ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can create problems in all aspects of your life. It may be difficult to maintain relationships and work. This could result in frequent changes in your job or low ratings for performance.
You should first seek out your primary doctor for the referral to an expert in health care who conducts assessments for adults with ADHD. You can then get an assessment and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder that causes problems with staying focused, paying to one's surroundings and responding to impulses. Adults suffering from ADHD often have trouble at school, at work and in their relationships. It's a very common condition however, it isn't always easy to identify since many adults don't remember having symptoms as children or being mistakenly diagnosed as children.
A person seeking a diagnosis must visit a medical professional who has experience performing ADHD assessments for adults. Asking a doctor to refer you to someone who is an ADHD specialist can be done by a person. You can also request a referral by contacting local universities, medical schools, or graduate schools.
When evaluating adults, a clinician will take into consideration how long symptoms have been present and if they have affected the life of the patient. They will also look at whether the ADHD symptoms were present in 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 demonstrate significant impairment in two aspects of their life. These include at home, at work, with friends and family, or in specific activities such as driving or playing sports. Impairment is when the symptoms cause significant difficulty and last for at minimum six months.
The doctor will also rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like anxiety, depression or other addiction disorders. They can also conduct additional psychological, learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests to determine if a person has a co-existing disorder.
People who haven't been diagnosed with ADHD may be frustrated that they're not getting the help and support they require. Adults have reported feeling happy and refreshed after obtaining a diagnosis. Others say they have a lot of regrets about the opportunities they missed or the failures they made in their lives because their ADHD symptoms went undiagnosed and untreated. Certain people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit that they have ADHD particularly women who were deemed female at birth. Some are afraid because of the stigma associated with it.
Symptoms
Like children, adults with ADHD aren't able to overcome their condition. It continues to affect them throughout their lives and can cause similar impacts on their friendships, work as well as family life and health. Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are present in both adults and children with ADHD however, the signs are often more serious in adults. For instance, they could impact a person's job performance and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can offer assistance and treatment.
The first step is to find an accredited evaluator, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask your friends and family for recommendations or use the internet to find professionals in your area. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other disorders like anxiety and depression which must be considered in their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your evaluator would like to know the most details possible about your life. Iampsychiatry detailed history, especially one that stretches across your entire childhood, could provide clues to whether your ADHD symptoms are connected to any other disorders. Your evaluator will likely ask about your emotional and physical health, your growth that began in early childhood as well as your academic and work experiences, driving history, any drug or alcohol abuse and how you handle stress in your daily life.
If your evaluator suspects that you suffer from ADHD they will examine your current symptoms to determine how they impact your daily routine. Your symptoms must be sufficient to cause impairments in at two different areas. 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 pay bills on time, and interpersonal issues in your relationship because of difficulty communicating.
You can improve your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning how to manage the challenges they create. You can lessen stress by keeping a clear schedule and following a regular routine. You can also get more sleep, avoid eating sugary or caffeinated drinks close to bedtime and exercise regularly. Certain people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Others take 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 healthcare professional. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations or provide recommendations for professionals who perform such evaluations. Some insurance companies also list specialists by specialization and assist those who take part in their plans to find an expert.
The past of the adult is crucial in determining ADHD. A doctor could ask to see the child's school report card or speak with family about the child's behavior in the beginning. The health care specialist will then look for patterns in behavior that could be indicative of ADHD.
During the assessment the health care professional can also use one or several scales of rating that are standardized. These tests compare the patient's behavior with those of people who do not have ADHD and may help the doctor determine whether or not symptoms fit diagnostic criteria.
In addition an examination by a doctor is generally required to rule out medical conditions that can cause symptoms that mimic ADHD. For instance, thyroid issues seizures hearing and vision problems sleep disorders, and other dietary issues like food allergies or lead poisoning can have similar effects to ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy and behavioral therapy. Cognitive therapy for behavior, specifically, can help patients change negative thoughts and behaviors. This can reduce stress, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can teach people to better manage their time, increase their organization abilities, and learn more effective ways of dealing with stressful situations.
Stimulants are the most common treatments for ADHD in adults. They seem to increase and balance the levels of certain brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. However, these medications can cause serious side effects for some individuals, especially teenagers and children. They are typically used for short-term treatments and are not suitable for everyone.
Other treatments include lifestyle changes and psychotherapy. Some adults with ADHD discover that exercising more helps them concentrate more effectively and become more productive. Others with ADHD benefit from learning to improve their organizational and planning capabilities. Access to Work, a disability support organization, can assist those who have trouble maintaining relationships or keeping a job.
Support
If you are diagnosed and treated properly and effectively, you can control the symptoms that are interfering with your daily life. It can also make a difference in your self-image and improve relationships with family, friends and coworkers. It is never too late to get an assessment and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP might recommend a mental service that specializes in treating adult 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 of community. You can join online discussion forums and discuss your experiences with other people. There are coaches and mentors who are specialized in helping people with ADHD. However, you must be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions and there are differences in the quality and expertise.
ADHD symptoms usually begin in childhood, but they can continue well into adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent for men and boys compared to girls and women. 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.
Adult ADHD can be difficult diagnose because the symptoms can vary from one person to the next. A doctor may spot patterns in a patient's history of problems at school, work or with relationships. A thorough medical history may also be beneficial. The history can be used to determine if or pinpoint possible causes. These include developmental disorders and seizure disorders. They also include depression, anxiety, drug abuse, and certain medications.
A person suffering from untreated ADHD may develop a negative self-image and low self-esteem as a result of constant frustration and failure. They could also develop comorbidities such as anxiety or depression and this can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Adults suffering from ADHD could be involved in clinical trials that aid researchers to better understand the disorder. This could result in better treatments in the future. You can find tips for talking with your doctor about taking part in an investigational trial on the NIMH website.