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 can lead to frequent job changes or low performance ratings.
You should first ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a health care professional who can conduct evaluations for adults with ADHD. You can then get an assessment and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that makes it difficult to stay focused, paying attention and responding to impulses. Adults with ADHD often have trouble at school, work and in their relationships. It's a widespread disorder however, it can be difficult to diagnose because many adults don't remember having symptoms as children or being misdiagnosed as kids.
A person seeking an evaluation for ADHD in adults should speak with a health care provider with experience in ADHD evaluations. A person may ask their doctor for a referral to a specialist who specializes in ADHD. You can also ask for a referral by calling local medical schools, universities, or graduate schools.
In evaluating adults, a doctor will consider how long the symptoms have been present and how they impact the individual's life. They will also examine whether the ADHD symptoms were present in the early years of 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 patient must be exhibiting significant impairment in at least two areas of their lives like at work or at home; with friends and family; or when engaging in specific activities like driving or playing sports. Impairment means the symptoms cause significant difficulty and last for at least six months.
When making a diagnosis, the clinician will also try to rule out other illnesses that could trigger similar problems to ADHD for instance depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders. They can also conduct additional mental, learning or neuropsychological testing to determine if the person suffers from a co-existing disorder.
People who haven't been diagnosed with ADHD might be frustrated because they aren't getting the help and support that they need. Adults have reported feeling relieved and renewed after finally getting a diagnosis. Some adults regret missed opportunities or failures because their ADHD symptoms were not diagnosed and untreated. Certain people with ADHD have a hard time admitting to themselves that they suffer from the disorder, especially women who are assigned female at birth (AFAB). Some people are reluctant to admit that they suffer from ADHD because of the stigma surrounding it.
Signs and symptoms
Like children, adults with ADHD do not typically overcome their condition. It can continue to affect them throughout adulthood and have similar impacts on relationships, work, family life, and mental health. Hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity symptoms are prevalent in both adults and children suffering from 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 assist with treatment and counseling.
The first step is to locate an accredited evaluator, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask read here and family for recommendations or use the internet to find professionals in your area. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other illnesses like anxiety and depression which must be considered in their treatment and diagnosis.
Your evaluator will want to learn as much about your life as is possible. A detailed account of your life, especially one that spans from childhood, can provide clues as to whether ADHD symptoms are related to other issues. Your evaluator may ask about your physical health and well-being, your development since early childhood, educational and work experiences, driving history, alcohol and drug abuse and how you handle stress on a regular on a daily basis.
If the person who evaluated you suspects that you have ADHD the person will examine your symptoms to determine the extent to which they interfere with your daily life. For a diagnosis, your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairment in at least two major situations. Some examples of impairment include losing your job due to poor time management, falling into financial trouble due to impulsive spending, or failing to make payments on time.
You can increase your ability to manage ADHD symptoms by learning to manage their issues. You can reduce stress by establishing a clear plan and following a regular routine. Also, you can get enough sleep, avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods before bedtime, and do regular exercise. Certain people suffering from ADHD discover that psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy helps them manage their symptoms, while 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 talk with a health care provider. They can refer you to a mental health professional who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations or provide suggestions for professionals who are able to do this. Certain insurance companies also provide professionals by specialty and can assist those who take part in their plans to locate an expert.
The most crucial factor in diagnosing ADHD in adults is the person's history. For example, a doctor might request to review school reports from the person's childhood or interview relatives about his or her behaviors in the beginning of their lives. The health care professional will then look for patterns in the behavior that could be indicative of ADHD.
During the assessment, the health care provider can also use one or several rating scales that are standardized. These tests compare the patient's behavior to those of people who don't have ADHD and can aid the doctor in determining whether or not symptoms fit diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is also required to rule out other conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. The thyroid, seizures, as well as hearing and vision problems can all be associated with similar effects.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy and behavioral therapy. Particularly, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients overcome their negative thoughts and behaviors. This can reduce stress which can cause 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 for dealing with stressful situations.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulants. They are believed to increase and balance the levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. However, these medications can have serious side effects for some individuals, especially adolescents and children. They are typically prescribed for short-term treatment and are not suitable for everyone.
Psychotherapy and lifestyle changes are alternatives. Many adults suffering from ADHD discover that increasing their physical activity helps them concentrate better and be more productive. Others with ADHD benefit from learning to improve their organizational and planning capabilities. In addition, some people who are having difficulty keeping jobs or maintain relationships can get assistance through a disability-related support service like Access to Work.
Support
When you are properly diagnosed and treated and effectively, you can control the problems that affect your life. It can also improve your self-image as well as your relationships with your family as well as your friends and colleagues. It's never too late to get an assessment and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP might refer you to an expert mental health service that specializes in treating adults with ADHD. This could be an Community Mental Health Service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
Support groups for adults suffering from ADHD can provide advice and a sense of community. You can join online forums and talk with others about their experiences. There are coaches and mentors that specialize in helping people 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.
The signs of ADHD typically appear in childhood, but they can persist throughout adulthood. The disorder is more common for men and boys than girls and women. The inattentive type (formerly known as hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder) 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 can be difficult to diagnose adult ADHD because the symptoms differ from person to. A doctor can find patterns in a patient's past of issues at school, work or with relationships. A complete medical history is also useful. The medical history can be used to rule out or pinpoint possible causes. These include developmental disorders, seizure disorders, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can result in the sufferer developing a low self-esteem and negative self-image because of disappointment and failure. They could also develop comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Some adults with ADHD are involved in clinical trials to help researchers understand more about the disorder. This can lead to improved treatments in the future. There are tips to talk with your doctor about taking part in clinical trials on the NIMH website.