ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have untreated ADHD, it can lead to issues in all aspects of your life. It may be difficult to maintain relationships and work. This could lead to frequent changes in jobs or poor performance ratings.
You should first seek out your primary doctor for a referral to an expert in health care who can conduct evaluations for adults suffering from ADHD. Then, you can get an assessment and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental issue that makes it difficult to stay focused and paying attention, as well as responding to impulses. Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulties at school, at work and in their relationships. It is a common disorder, but it can be difficult to recognize because many adults don't remember having symptoms as children, or were mistakenly diagnosed as children.
A person seeking an evaluation for ADHD in adults must consult an expert in health care who has expertise in ADHD evaluations. A doctor's request to refer you to someone who is an ADHD specialist can be performed by a person. You can also ask for an appointment by calling local universities, medical schools or graduate schools.
When evaluating adults, the physician will assess how long the symptoms have been present and how they interfere with the person's life. They will also determine if the primary 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 be diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, the person must exhibit significant impairment in two areas of their lives. This includes at home or at work, as well as with family and friends, or in specific activities such as driving or playing sports. Impairment means that the symptoms cause significant difficulty and have been present for at least six months.
When determining a diagnosis, the clinician will also try to rule out other conditions that could cause the same problems as ADHD for instance depression, anxiety or substance use disorders. They may also do additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities to determine if the patient has co-existing disorders.
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might be frustrated because they're not receiving the assistance and support they require. Some adults have experienced a sense satisfaction and renewal once they finally receive a diagnosis. Some adults regret missed opportunities or failed to realize their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and treated. Certain people with ADHD have a hard time admitting to themselves that they have the disorder, especially women who were born female (AFAB). Others are hesitant because of the stigma associated with it.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD are not typically able to overcome the disorder. It can continue to affect them into adulthood, and can have similar effects on relationships at work family life, and mental health. Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms are present in both adults and children suffering from ADHD. However the symptoms of adults are more severe. They can impact a person's work performance and cause troubled relationships. A professional can offer assistance and treatment.
The first step is to find a qualified evaluator such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask your family and friends for recommendations or go online to find professionals in your area. Many people with ADHD also have other conditions such as anxiety and depression which must be taken into consideration in their treatment and diagnosis.
Your evaluator is likely to learn as much information about your life as they can. A detailed history, especially one that stretches across your entire childhood, can provide clues to whether your ADHD symptoms are linked to any other disorders. Your evaluator is likely to inquire about your physical and emotional health, your development that began in early childhood, your academic and work experiences, your driving history, any substance or alcohol abuse and how you cope with stress in your daily life.
If your evaluator suspects that you suffer from ADHD they will evaluate your current symptoms to determine if they impact your everyday life. Your symptoms must be sufficient to cause impairments in at two different areas. Examples of impairment include losing your job due to poor time management, getting into financial difficulties because of impulsive spending, or not making payments on time.
getting a adhd diagnosis 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 schedule and following a regular routine. You can also get better sleep, avoid eating sugary or caffeinated foods close to bedtime and regularly exercise. Some people with ADHD find that cognitive or psychotherapy therapy helps them manage their symptoms, while others take medication to lessen the impact of their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who suspect they might be suffering from ADHD is to consult with their health healthcare provider. They can refer you to a mental health specialist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments, or suggest specialists who can perform this. Certain insurance companies will list professionals according to their specialties, and can help those who are covered by their plans to find a specialist.
The history of the adult is vital in determining ADHD. A doctor may, for example, ask to examine the child's school report card or interview family about the child's behavior in the beginning. The health professional will then search for patterns in the behavior that could be indicative of ADHD.
During the process of assessment, the health professional may also employ one or more of the standardized rating scales. These tests compare a patient's behavior with that of people without ADHD and can help a doctor determine whether the symptoms are in line with diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is also necessary to rule out conditions that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid issues seizures, hearing and vision issues sleep disorders, and dietary issues such as lead poisoning or food allergies may have similar effects as ADHD.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be beneficial for adults with ADHD. Particularly, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients overcome their negative thoughts and behaviors. This can reduce stress, which may cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can help people better manage their time, enhance their organizational skills, and develop more effective ways to deal with stressful situations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are typically treated with stimulants. They appear to increase and balance the levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. However, these medications can cause serious adverse reactions for some people, particularly adolescents and children. They are typically prescribed for short-term treatment and are not suitable for everyone.
Lifestyle changes and psychotherapy are also options. For instance, some adults who suffer from ADHD discover that exercising more can help them focus and be more productive. Others with ADHD benefit from learning to improve their organization and planning capabilities. In addition, some people who are having difficulty keeping jobs or maintaining relationships can benefit from a disability support service such as Access to Work.
Support
Finding a doctor and receiving a successful treatment can help you manage problems that hinder your life. It can also help improve your self-image and relationships with your family and friends as well as coworkers. It is never too late for an assessment or treatment for ADHD.
Your GP may recommend a mental health facility that specialises in treating adult ADHD. It could be a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults with ADHD which can offer advice and a sense of community. You can also join online forums and chat with others about their experiences. There are coaches and mentors who specialize in helping those with ADHD. However, you must be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions and there are differences in the quality and competence.
ADHD symptoms usually start in childhood, but they can continue throughout adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent for men and boys compared to 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.
It can be difficult to determine adult ADHD because the symptoms differ from person to. A history of issues at work, school or relationships can help a doctor identify the pattern. A complete medical history is also useful. Certain medical conditions can trigger similar symptoms to ADHD A thorough medical history can help rule out or identify other possible causes of the symptoms. These include developmental disorders and seizure disorders. They also include anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs as well as certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can develop a poor self-image and low self-esteem as a result of the constant frustration and failure. They might also experience comorbidities such as depression or anxiety and this can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Adults suffering from ADHD could be involved in clinical trials that help researchers better understand the disorder. This can lead to better treatments in the future. You can find tips to talk with your doctor about participating in clinical trials on the NIMH website.