to locate the right specialist.
The history of the adult is crucial in diagnosing ADHD. For example, a doctor might ask to look over school reports from the person's childhood or ask relatives about their behavior in early life. The health care professional may then look for signs of behavior that could indicate a diagnosis of ADHD.
During the evaluation the health care professional can also use one or several rating scales that are standardized. These tests compare the patient's behavior with the behavior of those who don't have ADHD and may help the doctor determine whether or not symptoms meet diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is required to rule out other illnesses that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. The thyroid, seizures, and hearing and vision issues can all be associated with similar effects.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from psychological and behavioral therapy. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients change their negative thoughts and behaviors. This can help reduce stress, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can help people better manage their time, improve their organizational skills, and develop more effective strategies for dealing with stressful situations.
Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD in adults. They are believed to boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. These medications can cause serious side effects in some people, particularly teens and children. They are usually prescribed for short-term treatment and are not appropriate for everyone.
Changes in lifestyle and psychotherapy are alternatives. Many adults suffering from ADHD find that exercising more can help them focus better and be more productive. Others with ADHD benefit from learning to improve their planning and organizational capabilities. Additionally, those who struggle to keep jobs or maintaining relationships can benefit through a disability support program such as Access to Work.
Support
Finding a doctor and receiving a successful treatment can help you deal with issues that affect your daily life. It can also improve your self-image and relationships with your family and friends as well as coworkers. It is never too late to get an assessment and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP may refer you to an area of mental health care that specializes in treating adult ADHD. It could be a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults with ADHD that can provide guidance and a sense that you are part of a community. You can join online forums and chat with other members about their experiences. There are also coaches or mentors who specialize in helping people with ADHD. You must be aware that mentorship and coaching are self-regulated careers and there are differences in quality and expertise.
ADHD symptoms usually start in childhood, but they can continue until adulthood. The disorder is more common for men and boys compared to girls and women. The inattentive type (formerly known as attention deficit disorder hyperactivity) is more prevalent 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 between individuals. A doctor can find patterns in the history of a patient of difficulties at school, work or with relationships. A complete medical history is also useful. Certain medical conditions can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD, so the background information can help determine or pinpoint other possible causes of the symptoms. These include developmental disorders and seizures. They also include depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs as well as certain medications.
A person suffering from untreated ADHD can develop a poor self-image and low self-esteem as a result of persistent frustration and failure. They may also develop disorders like depression or anxiety which can make ADHD worse.
Adults with ADHD could be involved in clinical trials that aid researchers to better understand the disorder. This could result in more effective treatments in the future. On the NIMH site, you can learn some helpful tips about how to speak to your doctor about taking part in a clinical study.
