ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD, it can lead to issues in all aspects of your life. You may have difficulty to maintain relationships and employment. This can lead to frequent job changes or low performance ratings.
Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a health professional who can examine adults with ADHD. Then, you can get an assessment and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause problems in staying focused, paying attention and acting upon impulses. Adults who suffer from ADHD have difficulty at work, at school as well as in their relationships. It is a common disorder, but it can be difficult to diagnose since many adults don't remember having symptoms as children, or were misdiagnosed as kids.
A person who is seeking a diagnosis of ADHD in adults should speak with an expert in health care who has expertise in ADHD evaluations. The patient may ask their doctor for a referral to a specialist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also request a referral by calling local universities, medical schools, or graduate schools.
In evaluating adults, a clinician will look at how long the symptoms have been present and how they interfere with the life of the patient. They will also examine 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 to be diagnosed, the person must demonstrate significant impairment in two aspects of their life. These include at home or at work, as well as with friends and family, or in specific activities like driving or playing sports. Impairment means that the symptoms cause significant difficulty and have lasted for at least six months.
The clinician will also rule out any other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like depression, anxiety or addiction disorders. They may also do additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests to determine if a person has co-existing disorders.
People who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD might feel unhappy because they're not receiving the support and help they require. Some adults have felt a sense of relief and renewal after they finally get a diagnosis. Others have reported having a lot of regrets about the opportunities they missed or the failures they made in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and untreated. Some people who suffer from ADHD are hesitant to admit they have ADHD particularly women who were assigned female at birth. Some people are hesitant to admit they suffer from ADHD because of the stigma surrounding it.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD tend not to outgrow the condition. getting diagnosed with adhd can persist throughout adulthood and have similar impacts on relationships, work family life, and mental health. Signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity can be seen in both children and adults with ADHD, but the symptoms are often more serious in adults. For example, they may impact a person's job performance and lead to troubled relationships. A professional can provide support and treatment.
The first step is to locate an expert evaluator who is qualified, such as psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask your family and friends for recommendations or search online to locate professionals in your area. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other disorders such as anxiety and depression which must be considered in their treatment and diagnosis.
Your evaluator will want to learn as much about your life as is possible. A detailed history of your life, particularly one that spans from childhood, can provide clues as to whether ADHD symptoms are linked to other conditions. Your evaluator might inquire about your physical health and emotional well-being, your growth in the early years of your life, educational 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 the evaluator suspects you suffer from ADHD they will evaluate your current symptoms to determine how they affect your daily life. For a diagnosis, your symptoms must be significant enough to cause impairment in at least two major situations. Some examples of impairment include losing your job due to poor time management, falling into financial difficulties because of reckless spending, or failing to make payments on time.
You can enhance your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning to cope with the challenges they pose. You can reduce stress by keeping a clear schedule and observing a routine. You can also get more sleep, avoid eating sweet or caffeinated foods close to bedtime and exercise regularly. Some people with ADHD find that cognitive or psychotherapy therapy can help them manage their symptoms, and others use medications to ease the effects of their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who suspect that they might be suffering from ADHD is to consult with their health medical professional. They can refer you to a mental health professional who specialises in adult ADHD evaluations or offer suggestions for professionals who can are able to do this. Some insurance companies provide professionals based on their specialties, and can assist those who are part of their plans to find the right specialist.
The past of the adult is vital in diagnosing ADHD. For example, a doctor might request to review school reports from the person's childhood or ask relatives about their behavior in early life. The health care professional can analyze patterns of behavior that indicate that there is a diagnosis of ADHD.
During the assessment the health professional can also use one or several standardized rating scales. These tests compare 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 also essential to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid problems seizures hearing and vision problems sleep disorders, and other dietary issues like lead poisoning or food allergies can have similar effects to ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy and behavioral therapy. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help patients overcome their negative thoughts and behavior. This can help reduce stress which can cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can teach people to better manage their time, increase their organizational abilities, and learn more effective ways of dealing with stressful situations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are often treated with stimulants. They appear to balance and increase the levels of certain brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. These medications can cause serious side effects in some individuals, particularly teens and children. They are often only prescribed for short-term use and are not suitable for everyone.
Other treatments include lifestyle changes and psychotherapy. Some adults with ADHD find that increasing their physical activity helps them concentrate better and be more productive. Others with ADHD benefit from learning how to improve their planning and organizational capabilities. In addition, some people who struggle to keep jobs or maintain relationships can benefit through a disability support program such as Access to Work.
Support
If you are diagnosed and treated properly it is possible to manage the problems that affect your daily routine. It can also help improve your self-image as well as your relationships with family members as well as your friends and colleagues. It is never too late to get an assessment and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP can recommend a mental health service that specializes in treating adults with ADHD. This could be an Community Mental Health Service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults suffering from ADHD that can provide guidance and a sense of belonging. You can join online discussion forums and discuss your experiences with other people. There are coaches and mentors who specialize in helping people with ADHD. You should be aware that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated careers and there are a variety of differences in quality and expertise.
The symptoms of ADHD usually appear in childhood, but may persist throughout adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent in males and boys as in comparison to women and girls. People with the inattentive subtype 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 from one person to the next. A history of problems in school, work or in relationships can help a physician to identify the pattern. A complete medical history is also useful. Many medical conditions can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, so the history can help to rule out or determine the cause of the symptoms. These include developmental disorders, seizure disorders anxiety, depression as well as certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can result in the sufferer developing a low self-esteem and a negative self-image as a result of disappointment and failure. They may also develop compulsive disorders like anxiety or depression and this can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Adults with ADHD might be able to participate in clinical trials to help researchers better understand the disorder. This can help in developing more effective treatments in the future. On the NIMH site, you can get some suggestions on how to talk with your doctor about taking part in a clinical study.