ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD it could lead to problems throughout your life. You may struggle to maintain relationships and jobs and may result in frequent job changes and/or low ratings for performance.
You should first ask your primary care doctor for the referral to a health professional who can conduct evaluations for adults suffering from ADHD. After that, you will receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause difficulties with staying focused, paying attention, and responding to impulses. Adults with ADHD are often troubled at work, in school as well as in their relationships. It's a common disorder however it can be difficult for adults to diagnose, because they may not be able to recall symptoms as children or have been wrongly diagnosed.
adhd diagnosis in adult seeking an evaluation for ADHD for adults should consult an expert in health care who has expertise in ADHD evaluations. One could ask their physician for a referral to a doctor who is an expert in ADHD. They can also contact local medical schools or graduate schools to request recommendations.
In evaluating adults, the physician will assess how long the symptoms have been present and how they impact the person's life. 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 to be diagnosed, the person must demonstrate significant impairment in two areas of life. These include at home, at work, with family and friends or in particular activities such as driving or playing sports. Impairment means that the symptoms cause significant difficulties and have lasted for at least six months.
When making a diagnosis, the doctor will also try to rule out any other conditions that might cause the same issues as ADHD for instance depression, anxiety or addiction disorders. They may also perform additional mental, learning or neuropsychological tests to determine if the person has a co-existing disorder.
People who haven't been diagnosed with ADHD may be frustrated that they aren't getting the help and support they require. Some adults have reported feeling a sense of satisfaction and renewal once they finally be diagnosed. Some adults regret missed opportunities or failings due to the fact that their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and treated. Some people suffering from ADHD struggle with admitting that they suffer from the disorder, especially women who were born female (AFAB). Some are afraid because of the stigma that surrounds it.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to overcome the disorder. It persists into adulthood and can have similar effects 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 for adults are more severe. They can impact the person's performance at work and cause troubled relationships. A professional can offer assistance and treatment.
The first step is to locate a qualified evaluator such as psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask your family and friends for recommendations or go online to find professionals in your area. Many people with ADHD also have other conditions like anxiety and depression which should be taken into consideration in their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your evaluator would like to learn as much as possible about your life. A detailed history of your life, especially one that goes back to childhood, could provide clues about whether ADHD symptoms are linked to other conditions. Your evaluator might inquire about your physical health and well-being, your growth in the early years of your life, academic and work experiences and driving history, as well as alcohol and drug abuse and how you deal with stress on a daily day basis.
If your evaluator suspects that you have ADHD they will examine your current symptoms to determine how they affect your daily life. For a diagnosis to be granted, your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairment in at least two major settings. Examples of impairment could include losing a job because of inadequate time management skills, or getting in financial trouble as a result of impulsive spending or failing to pay bills on time, and interpersonal issues in your relationship due to communication issues.
You can increase your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning how to cope with the challenges they bring. For example you can reduce your stress levels by following the same routine and keeping your schedule clear. You can also get more sleep, avoid eating sugary or caffeinated foods before bed, and exercise regularly. Certain people suffering from ADHD find that psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy can help them manage their symptoms, whereas others use medication to reduce the effects of their symptoms.
Treatment
If you are an adult and suspect that you have ADHD the first step is to talk with a healthcare professional. They can refer you to a mental health specialist who specializes in adult ADHD assessments, or suggest professionals who do this. Some insurance companies also list specialists by specialization and assist those who take part in their plans to locate the right specialist.
The most important aspect in diagnosing ADHD in adults is the history of the individual. A doctor might, for example, ask to look over the child's report card or talk to family members about the child's behavior in the beginning. The health care professional can then look for signs of behavior that could indicate a diagnosis of ADHD.
During the assessment process the health care professional could also use one or more of the standardized rating scales. These questionnaires compare the behavior of a patient with that of people without ADHD, and may help a doctor determine if symptoms meet diagnostic criteria.
In addition medical exams are generally required to identify medical conditions that may cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. For instance, thyroid issues, seizures, hearing and vision issues, sleep disorders, and dietary issues such as food allergies or lead poisoning can have similar effects to ADHD.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular helps patients overcome negative thoughts and behavior. This can lessen stress, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also help people learn how to manage their time better, increase their skills in organization, and create more effective coping mechanisms for dealing with stressful situations.
Stimulants are the most common treatments for ADHD in adults. They appear to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These drugs can trigger serious side effects in some individuals, particularly teens and children. These medications are typically prescribed for short-term use and are not appropriate for everyone.
Other treatments include lifestyle changes and psychotherapy. For instance, some adults who suffer from ADHD discover that exercising more regularly can aid in their focus and make them more productive. Other people with ADHD benefit from learning to improve their organization and planning capabilities. Additionally, those who are having difficulty keeping jobs or maintaining relationships can benefit through a disability-related support service like Access to Work.
Support
Being diagnosed and receiving effective treatment can help you deal with issues that affect your daily life. It can also help improve your self-image and improve relationships with your family, friends, and coworkers. It's never too late for a diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
Your GP may refer you to a mental health facility that specializes in treating adults with ADHD. It could be a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults suffering from ADHD that can provide guidance and a sense of community. You can join online forums and talk with others about their experiences. There are also coaches and mentors who specialise in helping those suffering from ADHD. You should be aware, however, that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated professions and there are a variety of differences in quality and expertise.
The signs of ADHD typically appear in childhood, but they may persist throughout adulthood. The disorder is more common in boys and men than women and girls. People with the inattentive subtype of the disorder (formerly known as 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.
It can be difficult to determine adult ADHD due to the fact that symptoms differ from person to person. A doctor can find patterns in a patient's history of problems at school, work or with relationships. A thorough medical history can be helpful. Certain medical conditions can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD, so the history can help to rule out or pinpoint other possible causes of the symptoms. These include developmental disorders and seizures disorders. They also include anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs as well as certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can result in the sufferer developing a low self-esteem and negative self-image as a result of frustration and failure. They might also experience comorbidities such as depression or anxiety and this can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Adults with ADHD may participate in clinical trials to help researchers better understand the disorder. This can lead to improved treatments in the near future. On the NIMH site, you will learn some helpful tips on how to talk with your doctor about participating in a clinical study.