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 jobs and may result in frequent job changes or low performance ratings.
It is recommended to first ask your primary care physician for the referral to an expert in health care who conducts assessments for adults with ADHD. Then, you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental issue that makes it difficult to stay focused and paying attention. It also causes difficulty in responding to impulses. Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently have issues at school, work and in their relationships. It's a very common condition, however it can be difficult for adults to diagnose, since they may not recall symptoms as children or have been wrongly diagnosed.
Anyone who is seeking to receive a diagnosis should visit an expert in health care who has experience performing ADHD assessments for adults. The patient could ask their physician for a referral to a doctor who is an expert in ADHD. You can also ask for an appointment by calling local universities, medical schools or graduate schools.
When evaluating adults, a clinician will look at how long the symptoms have been present and if they have negatively affected the person's life. They will also determine if the root of 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 be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must demonstrate significant impairment in two areas of their life. These include at home, at work, with family and friends or in particular activities such as driving or playing sports. Impairment means that the symptoms cause significant difficulties and last for at minimum six months.
When determining a diagnosis, the doctor will also try to rule out other conditions that could cause the same issues as ADHD like anxiety, depression or substance use disorders. They may also do additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing to determine if the person has co-existing disorders.
People who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD might feel unhappy because they're not receiving the help and support they require. Some adults have felt a sense of relief and renewal after they are finally able to get a diagnosis. Some adults regret missed opportunities or failed to realize their ADHD symptoms were not identified and untreated. Certain people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to admit that they have ADHD, especially women who were deemed female at birth. Some people are reluctant to admit they have ADHD because of the stigma that surrounds it.
Symptoms
Like children, adults with ADHD do not typically overcome their condition. It continues to affect them throughout their lives and can cause similar impacts on their relationships, work, family life and mental health. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity symptoms are common in adults and children with ADHD. However the symptoms of adults are more severe. For instance, they could affect the performance of a worker and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can provide treatment and support.
The first step is to locate an accredited evaluator for example, a psychiatrist or psychologist. Request recommendations from your friends and family members or look on the internet for experts in your area. Many people suffering from ADHD have other conditions like anxiety and depression, which must be considered when determining their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator wants to learn the most details possible about your life. A detailed account of your life, particularly one that spans from childhood, can provide clues to determine if ADHD symptoms are linked to other conditions. The person evaluating you will likely inquire about your emotional and physical health, your development going back to early childhood as well as your academic and work experiences, driving history, any drugs or alcohol abuse and how you cope with stress in your everyday life.
If your evaluator suspects that you are suffering from ADHD then they will examine your symptoms to determine the degree 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 skills, getting in financial trouble as a result of excessive spending or failure to make payments on time, or having interpersonal problems in your relationship because of communication difficulties.
You can improve your ability manage ADHD symptoms by learning to manage their issues. For example, you can reduce your stress level by following an established routine and keeping your schedule free of distractions. You can also get better sleep, avoid eating sugary or caffeinated foods close to bedtime and regularly exercise. Certain people suffering from ADHD benefit from cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Others take medications to manage their symptoms.
read here
If you are an adult and suspect that you have ADHD, the first step is to talk with a health professional. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations or provide recommendations for professionals who do so. Certain insurance companies also provide specialists in their specialties and assist those who take part in their plans to find the right specialist.
The most important factor in diagnosing ADHD in adults is the history of the individual. For example, a doctor might ask to look over school report cards from a person's childhood or ask family members about their behavior in early life. The health professional could then look for patterns of behavior that suggest a diagnosis of ADHD.
During the process of assessment, the health professional may utilize one or more standard rating scales. These questionnaires evaluate the patient's behavior with that of people who don't have ADHD and can help the doctor determine whether or not the symptoms meet diagnostic criteria.
In addition an examination by a doctor is typically required to determine if there are medical conditions that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid problems seizures or hearing or vision issues sleep disorders, and other dietary issues like lead poisoning or food allergies may have similar effects as ADHD.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from psychological and behavioral therapy. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help patients to change their negative thoughts and behavior. This can help reduce stress, which may make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also help people learn how to manage their time better, enhance their ability to organize their lives, and develop more effective coping strategies for dealing with stressful situations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are often treated with stimulants. They appear to regulate and increase the levels of certain brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. However, these drugs can cause serious adverse reactions for some individuals, especially teenagers and children. These drugs are usually used for short-term treatment and are not suitable for everyone.
Other treatments include lifestyle changes and psychotherapy. For instance, some adults who suffer from ADHD find that exercising more regularly can help them focus and be more productive. Certain people with ADHD might benefit from enhancing their organization and planning skills. Access to Work, a disability support organization, can help those who have trouble maintaining relationships or keeping a job.
Support
Getting diagnosed and receiving effective treatment can help you deal with issues that affect your daily life. It can also improve your self-image and improve your relationships with your family, friends, and colleagues. It's never too late to seek an assessment and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP may recommend a mental service that specializes in treating adult ADHD. This 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 belonging. You can also join online discussion forums and share your experiences with others. There are coaches or mentors who are specialized in helping people with ADHD. However, it is important to be aware that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated and there are variations in quality and knowledge.
Symptoms of ADHD usually appear in childhood, but can last into adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent among males and boys than girls and women. 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.
Adult ADHD can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms differ between individuals. A history of difficulties in work, school or relationships can help a doctor to identify the pattern. A thorough medical history can also be helpful. The history can be used to rule out or determine the cause. These include seizures, developmental disorders depression, anxiety, substance abuse and certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can result in the sufferer developing a low self-esteem and a negative self-image due to disappointment and failure. They could also develop compulsive disorders like depression or anxiety that can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Some adults with ADHD take part in clinical studies to help researchers discover more about the disorder. This can result in more effective treatments in the future. On the NIMH site, you will learn some helpful tips on how to speak with your doctor about participating in a study.