ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can create problems in all aspects of your life. You may find it difficult to maintain relationships as well as employment. This could lead to frequent changes in jobs or low performance ratings.
Ask your primary care physician to recommend you to a health professional who can examine adults suffering from ADHD. You will then receive a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause difficulties with staying focussed, paying to one's surroundings and responding to impulses. Adults suffering from ADHD have difficulties at work, in school as well as in their relationships. It's a fairly common disorder, however it can be difficult for adults to diagnose, as they may not remember symptoms as children or have been incorrectly diagnosed.
A person seeking an assessment of ADHD in adults should speak with an experienced health professional with expertise in ADHD evaluations. A doctor's request to refer you to someone who is an ADHD specialist can be done by a doctor. They can also call local hospitals that are affiliated with universities, medical schools, or graduate schools to ask for recommendations.
When evaluating adults, the doctor will consider how long the symptoms have been present and how they impact the life of the patient. They will also consider whether the ADHD symptoms were present in 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 home or work or with family and friends or while engaging in specific activities such as driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be substantial and persistent for a minimum of six months to be deemed impaired.
The doctor will also look into other conditions that may cause the same symptoms as ADHD, like depression, anxiety, or substance abuse disorders. They may also do additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities to determine if a person has co-existing disorders.
People who haven't been diagnosed ADHD might be frustrated because they're not getting the help and support that they need. Some adults have felt a sense of satisfaction and renewal once they finally be diagnosed. Others say they have a lot of regrets about lost opportunities or failures in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and untreated. Some people with ADHD have a hard time admitting that they have the disorder, especially women assigned female at birth (AFAB). Some are afraid because of the stigma associated with it.
Signs and symptoms
As opposed to children, adults suffering from ADHD don't typically outgrow their condition. It can continue to affect them into adulthood, and can have similar impacts on relationships, work, family life, and mental health. Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity symptoms are prevalent in both adults and children with ADHD. However the symptoms for adults are more severe. For example, they may impact a person's job performance and cause troublesome relationships. A professional can provide treatment and help.
adult diagnosis of adhd is to locate an expert evaluator who is qualified, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, or search online for professionals in your area. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other disorders such as anxiety and depression which must be taken into consideration in their treatment and diagnosis.
Your evaluator will want to learn as much as possible about your life. A detailed history, especially one that covers your childhood, can provide clues to determine if your ADHD symptoms are linked to any other disorder. Your evaluator will likely ask about your emotional and physical health, your growth that began in early childhood as well as your academic and work experiences, driving history, any substance or alcohol abuse and how you deal with stress in your everyday life.
If your evaluator suspects you have ADHD they will examine your current symptoms to determine how they affect your daily life. To be considered a diagnosed patient, your symptoms must be significant enough to cause impairment in at least two major settings. Some examples of impairment include losing your job due to poor time management, falling into financial trouble due to excessive spending, or not making payments on time.
You can enhance your ability to manage ADHD symptoms by learning to cope with their challenges. For instance you can lower your stress levels by following an established routine and keeping your calendar free of distractions. Additionally, you can get more sleep, avoid eating sweet or caffeinated food before bed, and regularly exercise. Certain people suffering from ADHD discover that cognitive or psychotherapy therapy helps them manage their symptoms, whereas others take medication to lessen the effects of their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who suspect that they might have ADHD is to speak with their health healthcare provider. They can refer you to a mental health specialist who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations, or recommend specialists who can perform this. Some insurance companies provide professionals based on their specialties and may assist those who are part of their plans to find a specialist.
The most important factor in diagnosing ADHD in adults is the history of the individual. For instance, a doctor might request to review school reports from the person's childhood or ask family members about their behavior in the beginning of their lives. The health care professional may then examine patterns of behavior that indicate a diagnosis of ADHD.
During the assessment process the health care professional could also use one or more standard rating scales. These questionnaires evaluate the patient's behavior to the behavior of those who don't have ADHD and can help the doctor determine whether or not symptoms fit diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is necessary to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid problems seizures or hearing or vision issues, sleep disorders, and food-related issues like food allergies or lead poisoning can have similar effects to ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from psychological and behavioral therapy. Cognitive therapy for behavior, specifically, can help patients change negative attitudes and behaviors. This can help reduce stress, which can often make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can teach people to better manage their time, enhance their organizational skills, and develop more effective ways to deal with stressful situations.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used medications used to treat ADHD in adults. They can increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These medications can cause serious side effects for some people, especially teens and children. These drugs are usually prescribed for short-term treatments and are not suitable for all people.
Other treatments include lifestyle changes as well as psychotherapy. For instance, some adults who suffer from ADHD discover that exercising more can aid in their focus and make them more productive. Others with ADHD benefit from learning how to improve their organization and planning abilities. In addition, people who have difficulty keeping jobs or maintain relationships can get assistance through a disability support program like Access to Work.
Support
Finding a doctor and receiving a successful treatment can help you manage problems that hinder your life. It can also make a difference in your self-image and improve relationships with your family, friends and colleagues. It is never too late to get the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.
Your GP can recommend a mental health service that specializes in treating adults with ADHD. This could be a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
Support groups for adults suffering from ADHD can provide guidance and a community-like feeling. You can also join online discussion forums and discuss your experiences with other people. There are coaches and mentors who specialize in helping those with ADHD. However, it is important to be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions and there are differences in the quality and expertise.
The signs of ADHD typically manifest in childhood, but they can persist throughout adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent for men and boys than girls and women. The inattentive type (formerly known as hyperactivity disorder causing attention deficit) is more common 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 from one person to the next. A history of difficulties in school, at work or in relationships can help a doctor identify a pattern. A thorough medical history can also be beneficial. The medical history can be used to rule out or determine the cause. These include developmental disorders and seizures disorders. They also include depression, anxiety, drug abuse, and certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can lead to people developing low self-esteem and negative self-image due to disappointment and failure. They might also experience disorders like depression or anxiety which can cause ADHD worse.
Adults suffering from ADHD could be involved in clinical trials that help researchers better understand the disorder. This could result in better treatments in the future. You can find tips to talk with your doctor about taking part in an investigational trial on the NIMH website.