ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have untreated ADHD, it can lead to issues in all aspects of your life. You may have difficulty to maintain relationships as well as employment. This could lead to frequent job changes or low ratings for performance.
It is recommended to first ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a health professional who can conduct evaluations for adults with ADHD. Then, you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause problems with staying focused, paying close to one's surroundings and responding to impulses. Adults with ADHD have difficulties at work, in school and in their relationships. It's a very common condition however, it can be difficult to recognize because a lot of adults don't recall having symptoms as children or being incorrectly diagnosed as children.
A person seeking an evaluation for ADHD in adults must consult an experienced health professional with experience in ADHD evaluations. The patient could ask their physician for a referral to a doctor who is an expert in ADHD. You can also ask for a referral by calling local medical schools, universities or graduate schools.
When interviewing adults, a therapist will consider how long symptoms have been present and whether they've negatively affected the person's life. adhd diagnosis adults will also look at whether the primary ADHD symptoms have been 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 to be diagnosed, the person must exhibit significant impairment in two aspects of life. This includes at home, at work, with friends and family or in certain activities like driving or playing sports. Impairment is when the symptoms cause significant problems and last for at least six months.
The doctor will also rule out other conditions that might cause the same symptoms as ADHD, like depression, anxiety, or substance abuse disorders. They may also conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests to determine if a person has co-existing disorders.
People who haven't been diagnosed ADHD may feel frustrated that they're not getting the help and support they require. Adults have reported feeling rejoicing and renewed after finally getting the diagnosis. Some adults regret missing opportunities or failures because their ADHD symptoms were not diagnosed and treated. Some people who suffer from ADHD are hesitant to admit that they have ADHD, especially women who were deemed female at birth. Others are hesitant because of the stigma that surrounds 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 can have similar effects on relationships at work family life, and mental health. Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are seen in both children and adults with ADHD but the symptoms are often more serious in adults. For example, they may impact a person's job performance and cause troublesome relationships. A professional can assist with treatment and support.
The first step is to locate a qualified evaluator such as psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask for recommendations from family members and family, or search online for professionals in your region. Many people with ADHD are also suffering from other illnesses like anxiety and depression, which must be considered when determining their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator will wish to learn as much information about your life as is possible. A thorough account of your life, particularly one that goes back to childhood, could provide clues to determine if ADHD symptoms are linked to other issues. The evaluator will inquire about your physical health and emotional well-being, your growth since early childhood, experiences in school and at work including driving history, drinking and drug use and how you manage stress on a daily basis.
If the evaluator suspects you may have ADHD, they will assess your current symptoms to determine how they interfere with your everyday 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, falling into financial trouble due to impulsive spending, or not making payments on time.
You can enhance your ability to manage ADHD symptoms by learning to manage their issues. For example you can lower your stress levels by following an established routine and keeping your calendar free of distractions. You should also ensure you get enough sleep, stay away from food items that are high in caffeine or sugar prior to the time you go to bed, and keep exercising regularly. Certain people suffering from ADHD find that psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy helps them to manage their symptoms, while others use medications to ease the effects of their symptoms.
Treatment
If you are an adult and suspect that you have ADHD the first step is to speak with a health care provider. They can refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in adult ADHD assessments, or suggest specialists who are experts in this. Certain insurance companies provide professionals based on their specialties and may assist those who are part of their plans find a specialist.
The most important factor in diagnosing ADHD in adults is the history of the individual. A doctor could ask, for instance, to see 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 in the behavior that may indicate ADHD.
During the evaluation the health care professional can also utilize one of several rating scales that are standardized. These tests compare a patient's behavior with those of people who do not have 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 conditions that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Thyroid problems, seizures and hearing and vision issues can all be associated with similar effects.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be beneficial for adults with ADHD. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help patients change their negative thoughts and behavior. This can lessen stress and anxiety, 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 who suffer from ADHD are typically treated with stimulants. They appear to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. These drugs can trigger serious side effects for some individuals, particularly adolescents and children. These drugs are usually prescribed for short-term use and are not suitable for all people.
Lifestyle changes and psychotherapy are also options. For example, some adults with ADHD find that exercising more regularly can aid in their focus and make them more productive. Certain people who suffer from ADHD might benefit from enhancing their organizational and planning skills. Access to Work, a disability support group, can aid people who are having difficulty maintaining relationships or holding the job they have.
Support
Diagnosed and treated effectively it is possible to manage the symptoms that are interfering with your daily life. It can also improve your self-image and improve relationships with family, friends and colleagues. It is never too late to seek an assessment and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP can refer you to an area of mental health care that specializes in treating adults with ADHD. It could be a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
Support groups for adults suffering from ADHD can offer advice and a community-like feeling. You can join online discussion forums and discuss your experiences with other people. There are coaches and mentors who specialize in helping those with ADHD. It is important to be aware, however, that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated jobs and there are some differences in terms of expertise and quality.
The symptoms of ADHD typically manifest in childhood, but they can last throughout adulthood. The disorder is more common for men and boys than women and girls. The inattentive type (formerly known as hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder) 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.
It can be difficult to diagnose adult ADHD because symptoms vary from person to. A history of problems in work, school or relationships can help a physician identify patterns. A thorough medical history may also be beneficial. 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 may develop a negative self-image and low self-esteem as a result of the constant frustration and failure. They may also develop disorders like depression or anxiety which can cause ADHD worse.
Some adults with ADHD participate in clinical trials to help researchers understand more about the disorder. This can help in developing better treatments in the future. You can find tips for talking to your doctor about participating in clinical trials on the NIMH website.