ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all areas of your life. You may have difficulty maintaining relationships and jobs which can lead to frequent job changes and/or low ratings for performance.
It is recommended to first consult your primary care doctor for an appointment with an expert in health care who can conduct evaluations for adults suffering from ADHD. After that, you will receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder that causes difficulties with staying focused, paying attention, and responding to impulses. Adults with ADHD often have trouble at school, work and in their relationships. It's a common disorder but it can be difficult for adults to diagnose, as they may not remember symptoms from childhood or have been wrongly diagnosed.
A person who wants to receive a diagnosis should visit a health care professional with expertise in performing ADHD tests on adults. The patient can ask their personal doctor for a referral to a specialist who specializes in ADHD. You can also request a referral by calling local medical schools, universities, or graduate schools.
In evaluating adults, the doctor will consider how long the symptoms have been present and how they interfere with the individual's life. They will also consider whether the primary ADHD symptoms have existed 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 life like at work or home; with friends and family; or when engaging in specific activities like driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be substantial and persistent for at least six month to be considered impaired.
In determining a diagnosis the doctor will also try to rule out any other conditions that might cause the same problems as ADHD for instance depression, anxiety or addiction disorders. They can also conduct additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or learning disabilities testing to determine if the person has co-existing disorders.
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might feel unhappy because they're not receiving the help and support they require. Adults have reported feeling rejoicing and renewed after finally getting the diagnosis. Others say they have many regrets over the opportunities they missed or the failures they made in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and untreated. Some people who suffer from ADHD are hesitant to admit they have ADHD, especially women who were deemed female at birth. Others are hesitant because of the stigma surrounding it.
Signs and symptoms
Unlike children, adults with ADHD don't typically outgrow their condition. It continues to affect them throughout their lives and can cause similar impacts on their work, friendships, family life and mental health. Signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity can be seen in both children and adults with ADHD but the symptoms tend to be more severe in adults. For instance, they can impact a person's job performance and cause troublesome relationships. A professional can offer support and treatment.
The first step is to locate an accredited evaluator, like psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask your friends and family for recommendations or search online to locate professionals in your region. Many people who suffer from ADHD have other conditions such as anxiety and depression that must be considered when determining their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator will want to learn as much about your life as they can. A detailed history, especially one that stretches across your entire childhood, could provide clues to determine if your ADHD symptoms are related to any other disorder. Your evaluator will likely ask about your emotional and physical health, your growth going back to early childhood as well as your academic and work experience, driving history, any drugs or alcohol use, and how you cope with stress in your daily life.
If the person who evaluated you suspects that you are suffering from ADHD the person will examine your symptoms to determine the extent to which they impact your everyday life. Your symptoms must be sufficient to cause impairments in at least two areas. Examples of impairment include losing a job because of inadequate time management skills, or getting in financial trouble as a result of impulsive spending or failing to pay bills on time, or having interpersonal problems in your relationship because of difficulty communicating.
You can increase your ability to manage ADHD symptoms by learning how to deal with their challenges. For instance you can reduce your stress levels by following an established routine and keeping your schedule free of distractions. You can also get better sleep, avoid eating sweet or caffeinated drinks before bed, and exercise regularly. Some people with ADHD discover that psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy helps them to manage their symptoms, while others use medications to ease the effects of their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who suspect they may have ADHD is to talk to their health medical professional. They may refer you to a mental health professional who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations or provide suggestions for professionals who are able to do this. Some insurance companies list professionals according to their specialties and can assist those who are covered by their plans find a specialist.
The most important factor in determining ADHD in adults is the person's history. For instance, a physician might ask to look over school report cards from the individual's childhood or talk to family members about the person's behavior in early life. The health professional will then search for patterns in the behavior that could indicate ADHD.
During the evaluation the health professional may also employ one or several standardized rating scales. These questionnaires compare the behavior of a patient to that of people without ADHD, and may aid a doctor in determining if symptoms meet diagnostic criteria.
Additionally, a medical examination is generally required to identify medical conditions that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid problems, seizures or hearing or vision issues sleep disorders, as well as other dietary issues like lead poisoning or food allergies can have similar effects to ADHD.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be helpful for adults suffering from ADHD. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients overcome their negative thoughts and behavior. This can decrease stress, which may cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also help people learn how to manage their time better, enhance their organizational skills, and develop more effective strategies to deal with stressful situations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are typically treated with stimulants. They appear to increase and balance the levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. However, these drugs may cause serious side effects for some individuals, especially children and teens. They are usually prescribed for short-term treatment and are not appropriate for everyone.
Lifestyle changes and psychotherapy are alternatives. Some adults with ADHD find that increasing their physical activity can help them focus more effectively and become more productive. Others with ADHD benefit from learning to improve their organization and planning abilities. Additionally, those who have difficulty keeping jobs or maintaining relationships can benefit from a disability support service such as Access to Work.
Support
If you are diagnosed and treated properly, you can manage issues that are affecting your daily routine. It can also help improve your self-image and improve your relationships with your family, friends, and colleagues. It's never too late to get an assessment and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP may recommend a mental health facility that specializes in treating adult ADHD. This could be an Community Mental Health Service or an specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults suffering from ADHD that can provide guidance and a sense of community. You can also join online discussion forums and discuss your experiences with other people. There are coaches or mentors who specialize in helping people with ADHD. You should be aware, however, that mentorship and coaching are self-regulated jobs and there are differences in the quality and expertise.
ADHD symptoms usually start in childhood but can persist well into adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent among males and boys than women and girls. People who suffer from the inattentive type of the condition (formerly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are more likely to be diagnosed than those with 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 determine adult ADHD because the symptoms differ from person to person. A doctor can spot patterns in the history of a patient of difficulties at work, school or in relationships. A thorough medical history may also be useful. Numerous medical conditions can cause similar symptoms to ADHD A thorough medical background information can help determine or identify other possible causes of the symptoms. These include developmental disorders as well as seizures disorders. They also include anxiety, depression and drug addiction, as well as certain medications.
A person with untreated ADHD may develop a poor self-image and low self-esteem because of persistent frustration and failure. They might also experience compulsive disorders like anxiety or depression, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Adults suffering from ADHD might be able to participate in clinical trials to help researchers better understand the disorder. diagnosis for adhd could lead to better treatments in the future. On the NIMH site, you can learn some helpful tips on how to speak with your doctor about taking part in a clinical study.