ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD it could lead to problems in all areas of your life. It may be difficult to maintain relationships and work. This can lead to frequent changes in your job or poor performance ratings.
You should first ask your primary care physician for an appointment with a health care professional who conducts assessments 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 problems in staying focused, paying close to one's surroundings and responding to impulses. Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently have issues at work, school and in their relationships. It's a common disorder 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 who is seeking a diagnosis must visit a medical professional who has expertise in performing ADHD evaluations in adults. A person may ask their doctor for a referral to a doctor who is specialized in ADHD. You can also request a referral by calling local universities, medical schools or graduate schools.
In evaluating adults, a doctor will consider how long the symptoms have been present and how they impact the individual's life. They will also consider whether the underlying ADHD symptoms have existed since 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, a person must demonstrate significant impairment in two areas of their lives. This includes at home, at work, with family and friends, or in specific activities such as driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be significant and persistent for at least six months to be deemed impaired.
When making a diagnosis, the doctor will also attempt to rule out other illnesses that could trigger similar problems to ADHD like depression, anxiety or addiction disorders. They may also do additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or testing for learning disabilities to determine if the patient suffers from co-existing disorders.
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may be frustrated that they're not receiving the assistance and support they require. Some adults have felt a sense of relief and renewal after they finally receive a diagnosis. Others report having many regrets over lost opportunities or failures in their lives due to the fact that their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and untreated. Some people with ADHD have a hard time admitting to themselves that they have the disorder, especially women assigned female at birth (AFAB). Some are reluctant due to the stigma that surrounds it.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD are not typically able to overcome the condition. It can last 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 of adults are more severe. They can impact the performance of a person at work and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can provide support and treatment.
The first step is to locate an accredited evaluator for example, psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask your family and friends for recommendations or use the internet to locate professionals in your area. Many people who suffer from ADHD are also suffering from other illnesses such as anxiety and depression that must be considered in their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator would like to learn as much as they can about your life. adults diagnosed with adhd detailed history of your life, particularly one that goes back to childhood, could provide clues as to whether ADHD symptoms are related to other issues. Your evaluator will likely ask about your physical and mental health, your development that began in early childhood, your academic and professional experiences, your driving history, any drugs or alcohol abuse, and how you handle stress in your daily life.
If your evaluator suspects you have ADHD, they will assess your current symptoms to determine if they interfere with your daily life. Your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairments in at two different areas. Examples of impairment could include losing a job because of poor time management, falling into financial trouble because of reckless spending or inability to pay bills on time, and interpersonal problems in your relationship because of difficulty communicating.
You can enhance your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning to deal with the challenges they create. For example you can lower your stress level by following the same routine and keeping your schedule clear. Also, you can ensure you get enough sleep, stay away from sugary or caffeine-rich foods before bedtime, and do regular exercise. Some people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Others take medications to manage their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who think they may have ADHD is to speak with their health medical professional. They can refer you to a mental health specialist who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations, or recommend specialists who can perform this. Certain insurance companies also list specialists in their specialties and assist those who take part in their plans to find the right specialist.
The background of the adult is crucial in determining ADHD. For example, a doctor may ask to review school reports from the person's childhood or talk to relatives about the person's behavior in the beginning of their lives. The health care specialist will then look for patterns of behavior that could indicate ADHD.
During the examination the health professional may also employ one or several scales of rating that are standardized. These questionnaires assess the behavior of a patient with the behavior of those who don't have ADHD, and may help a doctor determine whether symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is also required to rule out other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Seizures, thyroid problems, and issues with hearing and vision can all cause similar symptoms.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be helpful for adults suffering from ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular, can help patients change negative attitudes and behaviors. This can lessen stress, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can teach people to better manage their time, enhance their organization skills, and discover more effective ways of dealing with stressful situations.
Adults with ADHD are often treated with stimulants. They can increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. However, these drugs may have serious side effects for some people, particularly teenagers and children. They are often only used for short-term treatments and are not suitable for everyone.
Other treatment options include lifestyle changes and psychotherapy. For example, some adults with ADHD discover that exercising more regularly can help them focus and be more productive. Others with ADHD benefit from learning how to improve their organizational and planning abilities. Access to Work, a disability support organization, can assist those who have difficulty maintaining relationships or holding the job they have.
Support
Being diagnosed and receiving effective treatment can help you deal with problems that hinder your daily life. It can also improve your self-image and improve relationships with your family, friends, and colleagues. It is never too late for the diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
Your GP may refer you to an expert mental health service that specializes in treating adult ADHD. This could be a Community Mental Health Service or an specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
Support groups for adults with ADHD can provide guidance and a sense of community. You can also join online discussion forums and discuss your experiences with other people. There are also coaches and mentors that specialize in helping people 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 expertise.
The signs of ADHD typically appear in childhood, but can last throughout adulthood. The disorder is more common in males and boys as in comparison to women and girls. People who suffer from the inattentive type of the condition (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.
Adult ADHD can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms vary between individuals. A doctor may spot patterns in the history of a patient of issues at work, school or in relationships. A thorough medical history is also useful. Certain medical conditions can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD The background information can help determine or identify other possible causes of the symptoms. These include developmental disorders and seizures disorders. They also include depression, anxiety, drug abuse, and certain medications.
A person suffering from untreated ADHD may develop a poor self-image and low self-esteem as a result of the constant frustration and failure. They may also develop mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety which can make ADHD worse.
Some adults with ADHD participate in clinical trials to help researchers learn more about the disorder. This can lead to more effective treatments in the future. You can find tips to talk with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial on the NIMH website.