ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD, it can lead to problems throughout your life. You may struggle to maintain relationships and jobs and may result in frequent job changes and/or low performance ratings.
Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a medical professional who can evaluate adults with ADHD. Then, you can get an assessment and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause problems in staying focused, paying close attention, and responding to impulses. Adults who suffer from ADHD have difficulty working, at school, and in their relationships. It's a common disorder but it can be difficult for adults to diagnose, since they may not recall symptoms from childhood or have been misdiagnosed.
A person who wants to be diagnosed with ADHD must see a health care professional with experience performing ADHD assessments for adults. A doctor's request to refer you to a specialist who is an ADHD specialist can be done by a doctor. You can also ask for a referral by calling local universities, medical schools, or graduate schools.
When interviewing adults, a therapist will consider how long symptoms have been present and if they have negatively affected the person'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, one must exhibit significant impairment in two areas of their life. This includes at home, at work, with family and friends or in particular activities such as driving or playing sports. Impairment means that the symptoms cause significant problems and last for at least six months.
In determining a diagnosis the clinician will also try to rule out any other conditions that could cause the same issues as ADHD like depression, anxiety, or other substance use disorders. They can also conduct psycho-educational, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests to determine if a patient suffers from a co-existing disorder.
People who haven't been diagnosed with ADHD may be frustrated that they aren't getting the help and support that they need. Adults have reported feeling happy and renewed after finally getting a diagnosis. Others say they have a lot of regrets about lost opportunities or failures in their lives due to the fact that their ADHD symptoms went undiagnosed and untreated. Some people with ADHD struggle with admitting to themselves that they have the disorder, especially women who are assigned female at birth (AFAB). Some are reluctant due to the stigma associated with it.
Symptoms
As opposed to children, adults suffering from ADHD do not typically overcome their condition. It can persist into adulthood, and have similar effects on relationships at work, family life, and mental health. Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are common in adults and children suffering from ADHD. However the symptoms for adults are more severe. They can impact the performance of a person at work and cause troubled relationships. A professional can offer support and treatment.
The first step is to find a qualified evaluator, like psychologist or psychiatrist. Request recommendations from your friends and family members or look on the internet for professionals in your region. Many people with ADHD also have other conditions such as anxiety and depression which must be taken into consideration in their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your evaluator wants to know the most details possible about your life. A detailed history of your life, particularly one that goes back to childhood, could provide clues as to whether ADHD symptoms are related to other issues. Your evaluator may ask about your physical health and well-being, your development since early childhood, educational and work experiences and driving history, as well as drinking and drug use, and how you deal with stress on a regular day basis.
If your evaluator suspects that you have ADHD the person will assess your symptoms to determine the extent to which they impact your everyday life. Your symptoms must be sufficient to cause impairments in at two different areas. Examples of impairment include losing your job because of poor time management, falling into financial difficulties due to reckless spending, or not making payments on time.
You can enhance your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning to deal with the challenges they bring. For example, you can reduce the stress level by implementing the same routine and keeping your calendar free of distractions. You can also get better sleep, avoid eating sweet or caffeinated foods before bed, and regularly exercise. Some people with ADHD discover that psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy can help them manage their symptoms, while others take medication to lessen the effects of their symptoms.
Treatment
If you are an adult and suspect that you have ADHD the first step is to speak with a health care provider. They can refer you to a mental health specialist who specializes in adult ADHD assessments, or suggest professionals who do this. Certain insurance companies also provide specialists in their specialties and assist those who participate in their plans to find an expert.
The most important aspect in diagnosing ADHD in adults is the person's past. A doctor might ask, for instance, to examine the child's school report card or talk to family members about the child's early behavior. The health professional could then look for patterns of behavior that suggest a diagnosis of ADHD.
During the examination the health care professional can also utilize one of several rating scales that are standardized. These questionnaires compare the patient's behavior to that of people who do not suffer from ADHD and can help the doctor determine whether or not the symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria.
A medical exam is essential to rule out any illnesses that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Thyroid problems, seizures as well as hearing and vision problems can all be associated with similar effects.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy and behavioral therapy. Cognitive therapy for behavior, specifically helps patients overcome negative attitudes and behaviors. This can lessen stress and anxiety, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can help people better manage their time, increase their organization skills, and discover more effective ways to deal with stressful situations.
Adults with ADHD are frequently treated with stimulants. They can increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These drugs can trigger serious side effects in certain people, particularly adolescents and children. They are usually prescribed for short-term use and are not appropriate for everyone.
Other treatment options include lifestyle changes and psychotherapy. Some adults with ADHD discover that a greater amount of physical activity helps them concentrate more effectively and become more productive. Certain people who suffer from ADHD may benefit from enhancing their organizational and planning abilities. In addition, some people who have difficulty keeping jobs or maintaining relationships can seek help from a disability support service such as Access to Work.
Support
When you are properly diagnosed and treated and effectively, you can control the problems that affect your life. It can also make a difference in your self-image and improve your relationships with family, friends and coworkers. It is never too late to get an assessment or treatment for ADHD.
Your GP may refer you to an area of mental health care that specializes in treating adult ADHD. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult could be a Community Mental Health Service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults suffering from ADHD that can provide guidance and a sense of community. You can also join online discussion forums and share your experiences with others. There are coaches and mentors who specialise in helping those suffering from ADHD. You should be aware that mentoring and coaching are self-regulated professions and there are a variety of differences in the quality and expertise.
ADHD symptoms typically begin in childhood, but they can continue well into adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent in boys and men than women and girls. The inattentive type (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.
Adult ADHD can be difficult diagnose because the symptoms differ from one person to the next. A history of problems in work, school or relationships can help a doctor find patterns. A thorough medical history can also be useful. The history can be used to rule out or determine the cause. These include developmental disorders and seizures disorders. They also include anxiety, depression and addiction to drugs as well as certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can result in the sufferer developing a low self-esteem and a negative self-image due to frustration and failure. They could also suffer from mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety which can cause ADHD worse.
Adults suffering from ADHD might be able to participate in clinical trials that aid researchers to better understand the disorder. This could lead to better treatments in the near future. You can find helpful tips to talk with your doctor about participating in clinical trials on the NIMH website.