ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have untreated ADHD, it can lead to issues 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 your job or low ratings for performance.
You should first consult your primary care physician for a referral to an expert in health care who conducts assessments for adults with ADHD. You will then be able to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes problems with staying focused, paying attention and acting upon impulses. Adults with ADHD typically have difficulties at work, school and in their relationships. It's a very common condition however it isn't always easy to identify because a lot of adults don't recall having symptoms as children, or were mistakenly diagnosed as children.
Anyone seeking a diagnosis of ADHD in adults must consult an experienced health professional with expertise in ADHD evaluations. Asking a doctor to refer you to someone who is an ADHD specialist can be done by a doctor. They can also contact local hospitals that are affiliated with universities, medical schools or graduate schools to request a recommendation.
When conducting an evaluation of adults, a doctor will look at how long the symptoms have been present and if they have interfered with the person's life. They will also examine whether the ADHD symptoms were present in the early years of 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 have significant impairment in at least two different areas of their life, such as at work or at home or with family and friends; or when engaging in specific activities like driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be severe and persistent for at least six months to be deemed impaired.
The doctor will also rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD such as depression, anxiety or addiction disorders. They may also perform additional mental, learning or neuropsychological tests to determine if a person suffers from a co-existing disorder.
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may be frustrated that they're not getting the help and support that they need. Some adults have reported feeling a sense of satisfaction and renewal once they are finally able to receive a diagnosis. Others say they have many regrets about failed opportunities or failures in their lives due to the fact that their ADHD symptoms went undiagnosed and untreated. Some people suffering from ADHD are hesitant about admitting to themselves that they suffer from the disorder, particularly women who were born female (AFAB). Some people are hesitant to admit that they suffer from ADHD because of the stigma that surrounds it.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD are not typically able to overcome the condition. It continues to affect them throughout their lives and can have the same impact on their friendships, work and family life, as well as their mental health. Signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity can be seen in both adults and children with ADHD, but the symptoms tend to be more severe in adults. For instance, they could impact a person's job performance and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can assist with treatment and support.
The first step is to locate an expert evaluator who is qualified, for example, psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask your friends and family for recommendations or use the internet to locate professionals in your area. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other illnesses such as anxiety and depression which must be considered in their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your evaluator is likely to know as much about your life as possible. A detailed account of your life, especially one that spans from childhood, can give clues as to whether ADHD symptoms are linked to other disorders. The person evaluating you will likely inquire about your emotional and physical health, your progress going back to early childhood, your academic and professional experience, driving history, any substance or alcohol abuse, and how you cope with stress in your everyday life.
If your evaluator suspects that you have ADHD the person will examine your symptoms to determine the extent to which they affect your everyday life. Your symptoms must be sufficient to cause impairments in at least two areas. Examples of impairment could include losing a job because of inadequate time management skills, getting into financial trouble because of excessive spending or failure to make payments on time, and relationships that are strained because of communication difficulties.
You can improve your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning how to manage the challenges they bring. For example you can lower your stress levels by following an established routine and keeping your calendar clear. Also, you can ensure you get enough sleep, stay away from sugary or caffeine-rich foods before bedtime, and do regular exercise. Certain people suffering from 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 suspect that they may have ADHD is to talk to their health care provider. They can refer you a mental health specialist who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations, or recommend specialists who can perform this. Certain insurance companies also list specialists by specialization and help 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 example, a doctor might request to review school reports from the person's childhood or ask family members about his or her behaviors in the beginning of their lives. The health professional could then examine signs of behavior that could indicate the diagnosis of ADHD.
During the assessment process the health care provider may also use one or more standardized rating scales. These questionnaires evaluate the patient's behavior to those of people who do not have ADHD and may help the doctor determine whether or not symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria.
In addition medical exams are generally required to rule out medical conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid problems, seizures hearing and vision problems sleep disorders, as well as food-related issues like food allergies or lead poisoning can all have similar effects to ADHD.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be helpful for adults with ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular, can help patients change negative thoughts and behaviors. This can reduce stress, which may cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can teach people to better manage their time, increase their organization abilities, and learn more effective ways of dealing with stressful situations.
Stimulants are the most popular drugs used to treat ADHD in adults. They are believed to boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. However, these drugs can have serious side effects for certain individuals, particularly children and teens. They are often only used for short-term treatments and are not suitable for everyone.
Psychotherapy and lifestyle changes are also options. For instance, some people who suffer from ADHD find that increasing physical exercise can help them focus and be more productive. Some people with ADHD might benefit from enhancing their organizational and planning skills. Access to Work, a disability support organization, can assist those who have difficulty maintaining relationships or keeping the job they have.
Support
When you are properly diagnosed and treated and effectively, you can control the issues that are affecting your daily life. It can also improve your self-image and relationships with your family and friends as well as coworkers. adhd adult diagnosis uk is never too late for the diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
Your GP might recommend an expert mental health service 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 advice and a sense of community. You can also join online forums and talk with other members about their experiences. There are coaches and mentors that specialize in helping those suffering from ADHD. However, you must be aware that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated and there are differences in the quality and knowledge.
ADHD symptoms usually begin in childhood but 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 can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can vary from one person to the next. A doctor may spot patterns in the history of a patient of issues at school, work or with relationships. A complete medical history can also be helpful. The history can be used to rule out or identify possible causes. These include seizures, developmental disorders depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and certain medications.
A person with untreated ADHD may develop a poor self-image and low self-esteem as a result of the constant frustration and failure. They might also experience comorbidities like anxiety or depression which can cause ADHD worse.
Adults with ADHD might be able to participate in clinical trials that help researchers better understand the disorder. This can lead to better treatments in the future. You can find tips for talking to your doctor about participating in a clinical trial on the NIMH website.