ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD, it can lead to problems throughout your life. You may struggle to maintain relationships and employment, resulting in frequent job changes and/or low performance ratings.
You should first ask your primary care physician for an appointment with an expert in health care who conducts assessments for adults with ADHD. You will then receive a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause problems in staying focused, paying close to one's surroundings and responding to impulses. Adults with ADHD typically have difficulties at work, school and in their relationships. It's a very common condition, but can be difficult for adults to diagnose, since they may not recall the symptoms they experienced as children or have been misdiagnosed.
A person seeking to receive a diagnosis should visit a health care professional with experience performing ADHD evaluations in adults. A person may ask their doctor for a referral to someone who specializes in ADHD. You can also request a referral by calling local universities, medical schools, or graduate schools.
When conducting an evaluation of adults, a doctor will take into consideration how long symptoms have been present and if they have affected the life of the patient. They will also look at whether the underlying 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, one must exhibit significant impairment in two aspects of their life. This includes at home or at work, as well as with family and friends or in particular activities such as driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be significant and persistent for a minimum of six months before being considered impaired.
When making a diagnosis, the doctor will also try to rule out other conditions that could cause the same problems as ADHD like depression, anxiety, or other substance use disorders. They can also conduct additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities to determine if a person has co-existing disorders.
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may feel frustrated that they're not receiving the assistance and support they require. Some adults have reported feeling a sense of relief and renewed energy after they are finally able to be diagnosed. Others report having many regrets about failed opportunities or failures in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms went undiagnosed and untreated. Some people with ADHD are reluctant to admit they have ADHD particularly women who were deemed female at birth. Others are hesitant because of the stigma associated with it.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD aren't able to overcome the condition. It can persist throughout adulthood and have similar effects on relationships at work, family life, and mental health. Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are present in both adults and children with ADHD however, the signs tend to be more severe in adults. For example, they may affect a person's work performance and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can help with treatment and support.
The first step is finding an expert evaluator who is qualified, for example, a psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask your friends and family for recommendations or go online to locate professionals in your area. Many people suffering from ADHD also have other conditions like anxiety and depression which should be considered in their treatment and diagnosis.
Your evaluator is likely to know as much about your life as they can. A detailed history of your life, especially one that spans from childhood, can give clues to determine if ADHD symptoms are connected to other disorders. Your evaluator might inquire about your physical health and well-being, your growth in the early years of your life, experiences in school and at work and driving history, as well as drinking and drug use and how you handle stress on a regular on a daily basis.
If the person who evaluated you suspects that you have ADHD then they will evaluate your symptoms to determine the extent to which they impact your daily routine. To be considered a diagnosed patient, your symptoms must be significant enough to cause impairment in at least two major settings. Examples of impairment could include losing a job because of inadequate time management, falling into financial trouble due to impulsive spending or failing to pay on time, or having interpersonal problems in your relationship due to communication issues.
You can improve your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning how to manage the challenges they create. You can lower stress levels by keeping a schedule and following a routine. Additionally, you can get more sleep, avoid eating sugary or caffeinated drinks before bed, and exercise regularly. Certain people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Others use medications to manage their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who think they may have ADHD is to speak with their health medical 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 are able to do this. Some insurance companies also list specialists by specialization and assist those who participate in their plans to locate a specialist.
The most important factor in diagnosing ADHD in adults is the person's past. A doctor might, for example, ask to see the child's school report card or interview family regarding the child's early behavior. The health care professional can then look for signs of behavior that could indicate the diagnosis of ADHD.
During the assessment the health care professional can also utilize one of several standardized rating scales. adhd adult diagnosis uk compare the behavior of the patient with those of people who don't have ADHD and may help the doctor determine whether or not symptoms fit diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is required to rule out other illnesses that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid issues seizures, hearing and vision issues sleep disorders, and other dietary issues like lead poisoning or food allergies can all have similar effects to ADHD.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be beneficial for adults with ADHD. Cognitive therapy for behavior, specifically, can help patients change negative thoughts and behavior. This can reduce stress, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also help people learn how to manage their time better, improve their skills in organization, and create more effective coping strategies to deal with stressful situations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are typically treated with stimulants. They appear to regulate and increase the levels of certain brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. However, these medications can cause serious side effects for some people, particularly teenagers and children. They are usually prescribed for short-term treatment and are not suitable for everyone.
Other treatment options include lifestyle changes and psychotherapy. For example, some adults who suffer from ADHD find that increasing physical exercise can help them focus and be more productive. Other people with ADHD benefit from learning how to improve their organization and planning abilities. Access to Work, a disability support group, can aid those who have difficulty maintaining relationships or retaining a job.
Support
When you are properly diagnosed and treated it is possible to manage the problems that affect your life. It can also help improve your self-image and improve relationships with your family, friends, and colleagues. It's never too late to get the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.
Your GP might recommend an expert mental health service that specializes in treating adult ADHD. This could be a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
Support groups for adults suffering from ADHD can provide advice and a community-like feeling. You can also join online forums and talk with other members about their experiences. There are coaches or mentors who specialize in helping those with ADHD. However, it is important to be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions, and there are differences in the quality and expertise.
Symptoms of ADHD typically manifest in childhood, but can last throughout adulthood. The disorder is more common among males and boys than women and girls. The inattentive type (formerly known as attention deficit disorder hyperactivity) is more prevalent 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 history of problems in school, work or in relationships can help a physician to identify patterns. A thorough medical history may also be useful. The history can be used to rule out or identify possible causes. These include developmental disorders, seizure disorders anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and certain medications.
A person with untreated ADHD may develop a poor self-image and low self-esteem because of persistent frustration and failure. They may also develop disorders like depression or anxiety which can cause ADHD worse.
Adults suffering from ADHD may participate in clinical trials that help researchers better understand the disorder. This can lead to improved treatments in the future. On the NIMH site, you can get some suggestions on how to talk with your doctor about participating in a study.