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.
Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a health professional who can assess adults with ADHD. After that, you will receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental issue that causes problems staying focused, paying attention and acting on impulses. Adults with ADHD have difficulties at work, in school and in their relationships. It's a very common condition, however it can be difficult for adults to diagnose, because they may not be able to recall symptoms from childhood or have been misdiagnosed.
Anyone who is seeking to be diagnosed with ADHD must see a health care professional with expertise in performing ADHD tests on adults. Requesting a doctor to refer you to a specialist who is an ADHD specialist can be done by a person. They can also contact local university-based hospitals, medical schools, or graduate schools to ask for an appointment.
When evaluating adults, the clinician will look at how long the symptoms have been present and how they impact the individual's life. They will also look at 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, a person must show significant impairment in two areas of life. This includes at home, at work, with family and friends, or in specific activities like driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be severe and persistent for a minimum of six month to be considered impaired.
The physician will also look into other conditions that might cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like depression, anxiety or addiction disorders. They may also perform additional psychological, learning disabilities or neuropsychological testing to determine if a person has co-existing disorder.
People who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD may be frustrated because they're not getting the support and help they need. Some adults have felt a sense of satisfaction and renewal once they finally be diagnosed. Others have reported having many regrets over the opportunities they missed or the failures they made in their lives due to the fact that their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and untreated. Some people with ADHD have a hard time admitting that they suffer from the disorder, especially women who are assigned female at birth (AFAB). Some people are hesitant to admit that they suffer from ADHD because of the stigma associated with it.
Signs and symptoms
Like children, adults with ADHD don't typically outgrow their condition. It can continue to affect them throughout adulthood and have similar impacts on relationships, work, family life, and mental health. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity can be seen in both children and adults with ADHD but the symptoms are often more serious in adults. For instance, they can affect a person's work performance and cause troublesome relationships. A professional can provide support and treatment.
The first step is finding an accredited evaluator like psychologist or psychiatrist. Request recommendations from your friends and family, or search on the internet for experts in your area. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other disorders, like depression and anxiety which should be taken into consideration in their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your evaluator wants to learn the most details possible about your life. A thorough history, particularly one that covers your childhood, can give clues as to whether your ADHD symptoms are linked to any other disorders. Your evaluator is likely to inquire about your physical and mental health, your growth from childhood, your academic and work experiences, driving history, any drug or alcohol use, and how you deal with stress in your daily life.
If the evaluator suspects you have ADHD, they will assess your current symptoms to determine how they impact your daily life. To be considered a diagnosed patient, your symptoms need to be significant enough to cause impairment in at least two important settings. Examples of impairment include losing a job because of inadequate time management skills, or getting into financial trouble because of impulsive spending or failing to make payments on time, and relationships that are strained due to communication issues.
You can improve your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning how to manage the challenges they bring. You can lessen stress by keeping a schedule and following a routine. You should also get enough sleep, avoid food items that are high in caffeine or sugar prior to bedtime, and exercise regularly. Some people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral 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 have ADHD is to consult with their health care provider. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is skilled in adult ADHD assessments or offer suggestions for professionals who can do so. Certain insurance companies list professionals according to their specialties and may help those who are covered by their plans find the right specialist.
The most important aspect in determining ADHD in adults is the person's history. For instance, a doctor might ask to look over school report cards from the individual's childhood or interview relatives about his or her behaviors in early life. diagnosis for adhd in adults may then examine signs of behavior that could indicate a diagnosis of ADHD.
During the evaluation the health professional can also utilize one of several standardized rating scales. These questionnaires compare the patient's behavior with that of people who do not have ADHD and can aid the doctor in determining whether or not symptoms fit the diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is essential to rule out any illnesses that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid problems seizures, hearing and vision issues sleep disorders, and food-related issues like food allergies or lead poisoning can have similar effects to ADHD.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be helpful for adults with ADHD. Cognitive therapy for behavior, specifically, can help patients change negative attitudes and behaviors. This can reduce stress, which may cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can help people better manage their time, improve their organization skills, and discover more effective ways of dealing with stressful situations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are often treated with stimulants. They can increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. However, these drugs can have serious side effects for some people, particularly teenagers and children. These drugs are usually prescribed for short-term treatments and are not suitable for all people.
Psychotherapy and lifestyle changes are also options. Many adults suffering from ADHD find that a greater amount of physical activity can help them focus more effectively and become more productive. Other people with ADHD benefit from learning how to improve their organization and planning abilities. In addition, people who are having difficulty keeping jobs or maintain relationships can seek help through a disability-related support service like Access to Work.
Support
When you are properly diagnosed and treated and effectively, you can control the issues that are affecting your daily routine. It can also help improve your self-image and improve your relationships with your family, friends and colleagues. It's never too late to get an assessment and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP may refer you to an expert mental health service that specializes in treating adult ADHD. This may be a Community Mental Health Service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
Support groups for adults with ADHD can offer advice and a sense of community. You can join online discussion forums and discuss your experiences with other people. There are also coaches and mentors who specialise in helping people with ADHD. However, you must 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 they can continue well into adulthood. The disorder is more common for men and boys compared to girls and women. People who suffer from the inattentive type of the condition (formerly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are more likely to be diagnosed than those who suffer from 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 symptoms vary between individuals. A history of issues at school, at work or in relationships can help a physician identify patterns. A thorough medical history is also useful. The history can be used to rule out or pinpoint possible causes. These include developmental disorders and seizures disorders. They also include anxiety, depression, drug abuse, and certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can lead to a person developing a low self-esteem and negative self-image as a result of frustration and failure. They could also develop disorders that are comorbid, such as depression or anxiety that can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Adults with ADHD could be involved in clinical trials that aid researchers to better understand the disorder. This can lead to improved treatments in the future. On the NIMH site, you can get some suggestions about how to speak to your doctor about participating in a clinical study.