ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD it could lead to problems throughout your life. You may find it difficult to maintain relationships as well as employment. This could lead to frequent changes in jobs or poor performance ratings.
Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a health professional who can examine adults suffering from ADHD. You will then receive an assessment and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that causes problems staying focused, paying attention and acting on impulses. Adults with ADHD often have trouble at school, at work and in their relationships. It's a widespread disorder, but it can be difficult to recognize because many adults don't remember having symptoms as children or being incorrectly diagnosed as children.
Anyone seeking a diagnosis of ADHD in adults must consult a health care provider with expertise in ADHD evaluations. Requesting a doctor to refer you to a specialist who is an ADHD specialist can be done by a doctor. You can also ask for a referral by contacting 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 person's life. They will also consider whether the ADHD symptoms were present in the early years of 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, the person must be exhibiting significant impairment in at least two different areas of their lives for example, at home or work or with family and friends; or when engaging in particular activities, such as driving or playing sports. Impairment is when the symptoms cause significant difficulties and have lasted for at minimum six months.
The doctor will also rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like depression, anxiety, or substance abuse disorders. They may also perform additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests to determine if a person suffers from a co-existing disorder.
People who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD might feel unhappy because they're not receiving the support and assistance they require. Adults have reported feeling relieved and rejuvenated after receiving the diagnosis. Others have reported having many regrets over lost opportunities or failures in their lives because their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and untreated. Some people who suffer from ADHD are reluctant to admit they have ADHD particularly women who were assigned female at birth. Others are hesitant because of the stigma associated with it.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD are not typically able to overcome the condition. It persists into adulthood and can have the same impact on their friendships, work as well as family life and health. Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are present in both adults and children with ADHD. However, the symptoms in adults are more severe. They can impact a person's work performance and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can offer assistance and treatment.
The first step is to locate an accredited evaluator like a psychiatrist or psychologist. Request recommendations from your friends and family members or look online for professionals in your region. Many people who suffer from ADHD are also suffering from other illnesses such as anxiety and depression that should be considered in their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator wants to know the most details possible about your life. A detailed history, especially one that stretches across your entire childhood, can give clues to determine if your ADHD symptoms are connected to any other disorder. Your evaluator might inquire about your physical health and emotional well-being, your growth from childhood, your educational and work experiences, driving history, drinking and drug use and how you manage stress on a regular day basis.
If your evaluator suspects that you are suffering from ADHD, he or she will evaluate your symptoms to determine the extent to which they interfere with your everyday life. To be considered source web page , your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairment in at least two major situations. Examples of impairment include losing your job due to poor time management skills, getting into financial trouble because of reckless spending or inability to pay on time, and interpersonal issues in your relationship because of communication difficulties.
You can improve your ability manage ADHD symptoms by learning to deal with their challenges. For example you can reduce your stress level by following the same routine and keeping your schedule free of distractions. You should also ensure you get enough sleep, stay away from sugary or caffeine-rich foods before the time you go to bed, and keep exercising regularly. Certain people suffering from ADHD find that cognitive or psychotherapy therapy helps them to manage their symptoms, while others take medication to lessen 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 may refer you to an expert in mental health that is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations or provide recommendations for professionals who do so. Certain insurance companies have a list of professionals based on their specialties, and can help those who are part of their plans find the right specialist.
The background of the adult is essential in determining ADHD. A doctor could ask, for instance, to examine the child's school report card or speak with family about the child's behavior in the beginning. The health care specialist will then look for patterns in the behavior that could indicate ADHD.
During the assessment the health care professional can also utilize one of several scales of rating that are standardized. These questionnaires compare a patient's behavior with those of people who do not have ADHD, and may help a physician determine if symptoms meet diagnostic criteria.
A medical exam is necessary to rule out conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid problems, seizures, hearing and vision issues sleep disorders, and other dietary issues like food allergies or lead poisoning can have similar effects to ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy and behavioral therapy. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients change their negative thoughts and behavior. This can reduce stress, which may cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can teach people to better manage their time, improve their organization abilities, and learn more effective ways to deal with stressful situations.
Stimulants are the most common treatments for ADHD in adults. They seem to increase and balance the levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. However, these drugs can cause serious side effects for some individuals, especially adolescents and children. These drugs are usually used for short-term treatment and are not suitable for all people.
Psychotherapy and lifestyle changes are also options. Many adults suffering from ADHD discover that increasing their physical activity can help them focus better and be more productive. Certain people with ADHD can benefit from improving their planning and organization skills. Access to Work, a disability support organization, can assist people who are having difficulty maintaining relationships or holding the job they have.
Support
Getting diagnosed and receiving effective treatment can help you deal with problems that hinder your daily life. It can also improve your self-image and relationships with your family, friends, and coworkers. It is never too late to get an assessment or treatment for ADHD.
Your GP may recommend an individual mental health provider that is specialized in treating adult ADHD. It could be a 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 join online forums and talk with others about their experiences. There are coaches or mentors who are specialized in helping people with ADHD. It is important to be aware that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated jobs and there are some differences in the quality and expertise.
ADHD symptoms typically begin in the early years of childhood, but they can last well into adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent in boys and men compared to girls and women. The inattentive type (formerly known as attention deficit disorder hyperactivity) 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.
It can be difficult to diagnose adult ADHD due to the fact that symptoms differ from person to person. A history of issues at work, school or relationships can help a physician to identify a pattern. A thorough medical history can also be beneficial. Many medical conditions can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, so the history can help to rule out or determine the cause of the symptoms. These include seizures, developmental disorders depression, anxiety as well as certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can result in people developing low self-esteem and negative self-image because of disappointment and failure. They may also develop compulsive disorders like depression or anxiety and this can make ADHD symptoms worse.
A few adults suffering from ADHD participate in clinical trials to help researchers learn more about the disorder. This can result in better treatments in the near future. There are tips for talking to your doctor about participating in an investigational trial on the NIMH website.