ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD, it can cause problems in all areas of your life. You may struggle to maintain relationships and work, resulting in frequent job changes or low performance ratings.
You should first consult your primary care physician for an appointment with a health professional who performs evaluations for adults with ADHD. You will then be able to 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 school, work and in their relationships. It's a very common condition, but it can be difficult for adults to diagnose because they may not be able to recall the symptoms they experienced as children or have been wrongly diagnosed.
A person who is seeking a diagnosis of ADHD in adults must consult an experienced health professional with expertise in ADHD evaluations. A person 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 ask for a recommendation.
In evaluating adults, a clinician will look at how long the symptoms have been present and how they impact the life of the patient. 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 be diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, the person must show significant impairment in two areas of their lives. These include at home at work, in the company, with friends and family or in certain activities like driving or playing sports. More must be significant and persistent for a minimum of six month to be considered impaired.
When making a diagnosis, the doctor will also try to rule out other illnesses that could trigger the same problems as ADHD like anxiety, depression or addiction disorders. They may also do additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or learning disabilities tests to determine if the patient has co-existing disorders.
People who haven't been diagnosed ADHD may be frustrated that they're not getting the help and support that they need. Some adults have felt a sense of satisfaction and renewal once they finally get a diagnosis. Others have reported having many regrets over lost opportunities or failures in their lives because their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and untreated. Certain people with ADHD struggle with admitting that they have the disorder, especially women who were born female (AFAB). Some people are hesitant to admit they have ADHD because of the stigma surrounding it.
Signs and symptoms
Unlike children, adults with ADHD aren't able to overcome their condition. It can last into adulthood, and can have similar impacts on relationships, work as well as family life and mental health. Hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity symptoms are common in adults and children with ADHD. However, the symptoms in adults are more severe. For instance, they can affect a person's work performance and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can provide treatment and support.
The first step is to locate an accredited evaluator, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask your family and friends for recommendations or go online to locate professionals in your region. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other illnesses such as anxiety and depression, that must be considered in their treatment and diagnosis.
Your evaluator would like to know as much as they can about your life. A detailed account of your life, particularly one that stretches across your entire childhood, can give clues to determine if your ADHD symptoms are connected to any other disorder. The person evaluating you will likely inquire about your physical and emotional health, your progress from childhood as well as your academic and work experience, driving history, any drug or alcohol abuse, and how you deal with stress in your everyday life.
If the evaluator suspects you suffer from ADHD they will evaluate your current symptoms to determine how they impact your daily routine. For a diagnosis to be granted, your symptoms need to be significant enough to cause impairment in at least two important settings. Examples of impairment include losing your job because of inadequate time management, or getting into financial difficulties due to excessive spending, or not making payments on time.
You can increase your ability to manage ADHD symptoms by learning how to manage their issues. You can lower stress levels by establishing a clear plan and following a regular routine. You can also get better sleep, avoid eating sweet or caffeinated food before bed, and regularly exercise. Some people with ADHD discover that cognitive or psychotherapy therapy helps them manage their symptoms, and others take medication to lessen the impact of their symptoms.
Treatment
For adults who suspect they are suffering from ADHD, the first step is to talk with a health professional. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations or offer suggestions for professionals who are able to do this. Certain insurance companies will list professionals according to their specialties and can assist those who are part of their plans find an expert.
The background of the adult is crucial in determining ADHD. For instance, a doctor might ask to look over school report cards from a person's childhood or talk to family members about the person's behavior in early life. The health professional will then search for patterns of behavior that may indicate ADHD.
During the assessment process, the health care professional could also use one or more standardized rating scales. These questionnaires evaluate the patient's behavior with the behavior of those who do not have ADHD and can help the doctor determine whether or not symptoms meet diagnostic criteria.
Additionally an examination by a doctor is typically required to identify medical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Seizures, thyroid problems, as well as hearing and vision problems can all be associated with similar effects.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychological and behavioral therapy. Particularly, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients to change their negative thoughts and behavior. This can 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.
Stimulants are the most popular drugs used to treat ADHD in adults. They appear 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 adolescents and children. These medications are typically prescribed for short-term treatments and are not suitable for all people.
Lifestyle changes and psychotherapy are also options. Some adults with ADHD find that increasing their physical activity helps them concentrate more effectively and become more productive. Certain people with ADHD may benefit from enhancing their organization and planning abilities. Access to Work, a disability support organization, can help those who have difficulty maintaining relationships or retaining the job they have.
Support
Getting diagnosed and receiving effective treatment can help you deal with symptoms that interfere with your 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 for the diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
Your GP can recommend a mental health facility that specializes in treating adult ADHD. This could be a Community Mental Health Service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults with ADHD which can offer advice and a sense of belonging. You can join online forums and talk to others about their experiences. There are coaches and mentors who specialise in helping those suffering from ADHD. However, you must be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions, and there are a variety of quality and expertise.
ADHD symptoms usually start in childhood, but they can continue throughout adulthood. The disorder is more common for men and boys compared to girls and women. The inattentive subtype of the condition (formerly known as 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.
It can be difficult to determine adult ADHD because the symptoms differ from person to person. A history of problems in school, at work or in relationships can help a physician find a pattern. A thorough medical history may be helpful. The history can be used to determine if or pinpoint possible causes. These include seizures, developmental disorders anxiety, depression, substance abuse and certain medications.
A person with untreated ADHD can develop a poor self-image and low self-esteem because of persistent frustration and failure. They could also develop comorbidities such as depression or anxiety that can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Adults with ADHD could be involved in clinical trials to help researchers better understand the disorder. This can lead to better treatments in the future. On the NIMH site, you can learn some helpful tips on how to talk with your doctor about taking part in a study.