ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have untreated ADHD it could cause issues in all aspects of your life. You may have difficulty 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 medical professional who can examine adults with ADHD. Then, you can get an assessment and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that causes problems staying focused and paying attention, as well as acting on impulses. Adults who suffer from ADHD often have trouble at school, work and in their relationships. It's a common disorder however it can be difficult for adults to diagnose since they may not recall symptoms as children or have been wrongly diagnosed.
A person who is seeking an evaluation for ADHD for adults should consult an experienced health professional with expertise in ADHD evaluations. A doctor's request to refer you to a specialist who is an ADHD specialist can be done by a doctor. You can also request a referral by calling local universities, medical schools, or graduate schools.
In evaluating adults, a clinician will look at how long the symptoms have been present and how they impact the individual's life. 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 diagnose ADHD to be diagnosed, the patient must exhibit significant impairment in at least two areas of their lives, such as at work or at home as well as with family and friends; or when engaging in specific activities such as driving or playing sports. Impairment means the symptoms cause significant problems and have lasted for at minimum six months.
The physician will also rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse disorders. They may also conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests to determine if the person has co-existing disorders.
Individuals who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may be unhappy because they're not receiving the support and assistance they require. Adults have reported feeling relieved and refreshed after obtaining a diagnosis. Others say they have a lot of regrets about failed opportunities or failures in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms went undiagnosed and untreated. Some people suffering from ADHD struggle with admitting that they have the disorder, especially women who were born female (AFAB). Others are hesitant because of the stigma associated with it.
Signs and symptoms
As opposed to children, adults suffering from ADHD don't typically outgrow their condition. It is a condition that persists into adulthood and can have the same impact on their relationships, work and family life, as well as their mental health. Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity symptoms are present in both adults and children suffering from ADHD. However the symptoms for adults are more severe. For example, they may affect a person's work performance and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can offer support and treatment.
The first step is to locate a qualified evaluator, for example, psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask your friends and family for recommendations or use the internet to locate professionals in your area. Many people with ADHD are also suffering from other illnesses like depression and anxiety that must be considered in their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator wants to know the most details possible about your life. A detailed account of your life, particularly one that covers your childhood, can give clues to whether your ADHD symptoms are linked to any other disorders. Your evaluator may ask about your physical health and emotional well-being, your development in the early years of your life, educational and work experiences including driving history, drug and alcohol abuse, and how you manage stress on a daily day basis.
If your evaluator suspects you suffer from ADHD, they will assess your current symptoms to determine how they impact your daily routine. To be considered a diagnosed patient, your symptoms need to be significant enough to cause impairment in at least two major situations. 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 how to cope with their challenges. For instance you can lower the stress level by implementing an established routine and keeping your calendar clear. You can also ensure you get enough sleep, stay away from sweet or caffeine-rich meals prior to the time you go to bed, and keep exercising regularly. Certain people suffering from ADHD discover that psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy helps them to manage their symptoms, and others use medication to reduce the impact 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 specialises in adult ADHD evaluations or offer suggestions for professionals who do so. Certain insurance companies also list specialists by specialization and help those who are part of their plans to find the right specialist.
The past of the adult is crucial in diagnosing ADHD. A doctor might ask to see the child's school report card or talk to family members about the child's early behavior. The health care professional will then look for patterns in the behavior that may indicate ADHD.
During the evaluation the health care professional can also use one or several scales of rating that are standardized. These questionnaires compare the patient's behavior to the behavior of those who don't have ADHD and may aid the doctor in determining whether or not symptoms fit diagnostic criteria.
Additionally an examination by a doctor is typically required to rule out medical conditions that can cause symptoms that mimic ADHD. For instance, thyroid problems seizures or hearing or vision issues sleep disorders, as well as food-related issues like lead poisoning or food allergies may have similar effects as ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychological and behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular helps patients overcome negative attitudes and behaviors. This can reduce stress, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also teach people how to manage their time better, enhance their skills in organization, and create more effective coping mechanisms for dealing with stressful situations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are often treated with stimulants. They appear to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. These drugs can trigger serious side effects in certain people, especially teens and children. These medications are typically prescribed for short-term use and are not appropriate for everyone.
Changes in lifestyle and psychotherapy are alternatives. Some adults with ADHD discover that exercising more helps them concentrate better and be more productive. Some people who suffer from ADHD may benefit from enhancing their planning and organization skills. Access to Work, a disability support organization, can help people who are having difficulty maintaining relationships or retaining their jobs.
Support
Diagnosed and treated effectively it is possible to manage the problems that affect your daily life. It can also make a difference in your self-image and improve your relationships with your family, friends and coworkers. It is never too late to get the diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
Your GP can refer you to a mental health service that specializes in treating adults with ADHD. This could 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 belonging. You can also join online discussion forums and share your experiences with others. There are also coaches or mentors who are specialized in helping people with ADHD. However, it is important to be aware that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated and there are variations in quality and expertise.
The symptoms of ADHD usually appear in childhood, but can persist into adulthood. The disorder is more common for men and boys than women and girls. 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 can vary between individuals. A doctor can find patterns in a patient's past of problems at work, school or in relationships. undiagnosed adhd in adults can also be helpful. The medical history can be used to determine if or determine the cause. These include developmental disorders as well as seizures. They also include depression, anxiety, drug abuse, and certain medications.
Untreated ADHD may develop a poor self-image and low self-esteem as a result of persistent frustration and failure. They might also experience disorders like depression or anxiety which can cause ADHD worse.
Adults with ADHD may participate in clinical trials to help researchers better understand the disorder. This can lead to better treatments in the near future. There are tips for talking with your doctor about taking part in clinical trials on the NIMH website.