ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD, it can lead to problems throughout your life. You may find it difficult to maintain relationships and work. This could result in frequent changes in jobs or low performance ratings.
It is recommended to first consult your primary care doctor for an appointment with a health professional who conducts assessments for adults suffering from ADHD. You will then receive an assessment and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder that causes difficulties with staying focussed, paying to one's surroundings and responding to impulses. Adults with ADHD are often troubled at work, in school as well as in their relationships. It's a very common condition, but it can be difficult to recognize because many adults don't remember having symptoms as children, or were mistakenly diagnosed as children.
A person who is seeking an evaluation for ADHD in adults should speak with an expert in health care who has experience in ADHD evaluations. Asking a doctor to refer you to someone who is an ADHD specialist can be performed by a person. They can also call local medical schools or graduate schools to ask for recommendations.
When evaluating adults, a clinician will take into consideration how long symptoms have been present and whether they have negatively affected the person's life. They will also look at whether the primary 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 patient must be exhibiting significant impairment in at least two aspects of their lives for example, at work or home or with family and friends or in specific activities such as driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be significant and persistent for at least six months to be deemed impaired.
The doctor will also rule out any other conditions that might cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like depression, anxiety or addiction disorders. They may also do 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 dissatisfied because they're not receiving the help and support they need. Adults have reported feeling relieved and renewed after finally getting a diagnosis. Others have reported having many regrets over failed opportunities or failures in their lives because their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and untreated. Certain people with ADHD struggle with admitting to themselves that they suffer from the disorder, particularly women assigned female at birth (AFAB). Some people are reluctant to admit they have ADHD due to the stigma associated with it.
Signs and symptoms
As opposed to children, adults suffering from ADHD do not typically overcome their condition. It continues to affect them throughout their lives and can have the same impact on their relationships, work, family life and mental health. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are present in both adults and children with ADHD but the symptoms are often more serious in adults. They can affect a person's work performance and lead to troublesome relationships. A professional can assist with treatment and help.
The first step is to locate an accredited evaluator, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask your family and friends for recommendations or go online to find professionals in your area. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other disorders such as anxiety and depression which should be taken into consideration in their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your evaluator will wish to know as much about your life as is possible. A detailed history of your life, especially one that goes back to childhood, could provide clues to determine if ADHD symptoms are related to other conditions. Your evaluator might inquire about your physical health and well-being, your growth since early childhood, academic and work experiences, driving history, alcohol and drug abuse and how you manage stress on a regular day basis.
If your evaluator suspects you have ADHD they will examine your current symptoms to determine how they affect your daily life. For a diagnosis to be granted, your symptoms must be significant enough to cause impairment in at least two major situations. Examples of impairment include losing a job because of inadequate time management skills, getting into financial trouble due to reckless spending or inability to pay on time, and interpersonal problems in your relationship due to communication issues.
You can increase your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning to manage the challenges they pose. For example you can lower your stress levels by following a regular routine and keeping your calendar free of distractions. he said can also get better sleep, avoid eating sweet or caffeinated drinks close to bedtime and exercise regularly. Some people with ADHD discover that psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy helps them manage their symptoms, while others take medication to lessen the effects of their symptoms.
Treatment
For adults who suspect they have ADHD the first step is to discuss the issue with a healthcare professional. They can refer you to a mental health professional who is skilled in adult ADHD assessments or offer recommendations for professionals who are able to do this. Certain insurance companies have a list of professionals based on their specialties and can help those who are part of their plans to find the right specialist.
The most important aspect in determining ADHD in adults is the person's past. For example, a doctor might request to review school report cards from a person's childhood or interview relatives about their behavior in early life. The health care professional will then search for patterns in the behavior that could indicate ADHD.
During the assessment process, the health care professional could utilize one or more standard rating scales. These questionnaires compare the patient's behavior with those of people who do not suffer from ADHD and can aid the doctor in determining whether or not the symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria.
A medical exam is essential to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid issues seizures, hearing and vision issues sleep disorders, and food-related issues like lead poisoning or food allergies can all have similar effects to ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from psychological and behavioral therapy. Cognitive therapy for behavior, specifically, can help patients change negative thoughts and behavior. This can decrease stress, which can often make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can help people better manage their time, improve their organizational abilities, and learn more effective ways of dealing with stressful situations.
Stimulants are the most common medications used to treat ADHD in adults. They appear to increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These drugs can cause serious side effects for some people, particularly adolescents and children. These medications are typically prescribed for short-term treatments and are not appropriate for everyone.
Other treatment options include lifestyle changes and psychotherapy. For instance, some people who suffer from ADHD find that exercising more can help them focus and be more productive. Others with ADHD benefit from learning how to improve their organization and planning abilities. Access to Work, a disability support organization, can assist people who are having difficulty maintaining relationships or holding a job.
Support
Finding a doctor and receiving a successful treatment can help you manage symptoms that interfere with your daily life. It can also improve your self-image and relationships with your family as well as your friends and colleagues. It is never too late for the diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
Your GP may recommend a mental health facility that specializes in treating adult ADHD. This may be an Community Mental Health Service or an specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults suffering from 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 coaches or mentors who are specialized in helping people with ADHD. However, it is important to be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions, and there are a variety of quality and expertise.
The symptoms of ADHD usually appear in childhood, but they can last into adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent in boys and men than women and girls. The inattentive type (formerly known as hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder) 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.
It isn't easy to identify adult ADHD due to the fact that symptoms differ from person to person. A doctor can find patterns in a patient's past of problems at work, school or in relationships. he said may also be useful. The medical history can be used to rule out or determine the cause. These include seizures, developmental disorders, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can lead to the sufferer developing a low self-esteem and a negative self-image as a result of disappointment and failure. They could also suffer from comorbidities like anxiety or depression which can make ADHD worse.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD are involved in clinical trials to help researchers understand more about the disorder. This could lead to better treatments in the near future. On the NIMH website, you can find some tips about how to speak to your doctor about taking part in a clinical study.