ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all areas of your life. You may have difficulty maintaining relationships and work which can lead to frequent job changes and/or low performance ratings.
Ask your primary care doctor to recommend you to a health professional who can evaluate adults suffering from ADHD. You will then receive a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes difficulties with staying focused, paying close attention, and responding to impulses. Adults suffering from ADHD typically have difficulties at school, work and in their relationships. It's a common disorder but can be difficult for adults to diagnose, because they may not be able to recall symptoms as children or have been misdiagnosed.
A person seeking an assessment of ADHD in adults should speak with an experienced health professional with expertise in ADHD evaluations. A doctor's request to refer you to someone who is an ADHD specialist can be done by a person. You can also request an appointment by calling local universities, medical schools, or graduate schools.
When interviewing adults, a therapist will take into consideration how long symptoms have been present and whether they have affected the life of the patient. They will also determine if the primary ADHD symptoms were present in 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, the person must exhibit significant impairment in at least two aspects of their lives for example, at work or at home or with family and friends; or when engaging in specific activities such as driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be substantial and persistent for a minimum of six month to be considered impaired.
When determining a diagnosis, the clinician will also try to rule out any other conditions that might cause the same problems as ADHD like anxiety, depression or addiction disorders. They can also conduct psycho-educational, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests to determine if the person suffers from a co-existing disorder.
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might be frustrated because they're not receiving the assistance and support they require. Some adults have felt a sense of relief and renewal after they finally be diagnosed. Some adults regret missing opportunities or failings due to the fact that their ADHD symptoms were not diagnosed and treated. Certain people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to admit that they have ADHD particularly women who were assigned a female at birth. Some people are reluctant to admit they have ADHD because of the stigma associated with it.
Signs and 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 impacts on relationships, work family life, and mental health. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity symptoms are common in adults and children with ADHD. However, the symptoms in adults are more severe. For instance, they could affect a person's work performance and lead to troubled relationships. A professional can assist with treatment and support.
The first step is finding a qualified evaluator, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask for recommendations from friends and family or search on the internet for professionals in your area. Many people with ADHD have other conditions such as anxiety and depression that must be considered when determining their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator will wish to learn as much about your life as they can. A detailed account of your life, particularly one that goes back to childhood, can give clues to determine if ADHD symptoms are linked to other disorders. The person evaluating you will likely inquire about your physical and emotional health, your progress from childhood as well as your academic and work experiences, your driving history, any drug or alcohol use, and how you deal with stress in your everyday life.
If the evaluator suspects you may have ADHD they will examine your current symptoms to determine how they interfere with your daily life. Your symptoms must be sufficient to cause impairments in at two different areas. Examples of impairment include losing your job because of poor time management, getting into financial difficulties due to excessive spending, or not making payments on time.
You can improve your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning to cope with the challenges they pose. For instance, you can reduce your stress level by following a regular routine and keeping your calendar free of distractions. You should also get enough sleep, avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods before the time you go to bed, and keep exercising regularly. Certain people suffering from ADHD discover that psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy can help them manage their symptoms, and others use medications to ease the effects of 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 care provider. They can refer you to a mental health specialist who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations, or recommend specialists who can perform this. Certain insurance companies will have a list of professionals based on their specialties and may assist those who are part of their plans to locate a specialist.
The most important aspect in diagnosing ADHD in adults is the person's history. A doctor could ask to see the child's school report card or interview family about the child's early behavior. The health care professional may then look for patterns of behavior that indicate the diagnosis of ADHD.
During the assessment the health care professional can also utilize one of several standardized rating scales. These questionnaires compare the behavior of a patient with that of people without ADHD and can help a physician determine if symptoms meet diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is required to rule out other illnesses that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid issues, seizures hearing and vision problems sleep disorders, as well as other dietary issues like food allergies or lead poisoning can have similar effects to ADHD.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be helpful for adults with ADHD. Particularly, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients to change their negative thoughts and behavior. This can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can teach people to better manage their time, enhance their organizational abilities, and learn more effective strategies for dealing with stressful situations.
Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD in adults. They are believed to increase and balance the levels of certain brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. These drugs can cause serious side effects in some people, particularly children and teenagers. These drugs are usually prescribed for short-term use and are not suitable for everyone.
Lifestyle changes and psychotherapy are alternatives. For instance, some adults who suffer from ADHD discover that increasing physical exercise can aid in their focus and make them more productive. Other people with ADHD benefit from learning to improve their organization and planning capabilities. Access to Work, a disability support organization, can help people who are having difficulty maintaining relationships or keeping a job.
Support
Finding a doctor and receiving a successful treatment can help you manage issues that affect your daily life. It can also help improve your self-image and improve relationships with family, friends and coworkers. It is never too late for a diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
Your GP may refer you to an expert mental health service that specializes in treating adults with ADHD. This may be an Community Mental Health Service or an specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
Support groups for adults suffering from ADHD can offer advice and a sense of community. how is adhd diagnosed in adults can also join online discussion forums and share your experiences with others. There are coaches and mentors who specialize in helping those with ADHD. However, how is adhd diagnosed in adults must be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions and there are variations in quality and knowledge.
Symptoms of ADHD typically manifest in childhood, but may persist into adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent for men and boys in comparison to women and girls. The inattentive subtype of the disorder (formerly referred to 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 diagnose because the symptoms can vary from one person to the next. A doctor can spot patterns in a patient's history of difficulties at work, school or with relationships. A thorough medical history can also be beneficial. The history can be used to determine if or identify possible causes. These include seizures, developmental disorders depression, anxiety as well as certain medications.
A person with untreated ADHD may develop a poor self-image and low self-esteem due to persistent frustration and failure. They may also develop disorders like depression or anxiety which can make ADHD worse.
Adults suffering from ADHD may participate in clinical trials that aid researchers to better understand the disorder. This can help in developing more effective treatments in the future. On the NIMH site, you can find some tips on how to speak with your doctor about taking part in a study.