ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD, it can lead to problems throughout your life. You may experience difficulties maintaining relationships and jobs which can lead to frequent job changes or low performance ratings.
It is recommended to first consult your primary care physician for the referral to a health professional who can conduct evaluations for adults with ADHD. Then, you can get an assessment and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder that causes difficulties with staying focussed, paying to one's surroundings and responding to impulses. Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently have issues at school, at work and in their relationships. It's a very common condition, but it can be difficult to recognize since many adults don't remember having symptoms as children, or were misdiagnosed as kids.
adhd diagnosis uk adult seeking to receive a diagnosis should visit a health care professional with experience performing ADHD evaluations in adults. One may ask their doctor for a referral to someone who is specialized in ADHD. They can also call local hospitals that are affiliated with universities, 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 interfere with the individual's life. They will also look at 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 diagnose ADHD, the person must be exhibiting significant impairment in at least two different areas of their lives for example, at work or at home; with friends and family or while engaging in specific activities such as driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be substantial and persistent for a minimum of six month to be considered impaired.
In determining a diagnosis the doctor will also attempt to rule out any other conditions that might cause the same problems as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or addiction disorders. They can also conduct additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or testing for learning disabilities to determine if the person has co-existing disorders.
People who haven't been diagnosed ADHD may feel frustrated that they're not getting the help and support they require. Adults have reported feeling rejoicing and refreshed after obtaining a diagnosis. Others have reported having a lot of regrets about lost opportunities or failures in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms went undiagnosed and untreated. Some 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 hesitant to admit they suffer from ADHD due to the stigma surrounding it.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD are not typically able to overcome the disorder. It can continue to affect them into adulthood, and can have similar effects on work, relationships, family life, and mental health. Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms are prevalent in both adults and children with ADHD. However the symptoms of adults are more severe. For instance, they could impact a person's job performance and cause troublesome relationships. A professional can offer assistance and help.
The first step is to find an expert evaluator who is qualified, like psychiatrist or psychologist. Request recommendations from your friends and family members or look on the internet for experts in your area. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other disorders such as anxiety and depression which must be taken into consideration in their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your evaluator will want to learn as much as they can about your life. A thorough account of your life, especially one that goes back to childhood, can give clues as to whether ADHD symptoms are linked to other conditions. The evaluator will inquire about your physical health and well-being, your growth since early childhood, educational and work experiences and driving history, as well as alcohol and drug abuse and how you deal with stress on a daily day basis.
If your evaluator suspects that you have ADHD they will examine your current symptoms to determine how they impact your daily life. Your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairments in at two different areas. Some examples of impairment include losing your job due to poor time management, getting into financial trouble due to reckless spending, or failing to make payments on time.
You can enhance your ability to manage ADHD symptoms by learning how to manage their issues. For instance you can reduce your stress level by following a regular routine and keeping your calendar clean. You can also get better sleep, avoid eating sugary or caffeinated drinks prior to bed and regularly exercise. Some people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Others take medication to reduce their symptoms.
Treatment
For adults who suspect they are suffering from ADHD the first step is to discuss the issue with a health professional. They can refer you a mental health specialist who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations, or recommend professionals who do this. Certain insurance companies also list professionals by specialty and can assist those who participate in their plans to locate an expert.
The most important aspect in determining ADHD in adults is the person's past. For instance, a doctor might request to review school reports from the person's childhood or ask family members about his or her behaviors in early life. The health care professional will then look for patterns of behavior that could indicate ADHD.
During the process of assessment, the health care professional could also employ one or more standardized rating scales. These questionnaires assess the behavior of a patient with that of people without ADHD and can help a doctor determine whether the symptoms are in line with diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is necessary to rule out illnesses that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Thyroid problems, seizures and issues with hearing and vision can all cause similar symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy and behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular, can help patients change negative thoughts and behaviors. This can help reduce stress which can cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also help people learn how to manage their time better, enhance their skills in organization, and create more effective strategies for dealing with stressful situations.
Stimulants are the most common medications used to treat ADHD in adults. They are believed to boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These medications can cause serious side effects in some individuals, particularly adolescents and children. These drugs are usually prescribed for short-term treatments and are not suitable for everyone.
Other treatments include lifestyle changes as well as psychotherapy. Many adults suffering from ADHD discover that exercising more helps them concentrate better and be more productive. Others with ADHD benefit from learning to improve their organizational and planning capabilities. Access to Work, a disability support organization, can help those who have difficulty maintaining relationships or holding the job they have.
Support
Finding a doctor and receiving a successful treatment can help you deal with issues that affect your daily life. It can also help improve your self-image and improve relationships with family, friends and colleagues. It is never too late to seek a diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
Your GP could recommend a mental health facility that specialises in treating adult ADHD. This may be a Community Mental Health Service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
Support groups for adults with ADHD can provide advice and a sense of community. You can join online discussion forums and share your experiences with others. There are coaches or mentors who specialize in helping people with ADHD. However, it is important to be aware that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated and there are variations in quality and expertise.
adhd in adults diagnosis begin in the early years of childhood, but they can last throughout adulthood. The disorder is more common for men and boys in comparison to women and girls. People who suffer from the inattentive type of the disorder (formerly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are more likely to be diagnosed than those who suffer from 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 can be difficult diagnose because symptoms vary from one person to another. A doctor can find patterns in a patient's history of issues at school, work or in relationships. A thorough medical history is also helpful. Many medical conditions can cause similar symptoms as ADHD A thorough medical history can help to rule out or identify other possible causes of the symptoms. These include developmental disorders, seizure disorders depression, anxiety, substance abuse and certain medications.
Untreated ADHD may develop a poor self-image and low self-esteem because of persistent frustration and failure. They may also develop compulsive disorders like depression or anxiety, which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Adults suffering from ADHD may participate in clinical trials that aid researchers to better understand the disorder. This can lead to better treatments in the future. There are tips to talk with your doctor about participating in clinical trials on the NIMH website.