ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have untreated ADHD it can lead to issues in all aspects of your life. You may find it difficult to maintain relationships and employment. This could result in frequent changes in your job or low ratings for performance.
It is recommended to first ask your primary care physician for an appointment with a health professional who performs evaluations for adults with ADHD. You will then receive an assessment and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause difficulties with staying focused, paying close attention and acting upon impulses. Adults with ADHD typically have difficulties at school, at work and in their relationships. It is a common disorder, but it can be difficult to recognize because many adults don't remember having symptoms as children or were incorrectly diagnosed as children.
A person seeking to receive a diagnosis should visit an expert in health care who has experience performing ADHD assessments for adults. One could ask their physician for a referral to a doctor who is specialized in ADHD. You can also ask for a referral by contacting local medical schools, universities, or graduate schools.
When conducting an evaluation of adults, a doctor will consider how long symptoms have been present and whether they've negatively affected the person's life. They will also consider 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 to be diagnosed, the person must demonstrate significant impairment in two aspects of their lives. These include at home, at work, with family and friends, or in specific activities such as driving or playing sports. Impairment means the symptoms cause significant difficulties and have been present for at minimum six months.
The physician will also look into other conditions that might cause the same symptoms as ADHD such as anxiety, depression or addiction disorders. They may also perform additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing to determine if a patient has a co-existing disorder.
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may be frustrated because they're not getting the help and support they need. Adults have reported feeling happy and rejuvenated after receiving the diagnosis. Some adults regret missed opportunities or failures because their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and untreated. Certain people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to admit they have ADHD, especially women who were deemed female at birth. Some are reluctant due to the stigma that surrounds it.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to outgrow the condition. It can last throughout adulthood and have similar impacts on relationships, work, family life, and mental health. Signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are seen in both children and adults with ADHD, but the symptoms tend to be more severe in adults. They can affect a person's work performance and cause troubled relationships. A professional can offer assistance and help.
The first step is to find a qualified evaluator, for example, psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask your friends and family for recommendations or use the internet to locate professionals in your region. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other disorders like anxiety and depression which must be considered in their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your evaluator will wish to know as much about your life as possible. A detailed account of your life, particularly one that covers your childhood, can give clues to whether your ADHD symptoms are related to any other disorders. Your evaluator may ask about your physical health and emotional well-being, your development since early childhood, educational and work experiences and driving history, as well as alcohol and drug abuse, and how you manage stress on a regular basis.
If your evaluator suspects that you may have ADHD they will evaluate your current symptoms to determine how they affect 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. Some examples of impairment include losing your job due to poor time management, falling into financial difficulties because of reckless spending, or failing to make payments on time.
You can enhance your ability to manage ADHD symptoms by learning how to manage their issues. For instance, you can reduce your stress level by following a regular routine and keeping your calendar clear. You should also get enough sleep, avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods before bedtime, and exercise regularly. Some people with ADHD find that psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy helps them manage their symptoms, while others use medications to ease the impact of their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who suspect that they might be suffering from ADHD is to speak with their health healthcare provider. They can refer you to an expert in mental health that is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations or offer suggestions for professionals who can perform such evaluations. Some insurance companies also list specialists in their specialties and assist those who participate in their plans to locate a specialist.
The background of the adult is crucial in determining ADHD. A doctor may, for example, ask to examine the child's school report card or interview family about the child's early behavior. The health care specialist will then look for patterns in the behavior that may indicate ADHD.
During the evaluation the health care professional can also utilize one of several standardized rating scales. These questionnaires compare the patient's behavior with 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 generally required to identify medical conditions that may cause symptoms that mimic ADHD. For instance, thyroid issues, seizures or hearing or vision issues sleep disorders, and other dietary issues like food allergies or lead poisoning may have similar effects as ADHD.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be beneficial for adults with ADHD. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients change their negative thoughts and behavior. This can help reduce stress which can cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also teach people how to manage their time better, improve their organizational skills, and develop more effective strategies to deal with stressful situations.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used treatments for ADHD in adults. They appear to regulate and increase the levels of certain brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. These medications can cause serious side effects in some people, especially children and teenagers. They are typically prescribed for short-term use and are not appropriate for everyone.
adhd diagnosis in adult in lifestyle and psychotherapy are also options. For instance, some adults who suffer from ADHD discover that increasing physical exercise can aid in their focus and make them more productive. Other people with ADHD benefit from learning to improve their organizational and planning abilities. Additionally, those who struggle to keep jobs or maintain relationships can benefit through a disability-related support service like Access to Work.
Support
Being diagnosed and receiving effective treatment can help you manage issues that affect your daily routine. It can also improve your self-image and improve relationships with your family, friends and coworkers. It's never too late to get the diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
Your GP could recommend an area of mental health care that specialises in treating adult ADHD. It could be a Community Mental Health Service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
Support groups for adults with ADHD can provide advice and a sense of community. You can also join online forums and talk to others about their experiences. There are also coaches and mentors who specialize in helping those suffering from ADHD. However, you should be aware that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated and there are differences in the quality and competence.
ADHD symptoms typically begin in childhood, but they can continue well into adulthood. The disorder is more common for men and boys than women and girls. People with the inattentive subtype of the disorder (formerly referred to 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.
It isn't easy to identify adult ADHD because symptoms vary from person to. A doctor can spot patterns in a patient's history of problems at school, work or with relationships. A thorough medical history can also be helpful. The history can be used to rule out or determine the cause. These include developmental disorders, seizure disorders depression, anxiety as well as certain medications.
Untreated ADHD may develop a poor self-image and low self-esteem because of persistent frustration and failure. They could also develop comorbidities such as depression or anxiety that can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Some adults with ADHD participate in clinical trials to help researchers learn more about the disorder. This can lead to improved treatments in the future. You can find tips to talk with your doctor about participating in an investigational trial on the NIMH website.