ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in every area of your life. You may experience difficulties maintaining relationships and work, resulting in frequent job changes and/or low ratings for performance.
It is recommended to first ask your primary care physician for an appointment with a health professional who can conduct evaluations for adults with ADHD. Then, you can get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause problems with staying focused, paying close attention and acting upon impulses. Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulties at work, school and in their relationships. It's a very common condition however it can be difficult to diagnose because a lot of adults don't recall having symptoms as children or being misdiagnosed as kids.
A person who is seeking a diagnosis of ADHD in adults must consult a health care provider with experience in ADHD evaluations. One may ask their doctor for a referral to a specialist who is an expert in ADHD. They can also contact local university-based hospitals, medical schools or graduate schools to ask for an appointment.
When conducting an evaluation of adults, a doctor will take into consideration how long symptoms have been present and whether they have interfered with the person'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, one must exhibit significant impairment in two aspects of life. This includes at home or at work, as well as with friends and family or in particular activities such as driving or playing sports. Impairment means that the symptoms cause significant difficulties and have lasted for at least six months.
When making a diagnosis, the doctor will also attempt to rule out any other conditions that could cause the same problems as ADHD for instance depression, anxiety, or other substance use disorders. They can also conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities to determine if a person has co-existing disorders.
Individuals who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may be dissatisfied because they're not receiving the support and assistance they need. Adults have reported feeling happy and rejuvenated after receiving a diagnosis. Others report having many regrets about the opportunities they missed or the failures they made in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms went undiagnosed and untreated. Certain people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to admit they have ADHD particularly women who were assigned a female at birth. Some people are reluctant to admit that they suffer from ADHD due to the stigma that surrounds it.
Symptoms
As opposed to children, adults suffering from ADHD do not typically overcome their condition. It can continue to affect them into 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 adults and children with ADHD but the symptoms are more prevalent in adults. They can affect the person's performance at work and lead to troublesome relationships. A professional can provide support and treatment.
The first step is to locate a qualified evaluator, for example, a psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask for recommendations from family members and family or search on the internet for professionals in your region. Many people who suffer from ADHD have other conditions like anxiety and depression, which must be considered in their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator would like to learn as much as they can about your life. A detailed history, especially one that stretches across your entire childhood, can give clues to whether your ADHD symptoms are connected to any other disorder. The evaluator will inquire about your physical health and well-being, your development since early childhood, academic and work experiences including driving history, alcohol and drug abuse, and how you handle stress on a regular basis.
If the person who evaluated you suspects that you are suffering from ADHD the person will examine your symptoms to determine the extent to which they impact your daily routine. Your symptoms must be sufficient to cause impairments in at least two areas. Some examples of impairment are losing your job because of poor time management, getting into financial difficulties due to reckless spending, or failing to make payments on time.
You can improve your ability manage ADHD symptoms by learning to cope with their challenges. You can lessen stress by keeping a schedule and observing a routine. Additionally, you can get more sleep, avoid eating sweet or caffeinated foods close to bedtime and exercise regularly. Some people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Others use medication to reduce their symptoms.
Treatment
If you are an adult and suspect that you are suffering from ADHD the first step is to speak with a health care provider. They can refer you to an expert in mental health that specialises in adult ADHD evaluations or offer suggestions for professionals who can perform such evaluations. Some insurance companies provide professionals based on their specialties and may help those who are covered by their plans to find an expert.
The most crucial factor in diagnosing ADHD in adults is the history of the individual. For instance, a physician might request to review school reports from the person's childhood or talk to relatives about the person's behavior in the beginning of their lives. The health professional will then look for patterns in behavior that could be indicative of ADHD.
During the examination, the health care provider may also employ one or several rating scales that are standardized. These questionnaires compare the behavior of a patient with the behavior of those who don't have ADHD, and may aid a doctor in determining whether the symptoms are in line with diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is essential to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Seizures, thyroid problems, and hearing and vision issues can all cause similar symptoms.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from psychological and behavioral therapy. Particularly, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients change their negative thoughts and behaviors. This can reduce stress, which can often 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 to deal with stressful situations.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulants. They appear to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. However, these drugs can cause serious adverse reactions for some individuals, especially adolescents and children. They are typically prescribed for short-term use and are not appropriate for everyone.
Other treatments include lifestyle changes as well as psychotherapy. Some adults with ADHD discover that increasing their physical activity can help them focus better and be more productive. Certain people who suffer from ADHD might benefit from enhancing their planning and organization abilities. Access to Work, a disability support organization, can help people who are having difficulty maintaining relationships or keeping a job.
Support
If you are diagnosed and treated properly it is possible to manage the problems that affect your daily life. It can also help improve your self-image and relationships with your family and friends as well as coworkers. It's never too late to seek a diagnosis and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP may recommend an area of mental health care that specializes in treating adults with ADHD. This may be a Community Mental Health Service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
Support groups for adults suffering from ADHD can provide advice and a sense of 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 must be aware that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated and there are variations in quality and competence.
The signs of ADHD typically manifest in childhood, but can persist into adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent in males and boys as than women and girls. Full Article (formerly known as hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder) is more common 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 can be difficult to determine adult ADHD due to the fact that symptoms differ from person to. A history of issues at school, work or in relationships can help a physician to identify patterns. A complete medical history is also helpful. The medical history can be used to determine if or determine the cause. These include developmental disorders, seizure disorders, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and certain medications.
A person suffering from untreated ADHD may develop a poor self-image and low self-esteem because of the constant frustration and failure. They may also develop comorbidities such as depression or anxiety, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.
A few 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 taking part in a clinical trial on the NIMH website.