ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD it could lead to problems in all areas of your life. You may find it difficult to maintain relationships as well as employment. This could lead to frequent job changes or poor performance ratings.
It is recommended to first seek out your primary physician for a referral to a health professional who conducts assessments for adults suffering from ADHD. You can then get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes problems with staying focused, paying close attention, and responding to impulses. Adults who suffer from ADHD have difficulty at work, in school and in their relationships. It's a very common condition, however it can be difficult for adults to diagnose as they may not remember the symptoms they experienced as children or have been misdiagnosed.
A person who is seeking a diagnosis of ADHD in adults should speak with a health care provider with expertise in ADHD evaluations. The patient could ask their physician for a referral to a doctor who is an expert in ADHD. They can also call local medical schools, or graduate schools to request recommendations.
In evaluating adults, a clinician will look at how long the symptoms have been present and how they affect the individual's life. They will also consider whether the underlying ADHD symptoms have existed 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 be diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, the patient must be exhibiting significant impairment in at least two different areas of their life, such as at work or home or with family and friends or while engaging in specific activities like driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be severe and persistent for a minimum of six months to be deemed impaired.
In determining Iampsychiatry will also try to rule out other conditions that could cause the same issues as ADHD for instance anxiety, depression or other substance use disorders. They may also conduct additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or testing for learning disabilities to determine if the patient has co-existing disorders.
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may feel frustrated that they aren't getting the help and support that they need. Adults have reported feeling relieved and renewed after finally getting a diagnosis. Others say they have a lot of regrets about the opportunities they missed or the failures they made in their lives because their ADHD symptoms went undiagnosed and untreated. Certain people with ADHD struggle with admitting that they suffer from the disorder, particularly women assigned female at birth (AFAB). Others are hesitant because of the stigma that surrounds it.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD tend not to overcome the condition. It can last into adulthood, and can have similar impacts on relationships, work, family life, and mental health. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are present in both children and adults with ADHD, but the symptoms tend to be more severe in adults. They can affect the performance of a person at work and lead to troublesome relationships. A professional can provide treatment and counseling.
The first step is to find a qualified evaluator, for example, psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask your family and friends for recommendations or use the internet to locate professionals in your area. Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other conditions, like depression and anxiety which must be considered in their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your evaluator will want to learn as much about your life as they can. A thorough history, particularly one that stretches across your entire childhood, could provide clues as to whether your ADHD symptoms are related to any other disorder. Your evaluator is likely to inquire about your physical and emotional health, your growth going back to early childhood, your academic and professional experience, driving history, any substance or alcohol use, and how you deal with stress in your everyday life.
If your evaluator suspects you have ADHD they will examine your current symptoms to determine how they affect your daily life. Your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairments in at two different areas. Some examples of impairment are losing your job due to poor time management, getting into financial difficulties due to impulsive spending, or not making payments on time.
You can increase your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning to deal with the challenges they pose. For example you can lower your stress levels by following an established routine and keeping your calendar clear. You should also get enough sleep, avoid sweet or caffeine-rich meals prior to the time you go to bed, and keep exercising regularly. Some people with ADHD find that cognitive or psychotherapy therapy can help them manage their symptoms, and others take medication to lessen the effects of their symptoms.
Treatment
For adults who suspect they have ADHD the first step is to speak with a healthcare professional. They may refer you to an expert in mental health that is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations or offer suggestions for professionals who can do so. Certain insurance companies also provide specialists in their specialties and help those who are part of their plans to find an expert.
The past of the adult is vital in diagnosing ADHD. For example, a doctor may ask to review school report cards from a person's childhood or talk to family members about their behavior during the early years of life. The health care specialist will then look for patterns in the behavior that could be indicative of ADHD.
During the process of assessment, the health care provider may also employ one or more standard rating scales. These questionnaires evaluate the patient's behavior with the behavior of those who do not have ADHD and may help the doctor determine whether or not the symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is necessary to rule out illnesses that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid problems seizures, hearing and vision issues, sleep disorders, and dietary issues such as food allergies or lead poisoning can all have similar effects to ADHD.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular helps patients overcome negative thoughts and behavior. This can decrease stress, which may cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can teach people to better manage their time, increase their organizational abilities, and learn more effective ways to deal with stressful situations.
Stimulants are the most common medications used to treat ADHD in adults. They seem to regulate and increase the levels of certain brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. However, these drugs can cause serious adverse reactions for some people, particularly teenagers and children. These medications are typically used for short-term treatment and are not appropriate for everyone.
Other treatments include lifestyle changes and psychotherapy. For instance, some people who suffer from ADHD discover that increasing physical exercise can aid in their focus and make them more productive. Some people with ADHD can benefit from improving their planning and organization skills. Additionally, those who struggle to keep jobs or maintaining relationships can benefit from a disability support service such as Access to Work.
Support
Diagnosed and treated effectively, you can manage symptoms that are interfering with your daily life. It can also help improve your self-image as well as your relationships with your family, friends, and coworkers. It is never too late to get the diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
Your GP may refer you to a mental health facility that specializes in treating adults with ADHD. This could be an Community Mental Health Service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults with ADHD which can offer advice and a sense that you are part of a community. You can also join online discussion forums and discuss your experiences with other people. There are coaches and mentors who specialize in helping people suffering from ADHD. You must be aware that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated professions and there are differences in terms of expertise and quality.
ADHD symptoms usually start in childhood but can persist well into adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent for men and boys in comparison to women and girls. People who suffer from the inattentive type of the disorder (formerly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are more likely to be diagnosed than those who suffer from 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. A doctor can spot patterns in a patient's past of difficulties at school, work or in relationships. A thorough medical history may also be useful. The medical history can be used to rule out or determine the cause. These include seizures, developmental disorders depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and certain medications.
A person with untreated ADHD may develop a negative self-image and low self-esteem because of the constant frustration and failure. They may also develop compulsive disorders like depression or anxiety that can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Adults suffering from ADHD could be involved in clinical trials that aid researchers to better understand the disorder. This could lead to better treatments in the near future. There are tips for talking to your doctor about taking part in clinical trials on the NIMH website.