ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD it can lead to problems throughout your life. You may experience difficulties maintaining relationships and employment which can lead to frequent job changes and/or low ratings for performance.
Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a medical professional who can assess adults with ADHD. Then, you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause problems in staying focused, paying close attention and acting upon impulses. Adults who suffer from ADHD are often troubled at work, in 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.
A person seeking an assessment of ADHD for adults should consult an experienced health professional with expertise in ADHD evaluations. One can ask their personal doctor for a referral to a specialist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also ask for a referral by calling local universities, medical schools, or graduate schools.
In evaluating adults, a physician will assess how long the symptoms have been present and how they interfere with the person's life. They will also look at 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 patient must be exhibiting significant impairment in at least two areas of their lives like at home or work as well as 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 before being considered impaired.
In determining a diagnosis the clinician will also try to rule out other conditions that could cause similar problems to ADHD like depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders. They can also conduct psycho-educational, learning disabilities, 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 relief and renewed energy after they finally get a diagnosis. Others report having many regrets about failed opportunities or failures in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms went undiagnosed and untreated. Some people with ADHD struggle with admitting to themselves that they suffer from the disorder, especially women who are assigned female at birth (AFAB). adhd diagnosed are reluctant to admit that they suffer from ADHD because of the stigma associated with it.
Signs and symptoms
As opposed to children, adults suffering from ADHD do not typically overcome their condition. It is a condition that persists into adulthood and can cause similar impacts on their relationships, work and family life, as well as their mental health. Signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are present in both adults and children with ADHD however, the signs are often more serious in adults. They can affect the person's performance at work and cause troubled relationships. A professional can help with treatment and support.
The first step is to locate an expert evaluator who is qualified, such as psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, or search online for professionals in your area. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other illnesses like anxiety and depression which must be taken into consideration in their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your evaluator wants to learn the most details possible about your life. A detailed history of your life, particularly one that goes back to childhood, can provide clues to determine if ADHD symptoms are connected to other disorders. Your evaluator might inquire about your physical health and emotional well-being, the development of your personality since early childhood, experiences in school and at work and driving history, as well as alcohol and drug abuse and how you deal with stress on a daily on a daily basis.
If your evaluator suspects that you are suffering from ADHD then they will examine your symptoms to determine the extent to which they impact your daily life. Your symptoms must be sufficient to cause impairments in at least two areas. Examples of impairment include losing your job due to poor time management, falling into financial difficulties because of excessive spending, or not making payments on time.
You can improve your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning how to manage the challenges they bring. For instance you can lower your stress levels by following the same routine and keeping your calendar clear. You can also get better sleep, avoid eating sugary or caffeinated food prior to bed and regularly exercise. Certain people suffering from ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Others use medication to reduce their symptoms.
Treatment
For adults who suspect they have ADHD, the first step is to speak with a health professional. They can refer you a mental health specialist who specializes in adult ADHD assessments, or suggest specialists who are experts in 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 past of the adult is essential in determining ADHD. For instance, a doctor might request to review school report cards from a person's childhood or interview family members about the person's behavior in the beginning of their lives. The health professional will then search for patterns of behavior that could indicate ADHD.
During the assessment, the health care provider may also employ one or several scales of rating that are standardized. These tests compare the patient's behavior with those of people who don't have ADHD and can help the doctor determine whether or not the symptoms meet diagnostic criteria.
In addition medical exams are typically required to determine if there are medical conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid problems seizures, hearing and vision issues sleep disorders, and dietary issues such as food allergies or lead poisoning can all have similar effects to ADHD.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be beneficial for adults with ADHD. Cognitive therapy for behavior, specifically, can help patients change negative attitudes and behaviors. This can help reduce stress, which may make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can help people better manage their time, improve their organization skills, and develop more effective ways of dealing with stressful situations.
Adults with ADHD are frequently treated with stimulants. They seem to balance and increase the levels of certain brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. These drugs can cause serious side effects in some people, especially adolescents and children. They are often only used for short-term treatments and are not appropriate for everyone.
Other treatment options include lifestyle changes and psychotherapy. Some adults with ADHD discover that a greater amount of physical activity can help them focus more effectively and become more productive. Certain people with ADHD can benefit from improving their planning and organization skills. In addition, people who struggle to keep jobs or maintain relationships can seek help through a disability support program like Access to Work.
Support
Getting diagnosed and receiving effective treatment can help you manage issues that affect your daily routine. It can also improve your self-image, and your relationships with family members as well as your friends and colleagues. It's never too late to get an assessment or treatment for ADHD.
Your GP can refer you to a mental health facility that specializes in treating adult 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 discussion forums and discuss your experiences with other people. There are coaches or mentors who are specialized in helping people with ADHD. However, you should be aware that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated and there are variations in quality and expertise.
ADHD symptoms usually begin in childhood, but they can continue well into adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent for men and boys compared to girls and women. The inattentive type (formerly known as hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder) is more prevalent 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.
It can be difficult to determine adult ADHD because the symptoms differ from person to person. A history of problems in work, school or relationships can help a physician find patterns. A complete medical history is also helpful. The history can be used to rule out or pinpoint possible causes. These include developmental disorders as well as seizures. They also include depression, anxiety and addiction to drugs as well as certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can lead to the sufferer developing a 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 might be able to participate in clinical trials that aid researchers to better understand the disorder. This could lead to better treatments in the future. On the NIMH site, you will get some suggestions about how to speak to your doctor about participating in a clinical study.