ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have untreated ADHD, it can cause issues in all aspects of your life. You may experience difficulties maintaining relationships and work which can lead to frequent job changes and/or low performance ratings.
Ask your primary care physician to recommend you to a health professional who can evaluate adults with ADHD. You will then receive an assessment and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental issue that causes difficulty staying focused and paying attention. It also causes difficulty in responding to impulses. Adults with ADHD are often troubled working, at school and in their relationships. It's a very common condition, but it can be difficult for adults to diagnose because they may not be able to recall symptoms from childhood or have been misdiagnosed.
Anyone seeking an assessment of ADHD for adults should consult an experienced health professional with expertise in ADHD evaluations. The patient can ask their personal doctor for a referral to someone who specializes in ADHD. You can also ask for a referral by contacting local medical schools, universities or graduate schools.
When evaluating adults, a clinician will consider how long symptoms have been present and if they have affected the life of the patient. They will also examine 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 diagnose ADHD to be diagnosed, the patient must exhibit significant impairment in at least two areas of their life like at work or home or with family and friends or in particular activities, such as driving or playing sports. Impairment means the symptoms cause significant difficulties and have been present for at minimum six months.
When determining a diagnosis, the doctor will also try to rule out other conditions that might cause similar problems to ADHD like depression, anxiety, or addiction disorders. They may also conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests to determine if the person has co-existing disorders.
People who haven't been diagnosed with ADHD might be frustrated because they're not getting the help and support that they need. Adults have reported feeling rejoicing and refreshed after obtaining a diagnosis. Some adults regret missed opportunities or failures because their ADHD symptoms were not diagnosed and treated. Some people with ADHD are hesitant to admit that they have ADHD particularly women who were assigned a female at birth. Some people are hesitant to admit they suffer from ADHD due to the stigma surrounding it.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD are not typically able to overcome the condition. It can persist into adulthood, and have similar impacts on relationships, work family life, and mental health. Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity can be seen in both children and adults with ADHD however, the signs tend to be more severe in adults. For example, they may impact a person's job performance and lead to troubled relationships. A professional can provide support and help.
The first step is to find an expert evaluator who is qualified, like a psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask for recommendations from friends and family members or look online for professionals in your region. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other illnesses like anxiety and depression, that must be considered in their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your evaluator will want to know as much about your life as is possible. A detailed account of your life, particularly one that spans from childhood, can give clues as to whether ADHD symptoms are related to other conditions. Your evaluator will likely ask about your emotional and physical health, your progress from childhood, your academic and professional experiences, driving history, any drug or alcohol abuse, and how you deal with stress in your daily life.
If the person who evaluated you suspects that you have ADHD, he or she will assess your symptoms to determine the extent to which they interfere with your everyday life. For a diagnosis, your symptoms need to be significant enough to cause impairment in at least two major settings. Some examples of impairment include losing your job because of poor time management, getting into financial trouble due to impulsive spending, or failing to make payments on time.
You can increase your ability to manage ADHD symptoms by learning how to cope with their challenges. For example you can reduce your stress level by following a regular routine and keeping your calendar clear. You can also get more sleep, avoid eating sugary or caffeinated foods before bed, and regularly exercise. Some people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Others take medication to reduce their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who suspect that they might have ADHD is to speak with their health medical professional. They can refer you a mental health specialist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments, or suggest specialists who can perform this. Some insurance companies also list professionals by specialty and can assist those who take part in their plans to find an expert.
The past of the adult is vital in determining ADHD. For instance, a physician might ask to look over school reports from the person's childhood or ask family members about the person's behavior in the beginning of their lives. The health care professional may then examine signs of behavior that could indicate that there is a diagnosis of ADHD.
During the assessment process, the health care professional could also use one or more standardized rating scales. These questionnaires assess the behavior of a patient to the behavior of those who don't have ADHD and can help a physician determine whether symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria.
A medical exam is required to rule out other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid issues, seizures, hearing and vision issues sleep disorders, and dietary issues such as food allergies or lead poisoning may have similar effects as ADHD.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be helpful for adults suffering from ADHD. Cognitive therapy for behavior, specifically can assist patients in changing negative attitudes and behaviors. This can help reduce stress, which can cause ADHD symptoms worse. adhd uk diagnosis can also help people learn how to manage their time better, improve their organizational skills, and develop more effective coping strategies for dealing with stressful situations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are frequently treated with stimulants. They are believed to regulate and increase the levels of certain brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. These medications can cause serious side effects for some people, especially adolescents and children. They are usually used for short-term treatments and are not suitable for everyone.
Psychotherapy and lifestyle changes are alternatives. Some adults with ADHD discover that a greater amount of physical activity helps them concentrate better and be more productive. Certain people with ADHD can benefit from improving their organization and planning skills. Access to Work, a disability support group, can aid those who have trouble maintaining relationships or retaining their jobs.
Support
Being diagnosed and receiving effective treatment can help you manage problems that hinder your daily routine. It can also improve your self-image and improve your relationships with your family, friends, and colleagues. It is never too late to get an assessment and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP might refer you to an individual mental health provider that is specialized in treating adult ADHD. It could be a Community Mental Health Service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults suffering from ADHD which can offer advice and a sense of community. You can also join online discussion forums and discuss your experiences with other people. There are coaches and mentors who specialise in helping people suffering from ADHD. However, it is important to be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions and there are variations in quality and knowledge.
ADHD symptoms usually start in the early years of childhood, but they can last until adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent for men and boys compared to girls and women. 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 is a difficult diagnosis because the symptoms differ from one person to the next. A doctor can spot patterns in the history of a patient of issues at school, work or with relationships. A thorough medical history is also useful. Numerous medical conditions can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, so the history can help rule out or determine the cause of the symptoms. These include developmental disorders as well as seizure disorders. They also include anxiety, depression and drug addiction, as well as certain medications.
Untreated ADHD may develop a negative self-image and low self-esteem because of persistent frustration and failure. They might also experience mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety which can cause ADHD worse.
A few adults suffering from ADHD take part in clinical studies to help researchers discover more about the disorder. This can lead to better treatments in the future. On the NIMH site, you can find some tips on how to talk with your doctor about taking part in a clinical study.