ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment

If you're suffering from untreated ADHD it could cause problems throughout your life. You may have difficulty maintaining relationships and jobs which can lead to frequent job changes and/or low ratings for performance.

Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a health professional who can examine adults with ADHD. You can then get an assessment and treatment plan.

Diagnosis

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause problems with staying focused, paying attention, and responding to impulses. Adults who suffer from ADHD have difficulty at work, in school and in their relationships. It's a common disorder but can be difficult for adults to diagnose, since they may not recall symptoms as children or have been wrongly diagnosed.

Anyone who is seeking a diagnosis must visit a health care professional with experience performing ADHD evaluations in adults. A person could ask their physician for a referral to a doctor who is an expert in ADHD. You can also request a referral by contacting local medical schools, universities, or graduate schools.

When conducting an evaluation of adults, a doctor will look at how long the symptoms have been present and whether they have interfered with the person'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, a person must exhibit significant impairment in two aspects of life. These include at home at work, in the company, with friends and family, or in specific activities such as driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be substantial and persistent for at least six months to be deemed impaired.

The clinician will also rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like anxiety, depression or addiction disorders. diagnosed with adhd may also perform additional psychological, learning disabilities or neuropsychological testing to determine if a person has co-existing disorder.

Individuals who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may be dissatisfied because they're not receiving the support and assistance they require. Some adults have experienced a sense satisfaction and renewal once they finally receive a diagnosis. Others say they have a lot of regrets about the opportunities they missed or the failures they made in their lives due to the fact that their ADHD symptoms went undiagnosed and untreated. Certain people with ADHD are hesitant about admitting 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.

Symptoms

Adults with ADHD tend not to overcome the disorder. It continues to affect them throughout their lives and can have the same impact on their work, friendships, family life and mental health. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are seen in both adults and children with ADHD however, the signs tend to be more severe in adults. For instance, they can affect the performance of a worker and lead to troubled relationships. A professional can provide support and help.

The first step is to find an accredited evaluator, like psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask your friends and family for recommendations or search online to locate professionals in your area. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other illnesses like anxiety and depression which should be considered in their diagnosis and treatment plan.

Your evaluator will wish to learn as much information about your life as they can. A detailed history, especially one that covers your childhood, can give clues to whether your ADHD symptoms are related to any other disorders. Your evaluator may ask about your physical health and emotional well-being, your growth from childhood, your experiences in school and at work including driving history, drug and alcohol abuse, and how you handle stress on a daily basis.

If your evaluator suspects you may have ADHD they will evaluate your current symptoms to determine if they interfere with your daily routine. Your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairments in at least two areas. Examples of impairment include losing your job due to poor time management skills, or getting into financial trouble due to excessive spending or failure to make payments on time, or having interpersonal problems in your relationship due to communication issues.

You can increase your ability to manage ADHD symptoms by learning to deal with their challenges. You can lower stress levels by establishing a clear plan and observing a routine. You can also get more sleep, avoid eating sweet or caffeinated food before bed, and exercise regularly. Some people with ADHD find that psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy helps them manage their symptoms, while others use medication to reduce the effects of their symptoms.

Treatment

The first step for adults who suspect they might be suffering from ADHD is to speak with their health healthcare provider. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is skilled in adult ADHD assessments or offer recommendations for professionals who perform such evaluations. Certain insurance companies will provide professionals based on their specialties, and can assist those who are part of their plans to find an expert.

The history of the adult is essential in diagnosing ADHD. A doctor may ask to examine the child's school report card or speak with family about the child's early behavior. The health professional will then look for patterns in the behavior that could be indicative of ADHD.

During the evaluation the health care professional can also utilize one of several standardized rating scales. These questionnaires assess a patient's behavior with the behavior of those who don't have ADHD and can help a doctor determine if symptoms meet diagnostic criteria.

A medical examination is essential to rule out any conditions that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Seizures, thyroid problems, as well as hearing and vision problems can all have similar effects.

Psychological and behavioral therapy can be beneficial for adults with ADHD. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients change their negative thoughts and behaviors. This can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also help people learn how to manage their time better, improve their ability to organize their lives, and develop more effective coping mechanisms to deal with stressful situations.

Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulants. They appear to increase and balance the levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. However, these drugs may cause serious side effects for certain individuals, particularly teenagers and children. They are typically prescribed for short-term use and are not appropriate for everyone.

Psychotherapy and lifestyle changes are also options. For instance, some adults who suffer from ADHD discover that exercising more can help them focus and be more productive. Certain people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from improving their organizational and planning abilities. Additionally, those who struggle to keep jobs or maintain relationships can benefit through a disability-related support service like Access to Work.

Support

Diagnosed and treated effectively it is possible to manage the problems that affect your life. It can also make a difference in your self-image and improve relationships with your family, friends and colleagues. It's never too late to seek an assessment or treatment for ADHD.

Your GP may recommend an individual mental health provider that is specialized in treating adult ADHD. It could be a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.

Support groups for adults suffering from ADHD can provide guidance and a sense of community. You can also join online forums and chat with other members about their experiences. There are coaches and mentors that specialize in helping people suffering from ADHD. However, you should be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions, and there are variations in quality and competence.

Symptoms of ADHD typically manifest in the early years of childhood, but may persist throughout adulthood. The disorder is more common among males and boys than girls and women. The inattentive type (formerly known as hyperactivity disorder causing attention deficit) 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.

Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis because symptoms vary from one person to the next. A doctor may spot patterns in a patient's history of problems at school, work or in relationships. A thorough medical history is also useful. The medical history can be used to rule out or identify possible causes. These include developmental disorders, seizure disorders anxiety, depression as well as certain medications.

Untreated ADHD can lead to the sufferer developing a low self-esteem and negative self-image due to frustration and failure. They may also develop comorbidities such as depression or anxiety, which can make ADHD symptoms worse.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD take part in clinical trials to help researchers learn more about the disorder. This can help in developing better treatments in the near future. There are tips to talk with your doctor about participating in clinical trials on the NIMH website.
diagnosed with adhd