ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD, it can cause problems throughout your life. You may find it difficult to maintain relationships and work. This could lead to frequent job changes or low performance ratings.
It is recommended to first seek out your primary doctor for a referral to a health care professional who performs evaluations for adults with ADHD. Then, you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental issue that causes problems staying focused, paying attention and acting on impulses. Adults with ADHD have difficulty at work, at school and in their relationships. It's a very common condition, however it can be difficult for adults to diagnose, as they may not remember the symptoms they experienced as children or have been wrongly diagnosed.
Anyone seeking a diagnosis of ADHD in adults must consult an expert in health care who has experience in ADHD evaluations. A person could ask their physician for a referral to a specialist who is specialized in ADHD. They can also contact local hospitals that are affiliated with universities, medical schools, or graduate schools to ask for a recommendation.
In evaluating adults, the clinician will look at 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 diagnose ADHD the patient must be exhibiting significant impairment in at least two areas of their lives like at work or at home or with family and friends or in specific activities like driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be severe and persistent for at least six months before being considered impaired.
In determining a diagnosis the doctor will also attempt to rule out other conditions that could cause the same problems as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or substance use disorders. They can also conduct additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing to determine if the person has co-existing disorder.
People who haven't been diagnosed with ADHD may feel frustrated that they're not getting the help and support they require. Adults have reported feeling happy and renewed after finally getting a diagnosis. Many adults regret missed opportunities or failings due to the fact that their ADHD symptoms were not diagnosed 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 reluctant due to the stigma surrounding it.
Signs and symptoms
As opposed to children, adults suffering from ADHD do not typically overcome their condition. It continues to affect them throughout their lives and can have similar effects on their relationships, work as well as family life and health. Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are seen in both children and adults with ADHD, but the symptoms are often more serious in adults. They can affect a person's work performance and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can offer support and treatment.
The first step is to locate a qualified evaluator such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, or search online for professionals in your region. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other illnesses, like depression and anxiety which should be taken into consideration in their treatment and diagnosis.
Your evaluator will wish to learn as much about your life as they can. A detailed account of your life, particularly one that goes back to childhood, can provide clues to determine if ADHD symptoms are linked to other issues. Your evaluator will likely ask about your physical and mental health, your growth from childhood, your academic and work experiences, your driving history, any substance or alcohol abuse, and how you deal with stress in your everyday life.
If your evaluator suspects you have ADHD the person will examine your symptoms to determine the degree to which they affect your daily routine. For a diagnosis to be granted, your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairment in at least two major settings. Examples of impairment include losing your job because of inadequate time management, or getting into financial difficulties due to reckless spending, or failing to make payments on time.
You can enhance your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning how to deal with the challenges they pose. You can lower stress levels by keeping a schedule and following a regular routine. You can also ensure you get enough sleep, stay away from sweet or caffeine-rich meals prior to the time you go to bed, and keep exercising regularly. Some people with ADHD discover that psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy can help them manage their symptoms, and others take medication to lessen 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 health professional. They can refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations, or recommend specialists who are experts in this. Certain insurance companies also provide professionals by specialty and can help those who are part of their plans to locate a specialist.
The background of the adult is crucial in determining ADHD. A doctor could, 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 will then look for patterns in the behavior that could be indicative of ADHD.
During the examination, the health care provider may also employ one or several scales of rating that are standardized. These questionnaires assess the behavior of a patient to the behavior of those who don't have ADHD, and may aid a doctor in determining whether the symptoms are in line with diagnostic criteria.
Additionally an examination by a doctor is generally required to identify medical conditions that could cause symptoms that mimic ADHD. Seizures, thyroid problems, and issues with hearing and vision can all have similar effects.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy and behavioral therapy. Cognitive therapy for behavior, specifically, can help patients change negative thoughts and behaviors. This can help reduce stress which can cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can teach people to better manage their time, enhance their organization abilities, and learn more effective ways of dealing with stressful situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often treated with stimulants. They can increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These drugs can cause serious side effects for some people, particularly adolescents and children. These drugs are usually used for short-term treatment and are not suitable for all people.
Lifestyle changes and psychotherapy are alternatives. For example, some adults who suffer from ADHD discover that increasing physical exercise can aid in their focus and make them more productive. Other people with ADHD benefit from learning to improve their organizational and planning capabilities. In addition, people who have difficulty keeping jobs or maintaining relationships can get assistance through a disability-related support service like Access to Work.
Support
When you are properly diagnosed and treated it is possible to manage the symptoms that are interfering with your daily routine. It can also help improve your self-image and relationships with family members and friends as well as coworkers. It is never too late to seek the diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
This Internet site may recommend a mental service that specializes in treating adult ADHD. This 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 also join online discussion forums and share your experiences with others. There are also coaches and mentors who specialize in helping those suffering from ADHD. However, you should be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions, and there are a variety of quality and knowledge.
ADHD symptoms usually start in childhood, but they can continue throughout adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent in boys and men than girls and women. People who suffer from the inattentive type of the disorder (formerly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are more likely to be diagnosed as compared to those who have 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 because symptoms vary from person to person. A history of problems in school, at work or in relationships can help a physician find a pattern. A complete medical history can also be helpful. The medical history can be used to determine if or pinpoint possible causes. These include developmental disorders as well as seizures disorders. They also include anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs as well as certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can lead to people developing low self-esteem and negative self-image because of frustration and failure. They could also suffer from mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety which can cause ADHD worse.
Adults with ADHD may participate in clinical trials to help researchers better understand the disorder. This can lead to better treatments in the near future. There are tips for talking to your doctor about participating in clinical trials on the NIMH website.