ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have untreated ADHD it could cause problems throughout your life. You may have difficulty maintaining relationships and work and may result in frequent job changes and/or low performance ratings.
Request your primary care physician to refer you to a medical professional who can assess adults with ADHD. Then, you can get an assessment and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes problems with staying focused, paying close to one's surroundings and responding to impulses. Adults with ADHD frequently have issues at school, at work and in their relationships. It's a common disorder but it can be difficult for adults to diagnose, because they may not be able to recall symptoms from childhood or have been wrongly diagnosed.
A person who wants to receive a diagnosis should visit a health care professional with experience performing ADHD tests on adults. A person may ask their doctor for a referral to someone who specializes in ADHD. You can also ask for an appointment by calling local medical schools, universities or graduate schools.
When evaluating adults, the doctor will consider how long the symptoms have been present and how they interfere with the life of the patient. They will also examine 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 to be diagnosed, the person must exhibit significant impairment in two areas of life. These include at home, at work, with friends and family or in particular activities like driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be severe and persistent for at least six month to be considered impaired.
When determining a diagnosis, the clinician will also try to rule out other illnesses that could trigger the same problems as ADHD like depression, anxiety or substance use disorders. They may also conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests to determine if the patient has co-existing disorders.
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may feel frustrated that they're not receiving the assistance and support that they need. Adults have reported feeling rejoicing and refreshed after obtaining an diagnosis. Others report having many regrets over the opportunities they missed or the failures they made in their lives because their ADHD symptoms went undiagnosed and untreated. Some people suffering from ADHD are hesitant about admitting to themselves that they have the disorder, particularly women assigned female at birth (AFAB). Some people are reluctant to admit they have ADHD because of the stigma associated with it.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD tend not to outgrow the condition. It is a condition that persists into adulthood and can cause similar impacts on their friendships, work and family life, as well as their mental health. Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are present in both children and adults with ADHD but the symptoms are more prevalent in adults. For example, they may impact a person's job performance and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can offer support and treatment.
The first step is to find an expert evaluator who is qualified, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask for recommendations from family members and family or search on the internet for experts in your region. Many people suffering from ADHD have other conditions like anxiety and depression, which must be considered when determining their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator will want to know as much as they can about your life. A detailed account of your life, particularly one that spans from childhood, can provide clues about whether ADHD symptoms are connected to other conditions. Your evaluator might inquire about your physical health and well-being, your development from childhood, your academic and work experiences including driving history, drinking and drug use and how you handle stress on a regular basis.
If your evaluator suspects you may have ADHD, they will assess your current symptoms to determine how they impact your daily routine. Your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairments in at two different areas. Some examples of impairment are losing your job due to poor time management, falling into financial difficulties due to excessive spending, or failing to make payments on time.
You can enhance your ability to manage ADHD symptoms by learning to manage their issues. You can reduce stress by keeping a clear schedule and following a routine. You should also get enough rest, avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods before bedtime, and do regular exercise. Some people with ADHD find that psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy helps them to manage their symptoms, and others use medications to ease the effects of their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who suspect they might be suffering from ADHD is to talk to their health healthcare provider. They can refer you to a mental health specialist who specializes in adult ADHD assessments, or suggest specialists who can perform this. Certain insurance companies also provide professionals by specialty and can help those who are part of their plans to find a specialist.
The background of the adult is vital in diagnosing ADHD. A doctor might ask, for instance, to see the child's school report card or speak with family about the child's early behavior. The health care professional may analyze signs of behavior that could indicate a diagnosis of ADHD.
During the process of assessment, the health professional may also use one or more standard rating scales. These tests compare the patient's behavior with that of people who don't have ADHD and can aid the doctor in determining whether or not symptoms fit diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is required to rule out other conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Seizures, thyroid problems, as well as hearing and vision problems can all be associated with similar effects.
get diagnosed with adhd with ADHD can benefit from psychological and behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular can assist patients in changing negative attitudes and behaviors. This can help reduce stress which can cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can teach people to better manage their time, improve their organizational skills, and discover more effective ways of dealing with stressful situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD are frequently treated with stimulants. They appear to regulate and increase the levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These drugs can trigger serious side effects for some individuals, particularly adolescents and children. They are often only prescribed for short-term treatment and are not suitable for everyone.
Other treatments include lifestyle changes and psychotherapy. For instance, some adults with ADHD find that exercising more regularly can help them focus and be more productive. Certain people who suffer from ADHD may benefit from enhancing their organizational and planning skills. In addition, some people who have difficulty keeping jobs or maintain relationships can seek help through a disability-related support service like Access to Work.
Support
Being diagnosed and receiving effective treatment can help you deal with issues that affect your daily routine. It can also improve your self-image, and your relationships with your family and friends as well as coworkers. It is never too late to seek an assessment or treatment for ADHD.
Your GP may recommend a mental service that specializes in treating adults with ADHD. This could be a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults suffering from ADHD which can offer advice and a sense that you are part of a community. You can join online forums and chat with other members about their experiences. There are also coaches or mentors who specialize in helping those with ADHD. However, you should be aware that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated and there are a variety of quality and knowledge.
ADHD symptoms usually start in childhood but can persist until adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent in boys and men in comparison to women and girls. The inattentive type (formerly known as hyperactivity disorder causing attention deficit) 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 to diagnose because the symptoms can vary from one person to another. A doctor may spot patterns in a patient's past of problems at school, work or in relationships. A thorough medical history could be helpful. Certain medical conditions can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD A thorough medical history can help rule out or identify other possible causes of the symptoms. These include developmental disorders, seizure disorders anxiety, depression as well as certain medications.
A person with untreated ADHD may develop a poor self-image and low self-esteem due to constant frustration and failure. They may also develop disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety or depression and this can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD are involved in clinical studies to help researchers discover more about the disorder. This could lead to better treatments in the future. You can find helpful tips for talking to your doctor about participating in a clinical trial on the NIMH website.