ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have untreated ADHD it can lead to problems throughout your life. You may find it difficult to maintain relationships and employment. This can lead to frequent changes in your job or low ratings for performance.
You should first seek out your primary doctor for the referral to a health professional who conducts assessments for adults suffering from ADHD. After that, you will receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes problems with staying focused, paying close attention and acting upon impulses. Adults with ADHD frequently have issues at school, at 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 from childhood or have been incorrectly diagnosed.
Anyone who is seeking to receive a diagnosis should visit a medical professional who has experience in conducting ADHD evaluations in adults. Requesting a doctor to refer you to someone who is an ADHD specialist can be performed by a person. They can also call local medical schools, or graduate schools to request recommendations.
When interviewing adults, a therapist will look at how long the symptoms have been present and whether they've interfered with the person's life. They will also determine if the primary ADHD symptoms have been present since 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 patient must have significant impairment in at least two different areas of their lives like at work or at home or with family and friends or while engaging in specific activities such as driving or playing sports. Impairment is when the symptoms cause significant difficulty and have been present for at minimum six months.
When making a diagnosis, the doctor will also try to rule out any other conditions that might cause similar problems to ADHD for instance depression, anxiety or other substance use disorders. They can also conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological 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 support and help they require. Some adults have reported feeling a sense of relief and renewed energy after they finally be diagnosed. Others have reported having many regrets over lost opportunities or failures in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms went undiagnosed and untreated. Some people suffering from ADHD have a hard time admitting to themselves that they have the disorder, especially women assigned female at birth (AFAB). Some people are reluctant to admit they have ADHD due to the stigma associated with it.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to outgrow the condition. It can last throughout adulthood and have similar effects on work, relationships family life, and mental health. Hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are common in adults and children with ADHD. However the symptoms of adults are more severe. For instance, they could affect a person's work performance and lead to troubled relationships. A professional can provide treatment and counseling.
The first step is to find a qualified evaluator, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask your family and friends for recommendations or go online to find professionals in your area. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other illnesses such as anxiety and depression, that must be taken into consideration in their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your evaluator would like to learn as much as possible about your life. A detailed account of your life, especially one that spans from childhood, can provide clues as to whether ADHD symptoms are related to other issues. The person evaluating you will likely inquire about your physical and mental health, your growth from childhood, your academic and work experiences, your driving history, any drug or alcohol use, and how you handle stress in your daily life.
If your evaluator suspects that you have ADHD the person will assess your symptoms to determine the extent to which they affect your everyday life. Your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairments in at two different areas. Some examples of impairment are losing your job due to inadequate time management, or getting into financial difficulties because of impulsive spending, or not making payments on time.
You can enhance your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning to cope with the challenges they bring. You can lower stress levels by keeping a schedule and observing a routine. You can also get better sleep, avoid eating sugary or caffeinated food before bed, and regularly exercise. Some 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 care provider. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations or provide suggestions for professionals who are able to do this. Certain insurance companies will provide professionals based on their specialties and can assist those who are part of their plans to find a specialist.
The most important factor in diagnosing ADHD in adults is the person's history. For instance, a physician might request to review school report cards from the individual's childhood or talk to relatives about the person's behavior during the early years of life. The health care professional can then look for patterns of behavior that indicate the diagnosis of ADHD.
During the assessment the health professional may also employ one or several rating scales that are standardized. These tests compare the behavior of a patient with the behavior of those who don't have ADHD and can help a physician determine whether the symptoms are in line with diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is also essential to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid issues, seizures hearing and vision problems sleep disorders, and food-related issues like lead poisoning or food allergies can have similar effects to ADHD.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy and behavioral therapy. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients overcome their negative thoughts and behavior. This can reduce stress, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can help people better manage their time, enhance their organizational skills, and develop more effective ways to deal with stressful situations.
Stimulants are the most popular drugs used to treat ADHD in adults. They appear to increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. However, these medications can cause serious adverse reactions for some people, particularly teenagers and children. These medications are typically prescribed for short-term use and are not suitable for all people.
Other treatments include lifestyle changes as well as psychotherapy. Some adults with ADHD find that increasing their physical activity helps them concentrate more effectively and become more productive. Certain people with ADHD might benefit from enhancing their organization and planning abilities. In addition, some people who struggle to keep jobs or maintaining relationships can benefit through a disability-related support service like Access to Work.
Support
Being diagnosed and receiving effective treatment can help you deal with symptoms that interfere with your life. It can also help improve your self-image, and your relationships with family members, friends, and coworkers. It is never too late to get an assessment or treatment for ADHD.
Your GP may refer you to an area of mental health care that specialises in treating adult ADHD. It could be a Community Mental Health Service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults with ADHD that can provide guidance and a sense of community. You can also join online forums and chat with other members about their experiences. There are coaches and mentors that specialize in helping those suffering from ADHD. You should be aware that mentorship and coaching are self-regulated professions and there are differences in quality and expertise.
ADHD symptoms usually begin in childhood but can persist until adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent for men and boys than 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 issues at school, at work or in relationships can help a physician to identify patterns. A thorough medical history is also helpful. Numerous medical conditions can cause similar symptoms as ADHD The history can help rule out or identify other possible causes of the symptoms. These include developmental disorders and seizures. They also include anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs as well as certain medications.
Untreated ADHD may develop a negative self-image and low self-esteem as a result of the constant frustration and failure. They may also develop mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety which can make ADHD worse.
adhd diagnosis adults suffering from ADHD might be able to participate in clinical trials that help researchers better understand the disorder. This could help in developing better treatments in the future. You can find tips for talking to your doctor about taking part in an investigational trial on the NIMH website.