ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all areas of your life. You may find it difficult to maintain relationships and work. This can lead to frequent changes in your job or low ratings for performance.
Ask your primary care physician to recommend you to a health professional who can evaluate 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 frequently have issues at school, work and in their relationships. It's a fairly common disorder, but it can be difficult for adults to diagnose since they may not recall symptoms from childhood or have been misdiagnosed.
A person who is seeking a diagnosis of ADHD for adults should consult an experienced health professional with experience in ADHD evaluations. Requesting a doctor to refer you to a specialist who is an ADHD specialist can be performed by a person. You can also request a referral by calling local medical schools, universities, or graduate schools.
When conducting an evaluation of adults, a doctor will consider how long symptoms have been present and if they have affected the life of the patient. They will also look at whether the root of the ADHD symptoms have existed 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 person must exhibit significant impairment in two areas of their lives. These include at home at work, in the company, with friends and family, or in specific activities such as driving or playing sports. Impairment means the symptoms cause significant problems and last for at minimum six months.
When making a diagnosis, the doctor will also attempt to rule out any other conditions that might cause the same problems as ADHD like depression, anxiety or other substance use disorders. They can also conduct additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or testing for learning disabilities to determine if the patient suffers from co-existing disorders.
Individuals who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might be feeling unhappy because they're not receiving the support and help they require. Some adults have felt a sense of relief and renewal after they are finally able to receive a diagnosis. Some adults regret missing opportunities or failures because their ADHD symptoms were not identified and treated. Some people who suffer from ADHD are hesitant to admit that they have ADHD particularly women who were deemed female at birth. Some people are hesitant to admit that they suffer from ADHD due to the stigma surrounding it.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD tend not to overcome the condition. It persists into adulthood and can cause similar impacts on their friendships, work, family life and mental health. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are seen in both adults and children with ADHD but the symptoms are more prevalent in adults. They can impact the person's performance at work and lead to troublesome relationships. A professional can offer support and treatment.
The first step is to locate an accredited evaluator, such as psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask for recommendations from friends and family members or look on the internet for professionals in your area. diagnosis for adhd suffering from ADHD also suffer from other disorders such as anxiety and depression, that must be taken into consideration in their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your evaluator wants to learn as much as possible about your life. A detailed history, especially one that spans your childhood, can provide clues to whether your ADHD symptoms are connected to any other disorder. The person evaluating you will likely inquire about your emotional and physical health, your growth from childhood as well as your academic and work experiences, your driving history, any drug or alcohol abuse and how you cope with stress in your everyday life.
If your evaluator suspects you have ADHD, they will assess your current symptoms to determine how they impact your daily life. For a diagnosis to be granted, your symptoms must be significant enough to cause impairment in at least two important settings. Examples of impairment include losing your job because of poor time management, falling into financial difficulties because of reckless spending, or not making payments on time.
You can enhance your ability to manage ADHD symptoms by learning to manage their issues. You can reduce stress by establishing a clear plan and following a regular routine. You can also get better sleep, avoid eating sugary or caffeinated foods before bed, and regularly exercise. Certain people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Others use medications to manage their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who suspect that they might be suffering from ADHD is to speak with their health medical professional. They may refer you to a mental health specialist who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations, or recommend specialists who can perform this. Certain insurance companies will provide professionals based on their specialties and may help those who are part of their plans to find the right specialist.
The history of the adult is crucial in determining ADHD. A doctor could ask, for instance, to examine the child's school report card or interview family regarding the child's early behavior. The health specialist will then look for patterns in behavior that could indicate ADHD.
During the assessment, the health care provider may also employ one or several rating scales that are standardized. These questionnaires assess the behavior of a patient to that of people without ADHD, and may aid a doctor in determining whether symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria.
Additionally, a medical examination is typically required to identify medical conditions that can cause symptoms that mimic ADHD. For instance, thyroid problems, seizures hearing and vision problems sleep disorders, as well as food-related issues like food allergies or lead poisoning can all have similar effects to ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from psychological and behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular helps patients overcome negative thoughts and behaviors. This can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also help people learn how to manage their time better, enhance their skills in organization, and create more effective coping strategies for dealing with stressful situations.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used medications used to treat ADHD in adults. They are believed to regulate and increase the levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. However, these drugs may cause serious side effects for some people, particularly teenagers and children. They are often only used for short-term treatments and are not appropriate for everyone.
Lifestyle changes and psychotherapy are alternatives. For example, some adults who suffer from ADHD discover that increasing physical exercise 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 those who have difficulty maintaining relationships or keeping a job.
Support
Being diagnosed and receiving effective treatment can help you manage symptoms that interfere with your daily routine. It can also help improve your self-image and improve relationships with family, friends and colleagues. It is never too late to seek a diagnosis and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP may refer you to an expert mental health service that specializes in treating adults with ADHD. This could be a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
Support groups for adults with ADHD can provide advice and a sense of community. You can also join online discussion forums and discuss your experiences with other people. There are coaches and mentors that specialize in helping people with ADHD. You should be aware, however, that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated careers and there are differences in the quality and expertise.
ADHD symptoms usually start in the early years of childhood, but they can last well into adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent for men and boys than girls and women. People who suffer from the inattentive type of the condition (formerly referred to 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 isn't easy to identify adult ADHD because symptoms vary from person to person. A history of problems in school, work or in relationships can help a physician identify patterns. A complete medical history is also useful. Numerous medical conditions can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, so the history can help rule out or identify other possible causes of the symptoms. These include developmental disorders, seizure disorders depression, anxiety as well as certain medications.
A person with untreated ADHD may develop a negative self-image and low self-esteem because of the constant frustration and failure. They may also develop mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety which can make ADHD worse.
Some adults with ADHD are involved 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 with your doctor about taking part in an investigational trial on the NIMH website.