ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can create problems in all aspects of your life. You may find it difficult to maintain relationships and work. This could result in frequent changes in jobs or poor performance ratings.
Ask your primary care doctor to recommend you to a health professional who can assess adults with ADHD. You will then receive an assessment and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that causes problems staying focused and paying attention. It also causes difficulty in responding to impulses. Adults suffering from ADHD typically have difficulties at school, work and in their relationships. It is a common disorder however it can be difficult to recognize because a lot of adults don't recall having symptoms as children or being misdiagnosed as kids.
Anyone seeking a diagnosis of ADHD in adults should speak with a health care provider with expertise in ADHD evaluations. A person can ask their personal doctor for a referral to a specialist who is specialized in ADHD. They can also call local medical schools or graduate schools to ask for an appointment.
When conducting an evaluation of adults, a doctor will consider how long symptoms have been present and whether they have negatively affected the person's life. They will also determine if the root of the ADHD symptoms have been present 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, the person must be exhibiting significant impairment in at least two areas of their life for example, at work or home as well as with family and friends; or when 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.
When determining a diagnosis, the doctor will also try to rule out any other conditions that could cause the same issues as ADHD for instance depression, anxiety or addiction disorders. They can also conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing to determine if a person has co-existing disorders.
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might be feeling frustrated because they're not getting the help and support they require. Adults have reported feeling happy and renewed after finally getting the diagnosis. Others have reported having a lot of regrets about failed opportunities or failures in their lives because their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and untreated. Some people with ADHD are reluctant to admit they suffer from ADHD, especially women who were assigned a female at birth. Some people are hesitant to admit they have ADHD because of the stigma that surrounds it.
Symptoms
As opposed to children, adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to overcome their condition. It can continue to affect them into adulthood, and have similar impacts on relationships, work family life, and mental health. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are present in both adults and children with ADHD, but the symptoms are often more serious in adults. For example, they may affect the performance of a worker and lead to troubled relationships. A professional can assist with treatment and help.
The first step is to find an expert evaluator who is qualified, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask for recommendations from family members and family or search online for professionals in your area. Many people who suffer from ADHD are also suffering from other illnesses like anxiety and depression, which should be considered in their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator will wish to learn as much information about your life as possible. A thorough account of your life, especially one that goes back to childhood, could provide clues about whether ADHD symptoms are related to other issues. Your evaluator is likely to inquire about your physical and emotional health, your development that began in early childhood as well as your academic and work experiences, driving history, any substance or alcohol use, and how you deal with stress in your everyday life.
If your evaluator suspects that you may have ADHD, they will assess your current symptoms to determine if they interfere with your daily routine. For a diagnosis to be granted, your symptoms need to be significant enough to cause impairment in at least two major settings. Examples of impairment include losing a job because of inadequate time management, falling in financial trouble as a result of reckless spending or inability to pay on time, and relationships that are strained due to communication issues.
You can enhance your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning how to manage the challenges they pose. For example, you can reduce your stress level by following an established routine and keeping your schedule clean. Additionally, you can get more sleep, avoid eating sugary or caffeinated drinks close to bedtime and regularly exercise. Certain people suffering from 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 may refer you to an expert in mental health that is skilled in adult ADHD assessments or offer recommendations for professionals who do so. Certain insurance companies list professionals according to their specialties and can assist those who are part of their plans to locate an expert.
The background of the adult is crucial in diagnosing ADHD. A doctor could ask to examine the child's school report card or speak with family about the child's behavior in the beginning. The health professional could analyze patterns of behavior that suggest a diagnosis of ADHD.
During the examination the health professional can also utilize one of several scales of rating that are standardized. These tests compare the behavior of the patient with the behavior of those who do not have ADHD and can help the doctor determine whether or not symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria.
Additionally, a medical examination is typically required to rule out medical conditions that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid problems, seizures hearing and vision problems sleep disorders, as well as other dietary issues like lead poisoning or food allergies can have similar effects to ADHD.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy and behavioral therapy. Particularly, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients to change their negative thoughts and behavior. This can decrease stress, which may cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can help people better manage their time, improve their organization abilities, and learn more effective ways to deal with stressful situations.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used treatments for ADHD in adults. They can increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These drugs can cause serious side effects for some people, especially children and teenagers. These drugs are usually prescribed for short-term treatments and are not suitable for all people.
Other treatments include lifestyle changes and psychotherapy. Some adults with ADHD discover that exercising more can help them focus more effectively and become more productive. Others with ADHD benefit from learning to improve their organization and planning capabilities. Access to Work, a disability support group, can aid people who are having difficulty maintaining relationships or holding the job they have.
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 your relationships with family, friends and colleagues. It is never too late to get the diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
Your GP may refer you to a mental service that specializes in treating adult ADHD. This may be a Community Mental Health Service or an specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults suffering from ADHD that can provide advice and a sense that you are part of a community. You can also join online discussion forums and share your experiences with others. There are coaches and mentors who specialize in helping people with ADHD. However, adhd diagnosis uk adults must be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions, and there are differences in the quality and expertise.
ADHD symptoms usually start in childhood, but they can continue well into adulthood. The disorder is more common for men and boys than women and girls. People who suffer from the inattentive type of the disorder (formerly called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are more likely to be diagnosed as compared to those who have 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 diagnose because the symptoms differ from one person to the next. A doctor can find patterns in the history of a patient of difficulties at work, school or with relationships. A complete medical history can also be helpful. The medical history can be used to rule out or pinpoint possible causes. 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 constant frustration and failure. They might also experience comorbidities such as depression or anxiety that can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Adults suffering from ADHD could be involved in clinical trials that aid researchers to better understand the disorder. This can result in better treatments in the future. You can find helpful tips for talking with your doctor about taking part in clinical trials on the NIMH website.