ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD it could cause issues in all aspects of your life. You may struggle to maintain relationships and work, resulting in frequent job changes and/or low performance ratings.
You should first ask your primary care physician for the referral to an expert in health care who conducts assessments for adults suffering from ADHD. You will then be able to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental issue that makes it difficult to stay focused, paying attention and acting on impulses. Adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty working, at school as well as in their relationships. It's a very common condition, but can be difficult for adults to diagnose since they may not recall the symptoms they experienced as children or have been wrongly diagnosed.
A person who is seeking an evaluation for ADHD in adults must consult a health care provider with expertise in ADHD evaluations. One could ask their physician for a referral to a doctor who is an expert in ADHD. You can also request a referral by calling local universities, medical schools, or graduate schools.
When evaluating adults, the doctor will consider how long the symptoms have been present and how they interfere with the life of the patient. They will also determine if the underlying 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 be diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, the patient must exhibit significant impairment in at least two areas of their lives for example, at work or home or with family and friends or while engaging in specific activities such as driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be substantial and persistent for at least six months to be deemed impaired.
The clinician will also rule out any other conditions that might cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like anxiety, depression or other addiction disorders. They may also do additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or learning disabilities tests to determine if the patient has co-existing disorders.
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may be unhappy because they're not receiving the help and support they need. Adults have reported feeling happy and refreshed after obtaining a diagnosis. Others have reported having many regrets over lost opportunities or failures in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and untreated. Some people suffering from ADHD have a hard time admitting to themselves that they have the disorder, particularly women assigned female at birth (AFAB). Others are hesitant because of the stigma surrounding it.
Signs and symptoms
Unlike children, adults with ADHD don't typically outgrow their condition. It is a condition that persists into adulthood and can have the same impact on their work, friendships and family life, as well as their mental health. Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are present in both children and adults with ADHD however, the signs are more prevalent in adults. They can impact a person's work performance and lead to troublesome relationships. A professional can offer assistance and help.
The first step is finding an expert evaluator who is qualified, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask for recommendations from family members and family or search online for professionals in your region. Many people suffering from ADHD have other conditions like depression and anxiety that must be considered in their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator is likely to know as much about your life as is possible. A detailed account of your life, particularly one that stretches across your entire childhood, can provide clues as to whether your ADHD symptoms are connected to other disorders. The person evaluating you will likely inquire about your emotional and physical health, your progress that began in early childhood as well as your academic and work experiences, driving history, any drug or alcohol abuse and how you deal with stress in your daily life.
If the person who evaluated you suspects that you have ADHD the person will assess your symptoms to determine the extent to which they interfere with your daily routine. To be considered a diagnosed patient, your symptoms must be significant enough to cause impairment in at least two major settings. Examples of impairment could include losing your job due to inadequate time management, falling into financial trouble because of reckless spending or inability to pay on time, and relationships that are strained because of difficulty communicating.
You can improve your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning to manage the challenges they pose. For instance you can reduce the stress level by implementing a regular routine and keeping your schedule free of distractions. You should also get enough sleep, avoid sweet or caffeine-rich meals prior to bedtime, and do regular exercise. Some people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Others use medication to reduce their symptoms.
Treatment
If you are an adult and suspect that you are suffering from ADHD, the first step is to speak with a health care provider. They can refer you to a mental health professional who specialises in adult ADHD evaluations or offer recommendations for professionals who perform such evaluations. Some insurance companies also list specialists in their specialties and help those who are part of their plans to find an expert.
The history of the adult is vital in diagnosing ADHD. A doctor could, for example, ask to look over the child's report card or talk to family members regarding the child's early behavior. The health care professional may then look for patterns of behavior that suggest the diagnosis of ADHD.
During the assessment process, the health care provider may also use one or more standard rating scales. These questionnaires evaluate the patient's behavior with that of people who do not have ADHD and can aid the doctor in determining whether or not symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria.
Additionally medical exams are generally required to rule out medical conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. For instance, thyroid problems, seizures or hearing or vision issues sleep disorders, and other dietary issues like food allergies or lead poisoning can have similar effects to ADHD.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Particularly, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients change their negative thoughts and behavior. This can lessen stress, which can 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 mechanisms for dealing with stressful situations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are often treated with stimulants. They appear to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. However, these drugs can cause serious adverse reactions for some people, particularly adolescents and children. These drugs are usually prescribed for short-term use and are not appropriate for everyone.
Changes in lifestyle and psychotherapy are alternatives. Many adults suffering from ADHD discover that a greater amount of physical activity helps them concentrate better and be more productive. Certain people who suffer from ADHD might benefit from enhancing their planning and organization skills. Additionally, adhd diagnosis adults who are having difficulty keeping jobs or maintain relationships can benefit through a disability support program like Access to Work.
Support
Getting diagnosed and receiving effective treatment can help you deal with symptoms that interfere with your life. It can also improve your self-image and improve relationships with your family, friends and coworkers. It is never too late to seek a diagnosis and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP may recommend an individual mental health provider that is specialized in treating adults with ADHD. It could be an Community Mental Health Service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults suffering from ADHD that can provide guidance and a sense of belonging. You can join online discussion forums and discuss your experiences with other people. There are also coaches and mentors that specialize in helping those suffering from 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 begin in childhood, but they can continue well 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 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.
Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis because the symptoms differ from one person to the next. A history of problems in work, school or relationships can help a doctor find the pattern. A thorough medical history can be helpful. Many medical conditions can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, so the background information can help determine or determine the cause of the symptoms. These include developmental disorders as well as seizures. They also include anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs as well as certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can lead to a person developing a low self-esteem as well as a negative self-image as a result of frustration and failure. They might also experience comorbidities like anxiety or depression which can cause ADHD worse.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD participate in clinical studies to help researchers discover more about the disorder. This can lead to improved treatments in the near future. You can find helpful tips for talking to your doctor about participating in a clinical trial on the NIMH website.