ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have untreated ADHD it could cause problems throughout your life. You may have difficulty to maintain relationships and employment. This could result in frequent changes in jobs or low ratings for performance.
It is recommended to first consult your primary care doctor for the referral to a health care professional who conducts assessments for adults with ADHD. Then, you can get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder that causes problems with staying focused, paying attention, and responding to impulses. Adults suffering from ADHD often have trouble at work, school and in their relationships. It's a very common condition, but it isn't always easy to identify because many adults don't remember having symptoms as children or being misdiagnosed as kids.
A person who wants to receive a diagnosis should visit an expert in health care who has experience in conducting ADHD assessments for adults. One could ask their physician for a referral to a specialist who is specialized in ADHD. You can also request an appointment by calling local medical schools, universities or graduate schools.
In evaluating adults, a 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 primary ADHD symptoms have existed 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, a person must exhibit significant impairment in two aspects of life. This includes at home, at work, with family and friends, or in specific activities such as driving or playing sports. Impairment is when the symptoms cause significant problems and have lasted for at minimum six months.
The physician will also look into other conditions that could cause the same symptoms as ADHD, like depression, anxiety or addiction disorders. They may also conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests to determine if the patient suffers from co-existing disorders.
People who haven't been diagnosed ADHD may be frustrated that they aren't getting the help and support that they need. Some adults have felt a sense of satisfaction and renewal once they are finally able to be diagnosed. Others have reported having many regrets over failed opportunities or failures in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms went undiagnosed and untreated. Some people who suffer from ADHD are reluctant to admit they suffer from ADHD, especially women who were assigned female at birth. Some are reluctant due to the stigma that surrounds it.
Symptoms
Unlike children, adults with ADHD do not typically overcome their condition. It can persist into adulthood, and have similar impacts on relationships, work family life, and mental health. Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms are prevalent in both adults and children with ADHD. However the symptoms of adults are more severe. They can impact a person's work performance and lead to troublesome relationships. A professional can assist with treatment and counseling.
The first step is to find a qualified evaluator such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, or search online for professionals in your area. Many people who suffer from ADHD are also suffering from other illnesses like depression and anxiety that must be considered in their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator wants to learn as much as possible about your life. A detailed account of your life, particularly one that spans your childhood, could provide clues to determine if your ADHD symptoms are connected to any other disorders. Your evaluator is likely to inquire about your emotional and physical health, your growth going back to early childhood, your academic and professional experiences, your driving history, any drug or alcohol abuse and how you handle stress in your daily life.
If the evaluator suspects you suffer from ADHD, they will assess your current symptoms to determine if they interfere with your everyday life. For a diagnosis to be granted, your symptoms must be significant enough to cause impairment in at least two major settings. Some examples of impairment are losing your job because of inadequate time management, or getting into financial difficulties because of reckless spending, or failing to make payments on time.
You can improve your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning to manage the challenges they bring. You can reduce stress by keeping a schedule and observing a routine. Additionally, you can get more 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 use medication to reduce 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 professional. They can refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in adult ADHD assessments, or suggest professionals who do this. Some insurance companies also list specialists by specialization and assist those who take part in their plans to find an expert.
The background of the adult is vital in determining ADHD. For instance, a physician might request to review school report cards from the individual's childhood or interview family members about their behavior in the beginning of their lives. The health professional could then look for patterns of behavior that indicate a diagnosis of ADHD.
During the assessment process, the health care professional could also use one or more standardized rating scales. These questionnaires evaluate the patient's behavior with that of people who do not have ADHD and can aid the doctor in determining whether or not the symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is necessary to rule out illnesses that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Seizures, thyroid problems, and hearing and vision issues can all cause similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychological and behavioral therapy. Particularly, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients to change their negative thoughts and behavior. This can help reduce stress which can cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also teach people how to manage their time better, increase their ability to organize their lives, and develop more effective coping mechanisms to deal with stressful situations.
Stimulants are the most popular treatments for ADHD in adults. They seem to regulate and increase the levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These medications can cause serious side effects in some individuals, particularly children and teenagers. They are often only used for short-term treatments and are not appropriate for everyone.
Lifestyle changes and psychotherapy are alternatives. Many adults suffering from ADHD find that increasing their physical activity helps them concentrate better and be more productive. adhd diagnosis adult uk who suffer from ADHD can benefit from improving their organization and planning skills. Access to Work, a disability support organization, can help those who have difficulty maintaining relationships or keeping their jobs.
Support
Finding a doctor and receiving a successful treatment can help you deal with issues that affect your daily routine. It can also help improve your self-image and improve relationships with your family, friends and coworkers. It's never too late to seek an assessment and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP might refer you to an individual mental health provider that is specialized in treating adult ADHD. This may be an Community Mental Health Service or an specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults with ADHD that can provide advice and a sense of community. You can also join online discussion forums and discuss your experiences with other people. There are adhd adults diagnosis and mentors who specialize in helping people with ADHD. It is important to be aware that mentorship and coaching are self-regulated careers and there are some differences in the quality and expertise.
ADHD symptoms usually begin in childhood but can persist well into adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent in boys and men than girls and women. The inattentive type (formerly known as attention deficit disorder hyperactivity) 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.
Adult ADHD can be difficult diagnose because the symptoms differ from one person to another. A doctor can spot patterns in a patient's history of issues at school, work or with relationships. A thorough medical history is also helpful. The medical history can be used to determine if or pinpoint possible causes. These include developmental disorders and seizure disorders. They also include anxiety, depression and drug addiction, as well as certain medications.
A person suffering from untreated ADHD may develop a negative self-image and low self-esteem due to the constant frustration and failure. They may also develop compulsive disorders like depression or anxiety and this can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Some adults with ADHD participate in clinical trials to help researchers learn more about the disorder. This can lead to more effective treatments in the future. On the NIMH site, you will get some suggestions about how to speak to your doctor about taking part in a study.