ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have untreated ADHD it can cause problems throughout your life. You may have difficulty maintaining relationships and jobs, resulting in frequent job changes and/or low performance ratings.
Request your primary care physician to refer you to a health professional who can evaluate adults with ADHD. Then, you can get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
adult adhd diagnosis is a neurodevelopmental issue that causes difficulty staying focused and paying attention. It also causes difficulty in responding to impulses. Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently have issues at work, school and in their relationships. It's a very common condition however it isn't always easy to identify because a lot of adults don't recall having symptoms as children, or were incorrectly diagnosed as children.
A person seeking an evaluation for ADHD in adults should speak with a health care provider with experience in ADHD evaluations. A doctor's request to refer you to someone who is an ADHD specialist can be performed by a person. You can also request an appointment by calling local universities, medical schools, or graduate schools.
When evaluating adults, a clinician will take into consideration how long symptoms have been present and whether they've 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, a person must show significant impairment in two aspects of life. These include at home at work, in the company, with family and friends, or in specific activities like driving or playing sports. Impairment is when the symptoms cause significant problems and last for at least six months.
When making a diagnosis, the doctor will also try to rule out other conditions that might cause the same problems as ADHD like depression, anxiety, or other substance use disorders. They can also conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing to determine if the person has co-existing disorders.
People who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD may be dissatisfied because they're not receiving the support and assistance they need. Some adults have reported feeling a sense of satisfaction and renewal once they finally be diagnosed. Others report having a lot of regrets about failed opportunities or failures in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and untreated. Some people suffering from ADHD are hesitant about admitting to themselves that they have the disorder, particularly women who are assigned female at birth (AFAB). Some people are hesitant to admit they suffer from ADHD because of the stigma that surrounds it.
Signs and symptoms
Unlike children, adults with ADHD don't typically outgrow their condition. It persists into adulthood and can cause similar impacts on their relationships, work, family life and mental health. Hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity symptoms are prevalent in both adults and children suffering from ADHD. However, the symptoms in adults are more severe. For instance, they could affect the performance of a worker and lead to troubled relationships. A professional can assist with treatment and help.
The first step is finding an expert evaluator who is qualified, for example, a psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask your family and friends for recommendations or go online to locate professionals in your area. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other disorders such as anxiety and depression, that must be taken into consideration in their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your evaluator would like to know as much as they can about your life. A thorough account of your life, especially one that spans from childhood, could provide clues as to whether ADHD symptoms are connected to other disorders. Your evaluator is likely to inquire about your emotional and physical health, your development from childhood, your academic and work experiences, your driving history, any substance or alcohol abuse, and how you handle stress in your everyday life.
If your evaluator suspects you have ADHD they will evaluate your current symptoms to determine if they interfere with your everyday life. For a diagnosis to be granted, your symptoms need to be significant enough to cause impairment in at least two major situations. Examples of impairment could include losing a job because of poor time management skills, or getting into financial trouble due to excessive spending or failure to make payments on time, or having interpersonal problems in your relationship due to communication issues.
You can enhance your ability to manage ADHD symptoms by learning how to cope with their challenges. For instance you can lower your stress level by following a regular routine and keeping your schedule clean. You can also get enough sleep, avoid sweet or caffeine-rich meals prior to bedtime, and exercise regularly. Certain people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Some people use medications to manage their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who suspect they may have ADHD is to speak with their health medical professional. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who specialises in adult ADHD evaluations or offer suggestions for professionals who can perform such evaluations. Certain insurance companies will have a list of professionals based on their specialties and may assist those who are covered by their plans find a specialist.
The background of the adult is crucial in diagnosing ADHD. For example, a doctor might request to review school report cards from the individual's childhood or interview relatives about the person's behavior in the beginning of their lives. The health professional could then look for signs of behavior that could indicate a diagnosis of ADHD.
During the assessment the health care professional may also employ one or several standardized rating scales. These tests compare the behavior of the patient with the behavior of those who do not suffer from ADHD and may aid the doctor in determining whether or not symptoms meet diagnostic criteria.
In addition, a medical examination is usually necessary to rule out medical conditions that may cause symptoms that mimic ADHD. For instance, thyroid problems seizures or hearing or vision issues sleep disorders, as well as other dietary issues like lead poisoning or food allergies can all have similar effects to ADHD.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from psychological and behavioral therapy. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help patients to change their negative thoughts and behavior. This can lessen stress which can cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also help people learn how to manage their time better, increase their ability to organize their lives, and develop more effective coping mechanisms to deal with stressful situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulants. They appear to increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. These drugs can cause serious side effects in some people, especially teens and children. These drugs are usually prescribed for short-term use and are not suitable for all people.
Other treatment options include lifestyle changes and psychotherapy. Some adults with ADHD find that increasing their physical activity helps them concentrate more effectively and become more productive. Some people who suffer from ADHD might benefit from enhancing their planning and organization skills. Access to Work, a disability support group, can aid those who have trouble maintaining relationships or keeping the job they have.
Support
When you are properly diagnosed and treated, you can manage symptoms that are interfering with your daily routine. It can also help improve your self-image as well as your relationships with your family, friends, and coworkers. It's never too late to seek an assessment and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP might refer you to an expert mental health service that specializes in treating adults with ADHD. It could be a Community Mental Health Service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
Support groups for adults suffering from ADHD can provide guidance and a community-like feeling. You can also join online forums and chat with other members about their experiences. There are also coaches and mentors that specialize in helping people with ADHD. However, you should be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions, and there are differences in the quality and competence.
ADHD symptoms usually begin in the early years of childhood, but they can last well into adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent in males and boys as than women and girls. 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.
It can be difficult to diagnose adult ADHD because the symptoms differ from person to person. A doctor can find patterns in a patient's past of issues at work, school or in relationships. A complete medical history is also helpful. The history can be used to rule out or identify possible causes. These include developmental disorders as well as seizure disorders. They also include depression, anxiety, drug abuse, and certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can lead to the sufferer developing a low self-esteem and negative self-image due to disappointment and failure. They may also develop comorbidities like anxiety or depression which can make ADHD worse.
Adults suffering from ADHD might be able to participate in clinical trials that aid researchers to better understand the disorder. This can lead to better treatments in the future. There are tips for talking to your doctor about taking part in an investigational trial on the NIMH website.