ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have untreated ADHD it could lead to issues in all aspects of your life. You may struggle to maintain relationships and work which can lead to frequent job changes or low performance ratings.
It is recommended to first ask your primary care physician for an appointment with an expert in health care who can conduct evaluations for adults suffering from ADHD. Then, you can get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that makes it difficult to stay focused and paying attention. It also causes difficulty in responding to impulses. Adults with ADHD are often troubled at work, at school as well as in their relationships. It's a common disorder but it can be difficult for adults to diagnose because they may not be able to recall symptoms from childhood or have been misdiagnosed.
Anyone seeking a diagnosis of ADHD for adults should consult a health care provider with expertise in ADHD evaluations. Asking a doctor to refer you to someone who is an ADHD specialist can be done by a doctor. You can also request an appointment by calling local universities, medical schools or graduate schools.
When conducting an evaluation of adults, a doctor will look at how long the symptoms have been present and whether they have interfered with the person's life. They will also look at 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 to be diagnosed, the patient must have significant impairment in at least two different areas of their life like at work or home; with friends and family; or when engaging in specific activities like driving or playing sports. Impairment means the symptoms cause significant problems and last for at minimum six months.
The physician will also rule out any other conditions that might cause the same symptoms as ADHD, like anxiety, depression or addiction disorders. They may also conduct additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or learning disabilities tests to determine if the person suffers from co-existing disorders.
People who haven't been diagnosed ADHD may feel frustrated that they aren't getting the help and support they require. Adults have reported feeling happy and rejuvenated after receiving the diagnosis. Others say they have many regrets over lost opportunities or failures in their lives because their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and untreated. Some people who suffer from ADHD are reluctant to admit they suffer from ADHD, especially women who were assigned a female at birth. Some are afraid because of the stigma that surrounds it.
Signs and symptoms
Unlike children, adults with ADHD do not typically overcome their condition. It is a condition that persists into adulthood and can have the same impact on their friendships, work, family life and mental health. Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are present in both children and adults with ADHD however, the signs are often more serious in adults. They can affect the person's performance at work and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can offer assistance and treatment.
The first step is finding a qualified evaluator, for example, psychologist or psychiatrist. Request recommendations from your friends and family, or search on the internet for experts in your area. Many people who suffer from ADHD are also suffering from other illnesses like depression and anxiety that must be considered in their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator will want to know as much about your life as possible. A detailed history of your life, particularly one that goes back to childhood, can provide clues to determine if ADHD symptoms are related to other issues. Your evaluator is likely to inquire about your physical and mental health, your development going back to early childhood, your academic and work experiences, driving history, any drug or alcohol abuse, and how you handle stress in your everyday life.
If your evaluator suspects that you may have ADHD they will evaluate your current symptoms to determine how they impact your everyday life. Your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairments in at two different areas. Examples of impairment include losing your job due to inadequate time management skills, getting into financial trouble because of excessive spending or failure to make payments on time, or having interpersonal issues in your relationship because of communication difficulties.
You can improve your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning to manage the challenges they pose. For example you can reduce your stress level by following a regular routine and keeping your schedule clean. Also, you can 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 benefit from cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Others use medication to reduce their symptoms.
Treatment
If you are an adult and suspect that you are suffering from ADHD, the first step is to discuss the issue with a health professional. They may refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in adult ADHD assessments, or suggest professionals who do this. Some insurance companies also list specialists by specialization and assist those who take part in their plans to find an expert.
The history of the adult is essential in determining ADHD. A doctor might ask, for instance, to see the child's school report card or interview family regarding the child's early behavior. The health care professional can then look for patterns of behavior that suggest the diagnosis of ADHD.
During the examination the health professional can also utilize one of several scales of rating that are standardized. These questionnaires assess a patient's behavior with that of people without ADHD and can aid a doctor in determining if symptoms meet diagnostic criteria.
A medical exam is essential to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid problems seizures, hearing and vision issues, sleep disorders, and food-related issues like food allergies or lead poisoning may have similar effects as ADHD.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Cognitive therapy for behavior, specifically can assist patients in changing negative thoughts and behaviors. This can reduce stress and anxiety, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also teach people how to manage their time better, improve their organizational skills, and develop more effective strategies for dealing with stressful situations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are frequently treated with stimulants. They are believed to boost and balance levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. However, these medications can cause serious adverse reactions for some people, particularly children and teens. They are usually prescribed for short-term use and are not suitable for everyone.
Other treatments include lifestyle changes as well as psychotherapy. For instance, some people with ADHD find that exercising more regularly can aid in their focus and make them more productive. Certain people with ADHD can benefit from improving their organizational and planning skills. Additionally, those who struggle to keep jobs or maintain relationships can get assistance through a disability-related support service such as Access to Work.
Support
If you are diagnosed and treated properly, you can manage problems that affect your life. It can also help improve your self-image and improve your relationships with your family, friends and coworkers. It's never too late to get the diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
Your GP may recommend an expert mental health service that specializes in treating adults with ADHD. This could be a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
Support groups for adults with ADHD can provide advice and a sense of community. You can also join online forums and chat with other members about their experiences. There are coaches or mentors who specialize in helping people with ADHD. However, it is important to be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions, and there are differences in the quality and knowledge.
ADHD symptoms usually begin in childhood, but they can continue until adulthood. The disorder is more common for men and boys than women and girls. The inattentive type (formerly known as hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder) 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 is a difficult diagnosis because the symptoms can vary from one person to another. A history of issues at school, work or in relationships can help a doctor identify a pattern. Our Site is also useful. The medical history can be used to rule out or determine the cause. These include developmental disorders as well as seizure disorders. They also include depression, anxiety and drug addiction, as well as certain medications.
A person with untreated ADHD may develop a negative self-image and low self-esteem as a result of constant frustration and failure. They could also develop disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety or depression, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Some adults with ADHD participate in clinical trials to help researchers learn more about the disorder. This can lead to improved treatments in the future. You can find helpful tips for talking with your doctor about participating in an investigational trial on the NIMH website.