ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can create problems in all aspects of your life. You may have difficulty maintaining relationships and jobs and may result in frequent job changes or low performance ratings.
Request your primary care physician to refer you to a health professional who can examine adults suffering from ADHD. You will then be able to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause problems with staying focused, paying attention and acting upon impulses. Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently have issues at school, work and in their relationships. It's a widespread disorder however, it can be difficult to recognize because many adults don't remember having symptoms as children, or were mistakenly diagnosed as children.
A person who is seeking a diagnosis of ADHD for adults should consult an experienced health professional with experience in ADHD evaluations. A doctor's request to refer you to someone who is an ADHD specialist can be done by a doctor. They can also contact local medical schools, or graduate schools to ask for recommendations.
When evaluating adults, a clinician will look at how long the symptoms have been present and if they have interfered with the person's life. They will also consider 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 demonstrate significant impairment in two areas 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 difficulties and have lasted for at least six months.
The clinician will also look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like depression, anxiety, or substance abuse disorders. They can also conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing to determine if the patient suffers from co-existing disorders.
People who haven't been diagnosed ADHD may be frustrated that they're not receiving the assistance and support that they need. Adults have reported feeling rejoicing and refreshed after obtaining the diagnosis. Others report having many regrets over lost opportunities or failures in their lives because their ADHD symptoms went undiagnosed and untreated. Some people with ADHD are hesitant about admitting that they suffer from the disorder, especially women assigned female at birth (AFAB). Some people are reluctant to admit they have ADHD due to the stigma that surrounds it.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD tend not to overcome the disorder. It persists into adulthood and can cause similar impacts on their relationships, work and family life, as well as their mental health. Hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity symptoms are present in both adults and children with ADHD. However the symptoms of adults are more severe. They can impact a person's work performance and lead to troublesome relationships. A professional can offer assistance and treatment.
The first step is to find an accredited evaluator like psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask your friends and family for recommendations or go online to locate professionals in your area. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other illnesses, like depression and anxiety which must be taken into consideration in their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your evaluator would like to know the most details possible about your life. A detailed history of your life, particularly one that spans from childhood, can give clues as to whether ADHD symptoms are connected to other disorders. adhd undiagnosed in adults evaluating you will likely inquire about your physical and mental health, your growth going back to early childhood, your academic and professional experiences, your driving history, any drugs or alcohol use, and how you cope with stress in your everyday life.
If your evaluator suspects you may have ADHD they will evaluate your current symptoms to determine how they affect your daily life. To be considered a diagnosed patient, your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairment in at least two major settings. Examples of impairment include losing your job due to poor time management, getting into financial trouble due to excessive spending, or failing to make payments on time.
You can increase your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning how to cope with the challenges they bring. For instance you can reduce the stress level by implementing an established routine and keeping your calendar free of distractions. You should also ensure you get enough sleep, stay away from sweet or caffeine-rich meals prior to bedtime, and do regular exercise. Certain people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Others take medication to reduce their symptoms.
Treatment
For adults who suspect they are suffering from ADHD the first step is to discuss the issue with a health professional. They can refer you to an expert in mental health that is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations or provide recommendations for professionals who perform such evaluations. Certain insurance companies also provide professionals by specialty and can assist those who take part in their plans to locate a specialist.
The past of the adult is essential in determining ADHD. A doctor might ask, for instance, to look over the child's report card or speak with family about the child's behavior in the beginning. The health care professional will then search for patterns of behavior that may indicate ADHD.
During the process of assessment, the health professional may utilize one or more standard rating scales. These questionnaires assess a patient's behavior with the behavior of those who don't have ADHD, and may aid a doctor in determining whether symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is also necessary to rule out conditions that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid problems seizures or hearing or vision issues sleep disorders, as well as food-related issues like lead poisoning or food allergies may have similar effects as ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from psychological and behavioral therapy. Cognitive therapy for behavior, specifically, can help patients change negative thoughts and behavior. This can help reduce stress which can cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can help people better manage their time, enhance their organizational abilities, and learn more effective ways of dealing with stressful situations.
Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD in adults. They appear to regulate and increase the levels of certain brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. These medications can cause serious side effects for some people, especially adolescents and children. These drugs are usually prescribed for short-term use and are not suitable for all people.
Changes in lifestyle and psychotherapy are also options. Many adults suffering from ADHD discover that increasing their physical activity can help them focus better and be more productive. Some people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from improving their organization and planning abilities. Access to Work, a disability support organization, can assist people who are having difficulty maintaining relationships or keeping a job.
Support
When you are properly diagnosed and treated and effectively, you can control the issues that are affecting your daily life. It can also improve your self-image as well as your relationships with family members, friends, and coworkers. It's never too late to seek the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.
Your GP may refer you to a mental health facility that specializes in treating adults with ADHD. It could be a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults with ADHD that can provide 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 or mentors who specialize in helping those with ADHD. However, you must be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions, and there are differences in the quality and knowledge.
The signs of ADHD typically manifest in childhood, but can persist into adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent in males and boys as than women and girls. People with the inattentive subtype of the disorder (formerly referred to 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.
Adult ADHD can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can vary between individuals. A history of difficulties in work, school or relationships can help a doctor find a pattern. A thorough medical history is also helpful. Numerous medical conditions can cause similar symptoms to ADHD The background information can help determine or determine the cause of the symptoms. These include seizures, developmental 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 may also develop comorbidities like anxiety or depression which can make ADHD worse.
Some adults with ADHD are involved in clinical trials to help researchers understand more about the disorder. This could lead to more effective treatments in the future. There are tips to talk with your doctor about taking part in an investigational trial on the NIMH website.