ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have untreated ADHD it could lead to issues in all aspects of your life. You may find it difficult to maintain relationships as well as employment. This can lead to frequent job changes or low performance ratings.
Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a health professional who can evaluate adults suffering from ADHD. You will then be able to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that makes it difficult to stay focused, paying attention and acting on impulses. Adults suffering from ADHD often have trouble at work, school and in their relationships. It's a fairly common disorder, but it can be difficult for adults to diagnose, since they may not recall symptoms as children or have been incorrectly diagnosed.
A person seeking to be diagnosed with ADHD must see a health care professional with experience in conducting ADHD evaluations in adults. Requesting a doctor 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 request an appointment.
When evaluating adults, the doctor will consider how long the symptoms have been present and how they impact the life of the patient. They will also look at whether the primary ADHD symptoms have existed 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, one must show significant impairment in two aspects of their life. These include at home at work, in the company, with friends and family or in particular activities such as driving or playing sports. Impairment means that the symptoms cause significant difficulties and have been present for at least six months.
The clinician will also rule out any other conditions that could cause the same symptoms as ADHD, like depression, anxiety or addiction disorders. They can also conduct additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests to determine if a patient has co-existing disorder.
People who haven't been diagnosed with ADHD might be frustrated because they're not receiving the assistance and support that they need. Some adults have felt a sense of relief and renewal after they are finally able to get a diagnosis. Some adults regret missing opportunities or failed to realize their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and treated. Certain people with ADHD have a hard time admitting that they have the disorder, particularly women who were born female (AFAB). Others are hesitant because of the stigma that surrounds it.
Symptoms
Unlike children, adults with ADHD don't typically outgrow their condition. It persists into adulthood and can have the same impact on their work, friendships and family life, as well as their mental health. Signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are present in both children and adults with ADHD however, the signs are often more serious in adults. For instance, they can impact a person's job performance and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can assist with treatment and support.
The first step is to locate an expert evaluator who is qualified, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask for recommendations from friends and family or search on the internet for professionals in your area. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other illnesses like anxiety and depression, that must be considered in their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your evaluator will want to know as much as possible about your life. A thorough account of your life, especially one that goes back to childhood, could provide clues to determine if ADHD symptoms are connected to other disorders. The person evaluating you will likely inquire about your physical and mental health, your growth from childhood as well as your academic and work experience, driving history, any drug or alcohol abuse, and how you handle stress in your daily life.
If your evaluator suspects you suffer from ADHD they will evaluate your current symptoms to determine how they impact your daily routine. Your symptoms must be sufficient to cause impairments in at least two areas. Some examples of impairment are losing your job because of poor time management, getting into financial difficulties because of impulsive spending, or failing to make payments on time.
You can enhance your ability to manage ADHD symptoms by learning how to manage their issues. You can reduce stress by keeping a clear schedule and following a regular routine. You can also get better sleep, avoid eating sugary or caffeinated foods close to bedtime and regularly exercise. Some people with ADHD discover that psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy helps them to manage their symptoms, and others take medication to lessen the impact of their symptoms.
Treatment
If you are an adult and suspect that you are suffering from ADHD, the first step is to speak with a health professional. They can refer you a mental health specialist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments, or suggest specialists who can perform this. Certain insurance companies also provide specialists by specialization and assist those who participate in their plans to find the right specialist.
The background of the adult is vital in diagnosing ADHD. For example, a doctor might request to review school report cards from the individual's childhood or interview family members about their behavior during the early years of life. The health professional could analyze signs of behavior that could indicate a diagnosis of ADHD.
During the assessment the health professional can also utilize one of several standardized rating scales. These questionnaires compare the patient's behavior with the behavior of those who do not have ADHD and may aid the doctor in determining whether or not the symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria.
Additionally an examination by a doctor is usually necessary to determine if there are medical conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. For instance, thyroid issues, seizures, hearing and vision issues, sleep disorders, and food-related issues like food allergies or lead poisoning can all have similar effects to ADHD.
adhd diagnosis uk adult with ADHD can benefit from psychological and behavioral therapy. Particularly, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients overcome their negative thoughts and behaviors. This can help reduce stress, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also help people learn how to manage their time better, enhance their organizational skills, and develop more effective strategies for dealing with stressful situations.
Stimulants are the most popular medications used to treat ADHD in adults. They can increase and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These drugs can cause serious side effects in certain people, particularly adolescents and children. These drugs are usually used for short-term treatment and are not suitable for all people.
Other treatments include lifestyle changes and psychotherapy. Many adults suffering from ADHD find that a greater amount of physical activity helps them concentrate better and be more productive. Certain people with ADHD might benefit from enhancing their organizational and planning abilities. In addition, some people who struggle to keep jobs or maintaining relationships can seek help through a disability support program such as Access to Work.
Support
Diagnosed and treated effectively and effectively, you can control the symptoms that are interfering with your life. It can also help improve your self-image as well as your relationships with your family, friends, and coworkers. It's never too late to seek an assessment or treatment for ADHD.
Your GP can refer you to a mental health service that specializes in treating adult ADHD. It could be a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
Support groups for adults with ADHD can provide guidance and a community-like feeling. You can also join online discussion forums and discuss your experiences with other people. There are also coaches and mentors that specialize in helping those suffering from ADHD. It is important to be aware, however, that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated jobs and there are some differences in quality and expertise.
ADHD symptoms typically begin in the early years of childhood, but they can last until adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent in boys and men than women and girls. The inattentive type (formerly known as hyperactivity disorder causing attention deficit) 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.
It isn't easy to identify adult ADHD because symptoms vary from person to person. A doctor can find patterns in a patient's history of difficulties at school, work or with relationships. A complete medical history is also useful. The history can be used to rule out or pinpoint possible causes. 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 due to constant frustration and failure. They could also develop compulsive disorders like depression or anxiety, which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Adults with ADHD could be involved in clinical trials that aid researchers to better understand the disorder. This can lead to better treatments in the near future. You can find tips to talk with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial on the NIMH website.