ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all areas of your life. You may find it difficult to maintain relationships and work. This can lead to frequent changes in your job or poor performance ratings.
Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a health professional who can examine adults suffering from ADHD. You will then be able to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that causes difficulty staying focused and paying attention, as well as responding to impulses. Adults with ADHD typically have difficulties at school, at work and in their relationships. It's a fairly common disorder, but can be difficult for adults to diagnose, as they may not remember symptoms as children or have been wrongly diagnosed.
A person who wants a diagnosis must visit an expert in health care who has expertise in performing ADHD evaluations in adults. A doctor's request to refer you to a specialist who is an ADHD specialist can be performed by a person. They can also call local university-based hospitals, medical schools or graduate schools to ask for a recommendation.
When interviewing adults, a therapist will look at how long the symptoms have been present and whether they've affected the life of the patient. They will also determine if the root of the ADHD symptoms have existed 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 person must show significant impairment in two areas of life. This includes at home or at work, as well as with friends and family or in particular activities like driving or playing sports. Impairment means the symptoms cause significant difficulties and last for at least six months.
When making a diagnosis, the doctor will also try to rule out any other conditions that might cause the same issues as ADHD for instance anxiety, depression or other substance use disorders. They may also perform additional psychological, learning disabilities or neuropsychological testing to determine if a person has a co-existing disorder.
People who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD might feel frustrated because they're not getting the support and help they need. Some adults have experienced a sense relief and renewal after they are finally able to receive a diagnosis. Some adults regret missing opportunities or failed to realize their ADHD symptoms were not identified and treated. Some people with ADHD are hesitant to admit they suffer from ADHD particularly women who were deemed female at birth. adhd in adults undiagnosed are hesitant to admit they have ADHD because of the stigma that surrounds it.
Symptoms
As opposed to children, adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to overcome their condition. It can last into adulthood, and can have similar impacts on relationships, work, family life, and mental health. Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are seen in both adults and children with ADHD, but the symptoms are more prevalent in adults. They can affect the person's performance at work and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can offer support and help.
The first step is to find an accredited evaluator, like a psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask your friends and family for recommendations or go online to find professionals in your area. Many people with ADHD have other conditions like anxiety and depression, which must be considered when determining their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator will want to learn as much information about your life as possible. A thorough history, particularly one that covers your childhood, could provide clues to whether your ADHD symptoms are connected to other disorders. Your evaluator is likely to inquire about your physical and emotional health, your progress that began in early childhood, your academic and professional experiences, your driving history, any substance or alcohol abuse and how you cope with stress in your everyday life.
If your evaluator suspects that you are suffering from ADHD the person will assess your symptoms to determine the degree to which they interfere with your daily life. Your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairments in at two different areas. Examples of impairment include losing your job because of poor time management, getting into financial trouble due to reckless spending, or failing to make payments on time.
You can improve your ability manage ADHD symptoms by learning to manage their issues. For example you can lower your stress level by following the same routine and keeping your calendar clean. Also, you can get enough rest, avoid sweet or caffeine-rich meals prior to bedtime, and do regular exercise. Certain people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Others use medication to reduce their symptoms.
Treatment
For adults who suspect they are suffering from ADHD the first step is to discuss the issue with a health professional. They can refer you a mental health specialist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments, or suggest specialists who are experts in this. Certain insurance companies also list specialists by specialization and help those who are part of their plans to find the right specialist.
The most important factor in diagnosing ADHD in adults is the person's history. For instance, a doctor may ask to review school reports from the person's childhood or ask family members about his or her behaviors during the early years of life. adhd in adults undiagnosed will then search for patterns in behavior that could be indicative of ADHD.
During the process of assessment, the health care provider may also employ one or more standardized rating scales. These questionnaires compare a patient's behavior with the behavior of those who don't have ADHD, and may help a doctor determine if symptoms meet diagnostic criteria.
A medical exam is necessary to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid issues seizures hearing and vision problems sleep disorders, as well as other dietary issues like lead poisoning or food allergies 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 attitudes and behaviors. This can reduce stress and anxiety, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can help people better manage their time, increase their organizational skills, and discover more effective strategies for dealing with stressful situations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are often treated with stimulants. They appear to increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These medications can cause serious side effects in certain people, particularly children and teenagers. These drugs are usually prescribed for short-term treatments and are not suitable for all people.
Changes in lifestyle and psychotherapy are also options. For instance, some adults with ADHD discover that exercising more can aid in their focus and make them more productive. Others with ADHD benefit from learning to improve their planning and organizational abilities. Access to Work, a disability support organization, can assist those who have trouble maintaining relationships or holding a job.
Support
Diagnosed and treated effectively, you can manage issues that are affecting your daily life. It can also improve your self-image, and your relationships with your family as well as your friends and colleagues. It is never too late to get an assessment or treatment for ADHD.
Your GP can 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 suffering from ADHD which can offer advice and a sense of community. You can join online discussion forums and share your experiences with others. There are coaches and mentors who specialize in helping those with ADHD. However, you should be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions and there are a variety of quality and expertise.
The signs of ADHD usually appear in childhood, but can persist into adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent in boys and men in comparison to women and girls. The inattentive type (formerly known as hyperactivity disorder causing attention deficit) 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 diagnose adult ADHD due to the fact that symptoms differ from person to person. A doctor can spot patterns in the history of a patient of issues at school, work or with relationships. A complete medical history is also helpful. The history can be used to determine if or identify possible causes. These include developmental disorders and seizures. 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 because of constant frustration and failure. They may also develop comorbidities like anxiety or depression which can cause ADHD worse.
Some adults with ADHD take part in clinical trials to help researchers learn more about the disorder. This could lead to better treatments in the near future. You can find tips to talk with your doctor about taking part in an investigational trial on the NIMH website.