ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD it can cause problems throughout your life. It may be difficult to maintain relationships and work. This could lead to frequent changes in your job or poor performance ratings.
It is recommended to first consult your primary care physician for the referral to a health professional who performs evaluations for adults suffering from ADHD. You will then receive an assessment and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental issue that makes it difficult to stay focused, paying attention and responding to impulses. Adults who suffer from ADHD have difficulties at work, in school as well as in their relationships. It's a common disorder but can be difficult for adults to diagnose, since they may not recall symptoms from childhood or have been misdiagnosed.
A person who is seeking an evaluation for ADHD in adults must consult an experienced health professional with expertise in ADHD evaluations. Requesting a doctor to refer you to someone who is an ADHD specialist can be done by a person. They can also call local hospitals that are affiliated with universities, medical schools or graduate schools to request recommendations.
When interviewing adults, a therapist will take into consideration how long symptoms have been present and if they have negatively affected the person's life. They will also consider whether the ADHD symptoms were 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 diagnose ADHD to be diagnosed, the patient must have significant impairment in at least two different areas of their lives like at home or work or with family and friends; or when engaging in specific activities like driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be severe and persistent for at least six month to be considered impaired.
When determining a diagnosis, the doctor will also try to rule out other conditions that could cause the same issues as ADHD for instance anxiety, depression or substance use disorders. They may also perform additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing to determine if a patient has co-existing disorder.
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may be frustrated that they're not receiving the assistance and support they require. Adults have reported feeling happy and renewed after finally getting an diagnosis. Others say they have many regrets over the opportunities they missed or the failures they made in their lives because their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and untreated. Certain people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to admit that they have ADHD, especially women who were deemed female at birth. Some people are hesitant to admit they suffer from ADHD due to the stigma associated with it.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to outgrow the condition. It persists into adulthood and can cause similar impacts on their relationships, work, family life and mental health. Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are present in both adults and children with ADHD. However, the symptoms in adults are more severe. They can affect the performance of a person at work and cause troubled relationships. A professional can offer assistance and treatment.
The first step is to locate an accredited evaluator for example, a psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask for recommendations from family members and family or search on the internet for professionals in your region. Many people with ADHD also have other conditions, like depression and anxiety which should be considered in their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your evaluator will want to know as much about your life as they can. A thorough account of your life, especially one that goes back to childhood, can provide clues about whether ADHD symptoms are linked to other conditions. Your evaluator may ask about your physical health and emotional well-being, your development since early childhood, academic and work experiences including driving history, drinking and drug use, and how you deal with stress on a regular on a daily basis.
If your evaluator suspects you have ADHD then they will examine your symptoms to determine the degree to which they interfere with your daily routine. Your symptoms must be sufficient to cause impairments in at least two areas. Examples of impairment include losing your job due to inadequate time management skills, getting in financial trouble as a result of reckless spending or inability to make payments on time, or having interpersonal issues in your relationship due to communication issues.
You can increase your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning to deal with the challenges they create. You can lower stress levels by establishing a clear plan and following a regular routine. Additionally, you can get more sleep, avoid eating sugary or caffeinated foods prior to bed and exercise regularly. Certain people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Some people use medication to reduce their symptoms.
Treatment
For adults who suspect they are suffering from ADHD, the first step is to discuss the issue with a health care provider. They may refer you to a mental health specialist who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations, or recommend professionals who do this. Certain insurance companies also list professionals by specialty and can help those who are part of their plans to find the right specialist.
The most crucial factor in determining ADHD in adults is the history of the individual. A doctor might, for example, ask to look over the child's report card or speak with family regarding the child's early behavior. The health care professional can then look for patterns of behavior that indicate the diagnosis of ADHD.
During the process of assessment, the health care professional could also employ one or more of the standardized rating scales. These questionnaires compare the patient's behavior to that of people who don't have ADHD and may help the doctor determine whether or not the symptoms meet diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is also essential to rule out any conditions that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid problems, seizures, hearing and vision issues sleep disorders, and food-related issues like lead poisoning or food allergies can have similar effects to ADHD.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be helpful for adults suffering from ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular can assist patients in changing negative thoughts and behavior. This can lessen stress, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also teach people how to manage their time better, increase their skills in organization, and create more effective coping strategies to deal with stressful situations.
Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD in adults. They appear to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. However, these drugs can cause serious side effects for some people, particularly teenagers and children. These medications are typically used for short-term treatment and are not suitable for all people.
Changes in lifestyle and psychotherapy are alternatives. For example, some adults who suffer from ADHD discover that exercising more can aid in their focus and make them more productive. Certain people with ADHD can benefit from improving their planning and organization skills. In addition, some people who are having difficulty keeping jobs or maintaining relationships can seek help from a disability support service such as Access to Work.
Support
Finding a doctor and receiving a successful treatment can help you manage problems that hinder your life. It can also improve your self-image and relationships with family members and friends as well as coworkers. It's never too late to get a diagnosis and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP may recommend an expert mental health service that specializes in treating adult ADHD. This may be a Community Mental Health Service or an specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults with ADHD that can provide guidance and a sense of belonging. You can also join online forums and talk with others about their experiences. There are also coaches and mentors who specialise in helping those suffering from ADHD. However, it is important to be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions and there are a variety of quality and competence.
ADHD symptoms typically begin in the early years of childhood, but they can last throughout adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent for men and boys in comparison to 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 who suffer from 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 the next. A doctor may spot patterns in a patient's history of issues at work, school or with relationships. A thorough medical history may be helpful. The history can be used to rule out or identify possible causes. These include developmental disorders, seizure disorders depression, anxiety, substance abuse and certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can lead to the sufferer developing a low self-esteem and a negative self-image because of frustration and failure. They might also experience disorders like depression or anxiety which can make ADHD worse.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD are involved in clinical trials to help researchers learn more about the disorder. diagnosis adhd could result in better treatments in the near future. On the NIMH site, you can find some tips about how to speak to your doctor about participating in a clinical study.