ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in every area of your life. You may have difficulty maintaining relationships and jobs, resulting in frequent job changes and/or low performance ratings.
It is recommended to first seek out your primary doctor for a referral to a health professional who performs evaluations for adults with ADHD. Then, you can get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder that causes problems with staying focused, paying to one's surroundings and responding to impulses. Adults with ADHD have difficulty at work, at 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 wrongly diagnosed.
A person seeking an assessment of ADHD for adults should consult a health care provider with experience in ADHD evaluations. Asking a doctor to refer you to someone who is an ADHD specialist can be done by a doctor. They can also call local hospitals that are affiliated with universities, medical schools or graduate schools to request a recommendation.
When conducting an evaluation of adults, a doctor will consider how long symptoms have been present and whether they have interfered with the person's life. They will also look at whether the underlying 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 lives. This includes at home at work, in the company, with family and friends or in particular activities like driving or playing sports. Impairment means the symptoms cause significant problems and have been present for at minimum six months.
When making a diagnosis, the clinician will also try to rule out other conditions that could cause the same problems as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, or other substance use disorders. They can also conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities to determine if the patient has co-existing disorders.
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may be unhappy because they're not receiving the support and assistance they require. Some adults have experienced a sense satisfaction and renewal once they finally receive a diagnosis. Some adults regret missed opportunities or failures because their ADHD symptoms were not identified and treated. Some people who suffer from ADHD are reluctant to admit that they have ADHD particularly women who were assigned female at birth. Some people are reluctant to admit that they suffer from ADHD due to the stigma associated with it.
Signs and symptoms
Like children, adults with ADHD don't typically outgrow their condition. It continues to affect them throughout their lives and can cause similar impacts on their work, friendships and family life, as well as their mental health. Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are seen in both adults and children with ADHD but the symptoms are often more serious in adults. They can impact the performance of a person at work and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can help with treatment and support.
The first step is to locate an expert evaluator who is qualified, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask your family and friends for recommendations or search online to find professionals in your area. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other disorders, like depression and anxiety which must be considered in their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your evaluator wants to know as much as possible about your life. A detailed account of your life, particularly one that covers your childhood, can provide clues to determine if your ADHD symptoms are related to other disorders. The person evaluating you will likely inquire about your physical and mental health, your growth going back to early childhood, your academic and work experiences, driving history, any drugs or alcohol abuse and how you handle stress in your everyday life.
If your evaluator suspects that you are suffering from ADHD, he or she will evaluate your symptoms to determine the extent to which they affect your everyday life. To be considered a diagnosed patient, your symptoms need to be significant enough to cause impairment in at least two important settings. Examples of impairment include losing your job due to inadequate time management skills, getting in financial trouble as a result of impulsive spending or failing to pay bills on time, or having relationships that are strained because of difficulty communicating.
You can increase your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning how to cope with the challenges they bring. You can lower stress levels by keeping a clear schedule and following a routine. You should also get enough sleep, avoid food items that are high in caffeine or sugar prior to bedtime, and do regular exercise. Some people with ADHD find that cognitive or psychotherapy therapy helps them manage their symptoms, while others take medication to lessen the impact of their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who suspect they might have ADHD is to talk to their health care provider. They may refer you to a mental health specialist who specializes 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 an expert.
The most important aspect in determining ADHD in adults is the person's history. For instance, a doctor might request to review school reports from the person's childhood or talk to family members about his or her behaviors in the beginning of their lives. The health professional could then look for patterns of behavior that suggest the diagnosis of ADHD.
During the evaluation the health care professional can also use one or several scales of rating that are standardized. These tests compare the behavior of a patient with the behavior of those who don't have ADHD, and may help a doctor determine if symptoms meet diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is essential to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD. The thyroid, seizures, as well as hearing and vision problems can all cause similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from psychological and behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular can assist patients in changing negative thoughts and behaviors. This can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can teach people to better manage their time, improve their organization skills, and develop more effective strategies for dealing with stressful situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulants. They can increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. These drugs can trigger serious side effects for some people, particularly adolescents and children. These medications are typically prescribed for short-term treatments and are not suitable for everyone.
Other treatments include lifestyle changes and psychotherapy. For www.iampsychiatry.com , some adults with ADHD find that increasing physical exercise can help them focus and be more productive. Some people who suffer from ADHD may benefit from enhancing their organizational and planning abilities. Access to Work, a disability support group, can aid those who have trouble maintaining relationships or keeping their jobs.
Support
When you are properly diagnosed and treated it is possible to manage the symptoms that are interfering with your life. It can also improve your self-image and improve relationships with your family, friends, and coworkers. It is never too late to seek the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.
Your GP can recommend a mental health facility that specialises in treating adult ADHD. It could be a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
Support groups for adults suffering from ADHD can provide guidance and a sense of community. You can join online discussion forums and share your experiences with others. There are also coaches and mentors that specialize in helping those 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 competence.
The symptoms of ADHD typically appear in childhood, but they can persist 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 is a difficult diagnosis because symptoms vary from one person to the next. A doctor can spot patterns in a patient's past of difficulties at school, work or with relationships. A thorough medical history can also be beneficial. Many medical conditions can cause similar symptoms to ADHD The history can help to rule out or identify other possible causes of the symptoms. These include seizures, developmental disorders anxiety, depression, substance abuse and certain medications.
A person suffering from untreated ADHD may develop a poor self-image and low self-esteem due to the constant frustration and failure. They may also develop comorbidities like anxiety or depression which can cause ADHD worse.
Adults with ADHD could be involved in clinical trials that help researchers better understand the disorder. This could lead to better treatments in the future. You can find tips for talking to your doctor about participating in clinical trials on the NIMH website.