ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can create problems in all aspects of your life. You may have difficulty maintaining relationships and jobs and may result in frequent job changes and/or low performance ratings.
It is recommended to first seek out your primary physician for an appointment with a health care professional who conducts assessments for adults with ADHD. After that, you will receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes problems staying focused and paying attention. It also causes difficulty in acting on impulses. Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulties at school, at work and in their relationships. It's a common disorder but it can be difficult for adults to diagnose as they may not remember the symptoms they experienced as children or have been incorrectly diagnosed.
Anyone who is seeking to receive a diagnosis should visit a medical professional who has experience performing ADHD assessments for adults. One may ask their doctor for a referral to a specialist who is specialized in ADHD. You can also request an appointment by calling local medical schools, universities, or graduate schools.
In evaluating adults, the clinician will look at how long the symptoms have been present and how they interfere with the life of the patient. 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, a person must demonstrate significant impairment in two areas of their lives. These include at home at work, in the company, with friends and family, or in specific activities such as driving or playing sports. Impairment means that the symptoms cause significant problems and last for at least six months.
The physician will also look into other conditions that could cause the same symptoms as ADHD, like depression, anxiety or addiction disorders. They can also conduct additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests to determine if the person suffers from a co-existing disorder.
People who haven't been diagnosed ADHD might be frustrated because they're not receiving the assistance and support that they need. Adults have reported feeling relieved and refreshed after obtaining the diagnosis. Some adults regret missed opportunities or failures because their ADHD symptoms were not diagnosed and treated. Certain people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit that they have ADHD, especially women who were assigned a female at birth. Some people are reluctant to admit that they suffer from ADHD due to the stigma associated with it.
Symptoms
As opposed to children, adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to overcome their condition. It can continue to affect them into adulthood, and have similar effects on relationships at work family life, and mental health. Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity symptoms are present in both adults and children with ADHD. However the symptoms for adults are more severe. For instance, they can affect a person's work performance and lead to troubled relationships. A professional can offer support and help.
The first step is finding an accredited evaluator such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask your family and friends for recommendations or search online to locate professionals in your area. Many people suffering from ADHD also have other conditions like anxiety and depression which should be considered in their treatment and diagnosis.
Your evaluator is likely to know as much about your life as possible. A detailed account of your life, particularly one that spans your childhood, could provide clues to whether your ADHD symptoms are related to other disorders. The person evaluating you will likely inquire about your emotional and physical health, your growth that began in early childhood as well as your academic and work experiences, your driving history, any drug or alcohol abuse and how you cope with stress in your everyday life.
If your evaluator suspects that you suffer from ADHD, they will assess your current symptoms to determine if they interfere with your everyday life. For a diagnosis to be granted, your symptoms need to be significant enough to cause impairment in at least two important settings. Examples of impairment include losing a job because of inadequate time management skills, or 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 difficulty communicating.
You can increase your ability to manage ADHD symptoms by learning to deal with their challenges. You can reduce stress by establishing a clear plan and observing a routine. You should also get enough rest, avoid sweet or caffeine-rich meals prior to the time you go to bed, and keep exercising regularly. Certain people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Others take medication to lessen their symptoms.
Treatment
If you are an adult and suspect that you are suffering from 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 suggestions for professionals who can perform such evaluations. Certain insurance companies will list professionals according to their specialties and can assist those who are part of their plans find a specialist.
The history of the adult is crucial in diagnosing ADHD. A doctor may, for example, ask to examine the child's school report card or speak with family about the child's early behavior. The health care specialist will then look for patterns of behavior that could indicate ADHD.
During the assessment process the health professional may utilize one or more standard rating scales. These questionnaires compare a patient's behavior with that of people without ADHD, and may help a physician determine whether the symptoms are in line with diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is required to rule out other illnesses that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid problems seizures, hearing and vision issues sleep disorders, as well as dietary issues such as food allergies or lead poisoning can have similar effects to ADHD.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular, can help patients change negative thoughts and behaviors. This can decrease stress, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can help people better manage their time, increase their organization abilities, and learn more effective ways of dealing with stressful situations.
Adults with ADHD are frequently treated with stimulants. They appear to increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. However, these medications can cause serious adverse reactions for some individuals, especially children and teens. They are usually prescribed for short-term use and are not appropriate for everyone.
Other treatments include lifestyle changes as well as psychotherapy. For instance, some people with ADHD find that exercising more regularly can help them focus and be more productive. Other people with ADHD benefit from learning to improve their organization and planning capabilities. Additionally, those who are having difficulty keeping jobs or maintaining relationships can benefit through a disability support program such as Access to Work.
Support
When you are properly diagnosed and treated it is possible to manage the problems that affect your daily routine. It can also help improve your self-image, and your relationships with family members as well as your friends and colleagues. It is never too late for the diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
Your GP may recommend a mental service that specializes in treating adult ADHD. getting diagnosed with adhd could be an Community Mental Health Service or an specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults suffering from ADHD that can provide advice and a sense of belonging. You can also join online forums and talk with others about their experiences. There are also coaches or mentors who specialize in helping people with ADHD. It is important to be aware that mentorship and coaching are self-regulated careers and there are differences in terms of expertise and quality.
ADHD symptoms usually begin in childhood but can persist well into adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent for men and boys compared to girls and women. People with the inattentive subtype of the condition (formerly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are more likely to be diagnosed as compared to those who have 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 can vary between individuals. A history of issues at school, work or in relationships can help a doctor identify patterns. A complete medical history can also be helpful. The medical history can be used to rule out or identify possible causes. These include developmental disorders, seizure disorders depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and certain medications.
A person suffering from untreated ADHD may develop a negative self-image and low self-esteem because of persistent frustration and failure. They may also develop compulsive disorders like anxiety or depression and this can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Adults suffering from ADHD may participate in clinical trials that aid researchers to better understand the disorder. This can lead to improved treatments in the future. There are tips for talking with your doctor about taking part in an investigational trial on the NIMH website.