ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in every area of your life. You may experience difficulties maintaining relationships and jobs, resulting in frequent job changes or low ratings for performance.
Ask your primary care doctor to recommend you to a health professional who can assess adults with ADHD. Then, you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental issue that causes difficulty staying focused and paying attention, as well as acting on impulses. Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have issues at work, school and in their relationships. It's a very common condition, however it can be difficult for adults to diagnose because they may not be able to recall symptoms as children or have been incorrectly diagnosed.
A person who is seeking a diagnosis of ADHD in adults must consult an experienced health professional with expertise in ADHD evaluations. The patient can ask their personal doctor for a referral to someone who is specialized in ADHD. You can also request a referral by contacting local medical schools, universities, or graduate schools.
In evaluating adults, the physician will assess how long the symptoms have been present and how they impact the person's life. They will also determine if the primary ADHD symptoms have existed since 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 patient must be exhibiting significant impairment in at least two different areas of their lives for example, at home or work as well as with family and friends or while engaging in specific 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 doctor will also try to rule out other conditions that could cause the same issues as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders. They can also conduct additional mental, learning or neuropsychological tests to determine if the person suffers from a co-existing disorder.
People who haven't been diagnosed ADHD may be frustrated that they aren't getting the help and support that they need. Adults have reported feeling relieved and rejuvenated after receiving an diagnosis. Some adults regret missing opportunities or failed to realize their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and not treated. Some people with ADHD struggle with admitting to themselves that they have the disorder, particularly women assigned female at birth (AFAB). Others are hesitant because of the stigma associated with it.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD are not typically able to overcome the condition. It can last into adulthood, and have similar effects on work, relationships family life, and mental health. Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are present in both adults and children suffering from ADHD. However, the symptoms in adults are more severe. They can impact the performance of a person at work and lead to troublesome relationships. A professional can provide support and help.
The first step is to locate an expert evaluator who is qualified, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask your family and friends for recommendations or search online to locate professionals in your area. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other disorders, like depression and anxiety which must be considered in their treatment and diagnosis.
Your evaluator will wish to learn as much about your life as possible. A detailed account of your life, especially one that spans from childhood, could provide clues to determine if ADHD symptoms are linked to other issues. The person evaluating you will likely inquire about your physical and emotional health, your growth from childhood, your academic and work experiences, driving history, any drug or alcohol use, and how you deal with stress in your daily life.
If your evaluator suspects you have ADHD they will examine your current symptoms to determine how they impact your everyday life. Your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairments in at two different areas. Examples of impairment include losing your job due to inadequate time management, falling in financial trouble as a result of reckless spending or inability to pay on time, and relationships that are strained because of communication difficulties.
You can enhance your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning how to deal with the challenges they pose. For instance you can lower your stress levels by following the same routine and keeping your schedule clean. You should also get enough sleep, avoid food items that are high in caffeine or sugar prior to bedtime, and exercise regularly. Certain people suffering from ADHD find that psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy helps them to manage their symptoms, whereas others use medication to reduce the effects of their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who suspect they may have ADHD is to consult with their health medical professional. They can refer you to 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 participate in their plans to locate a specialist.
The most important factor in determining ADHD in adults is the person's history. A doctor could, for example, ask to look over the child's report card or talk to family members about the child's early behavior. The health professional will then search for patterns of behavior that could be indicative of ADHD.
During the evaluation the health professional may also employ one or several scales of rating that are standardized. These questionnaires compare the patient's behavior with that of people who don't have ADHD and can aid the doctor in determining whether or not symptoms fit the diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is required to rule out other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid problems seizures hearing and vision problems, sleep disorders, and other dietary issues like lead poisoning or food allergies may have similar effects as ADHD.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from psychological and behavioral therapy. Particularly, diagnosed with adhd can help patients change their negative thoughts and behavior. This can help reduce stress, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also help people learn 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 often treated with stimulants. They appear to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. These drugs can trigger serious side effects in certain people, especially teens and children. These drugs are usually prescribed for short-term use and are not appropriate for everyone.
Psychotherapy and lifestyle changes are also options. For instance, some adults who suffer from ADHD find that exercising more can aid in their focus and make them more productive. Other people with ADHD benefit from learning how to improve their organizational and planning capabilities. Access to Work, a disability support organization, can help people who are having difficulty maintaining relationships or holding a job.
Support
Being diagnosed and receiving effective treatment can help you manage issues that affect your life. It can also improve your self-image as well as your relationships with family members as well as your friends and colleagues. It is never too late for a diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
Your GP may refer you to an individual mental health provider that is specialized in treating adults with ADHD. This could be an 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 that you are part of a community. You can join online discussion forums and discuss your experiences with other people. There are coaches or mentors who are specialized in helping people with ADHD. However, it is important to be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions and there are variations in quality and expertise.
ADHD symptoms usually start in childhood, but they can continue until adulthood. The disorder is more common in boys and men compared to girls and women. The inattentive type (formerly known as attention deficit disorder hyperactivity) 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 diagnose adult ADHD because symptoms vary from person to. A doctor can spot patterns in a patient's history of problems at work, school or with relationships. A thorough medical history is also useful. The history can be used to rule out or pinpoint possible causes. These include developmental disorders, seizure disorders, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can lead to a person developing a low self-esteem as well as a negative self-image as a result of frustration and failure. They might also experience comorbidities such as anxiety or depression that can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
A few adults suffering from ADHD participate in clinical trials to help researchers learn more about the disorder. This could result in better treatments in the near future. On the NIMH website, you can get some suggestions on how to talk with your doctor about participating in a study.