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ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in every area of your life. You may have difficulty maintaining relationships and employment and may result in frequent job changes or low performance ratings.
Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a medical professional who can evaluate adults suffering from ADHD. After that, you will receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause problems in staying focused, paying to one's surroundings and responding to impulses. Adults with ADHD have difficulties at work, at school and in their relationships. It's a very common condition however it isn't always easy to identify because a lot of adults don't recall having symptoms as children, or were mistakenly diagnosed as children.
Anyone seeking a diagnosis of ADHD in adults must consult a health care provider with expertise in ADHD evaluations. Asking a doctor to refer you to someone who is an ADHD specialist can be done by a doctor. They can also call local hospitals that are affiliated with universities, medical schools, or graduate schools to ask for recommendations.
When interviewing adults, a therapist will consider how long symptoms have been present and if they have interfered with the person's life. They will also consider whether the primary 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 diagnose ADHD to be diagnosed, the patient must be exhibiting significant impairment in at least two aspects of their lives for example, at work or home or with family and friends; or when engaging in specific activities such as driving or playing sports. Impairment means the symptoms cause significant problems and have lasted for at least six months.
adult diagnosis adhd will also rule out any other conditions that could cause the same symptoms as ADHD, like anxiety, depression, or substance abuse disorders. They can also conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities to determine if the patient has co-existing disorders.
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may be unhappy because they're not receiving the help and support they need. Adults have reported feeling happy and rejuvenated after receiving an diagnosis. Some adults regret missing opportunities or failed to realize their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and not treated. Certain people with ADHD are hesitant about admitting to themselves that they have the disorder, particularly women who are assigned female at birth (AFAB). Some are reluctant due to the stigma that surrounds it.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to overcome the disorder. It is a condition that persists into adulthood and can have similar effects on their relationships, work and family life, as well as their mental health. Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are present in both adults and children suffering from ADHD. However the symptoms for adults are more severe. They can affect the person's performance at work and cause troubled relationships. A professional can offer support and treatment.
The first step is to find a qualified evaluator, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask your family and friends for recommendations or go online to find professionals in your area. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other disorders like anxiety and depression, which should be considered in their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator is likely to learn as much information about your life as possible. A thorough history, particularly one that stretches across your entire childhood, can provide clues as to whether your ADHD symptoms are linked to any other disorders. Your evaluator may ask about your physical health and well-being, your growth since early childhood, experiences in school and at work and driving history, as well as drug and alcohol abuse, and how you handle stress on a regular day basis.
If the person who evaluated you suspects that you are suffering from ADHD, he or she will examine your symptoms to determine the extent to which they affect your daily life. Your symptoms must be sufficient to cause impairments in at two different areas. Examples of impairment include losing your job due to poor time management, getting into financial difficulties due to reckless spending, or failing to make payments on time.
You can increase your ability to manage ADHD symptoms by learning to cope with their challenges. You can lower stress levels by keeping a schedule and following a regular routine. You can also get better sleep, avoid eating sweet or caffeinated foods prior to bed and exercise regularly. Certain people suffering from ADHD discover that psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy can help them manage their symptoms, whereas others use medication to reduce the impact of their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who suspect that they may have ADHD is to consult with their health medical professional. They can refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations, or recommend specialists who are experts in this. Certain insurance companies also list specialists in their specialties and help those who are part of their plans to locate a specialist.
The background of the adult is essential in diagnosing ADHD. A doctor may ask, for instance, to examine the child's school report card or interview family about the child's early behavior. The health professional could then examine patterns of behavior that indicate a diagnosis of ADHD.
During the assessment the health professional can also utilize one of several standardized rating scales. These tests compare the behavior of the patient with those of people who do not have ADHD and can help the doctor determine whether or not symptoms meet diagnostic criteria.
A medical exam is necessary to rule out conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid problems, seizures hearing and vision problems sleep disorders, and food-related issues like food allergies or lead poisoning can all have similar effects to ADHD.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be helpful for adults suffering from ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular helps patients overcome negative attitudes and behaviors. This can help reduce stress, which can often 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.
Stimulants are the most common medications used to treat ADHD in adults. They seem to increase and balance the levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. However, these medications can cause serious adverse reactions for some people, particularly children and teens. They are usually prescribed for short-term treatment and are not appropriate for everyone.
Lifestyle changes and psychotherapy are also options. For instance, some adults with ADHD find that exercising more regularly can help them focus and be more productive. Some people with ADHD may benefit from enhancing their planning and organization skills. Access to Work, a disability support group, can aid those who have difficulty maintaining relationships or keeping a job.
Support
If you are diagnosed and treated properly and effectively, you can control the symptoms that are interfering with your daily life. It can also help improve your self-image and improve relationships with your family, friends, and coworkers. It's never too late to seek the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.
Your GP might refer you to an individual mental health provider that is specialized in treating adult ADHD. This could be a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults suffering from ADHD that can provide advice and a sense of community. You can join online discussion forums and share your experiences with others. There are coaches and mentors who specialize in helping people with ADHD. However, you must be aware that coaching and mentoring are self-regulated professions, and there are differences in the quality and knowledge.
The symptoms of ADHD typically manifest in childhood, but may persist into adulthood. The disorder is more common in males and boys as 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.
Adult ADHD can be difficult diagnose because the symptoms differ between individuals. A doctor can find patterns in a patient's past of problems at school, work or with relationships. A thorough medical history is also helpful. 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 people developing low self-esteem and negative self-image as a result of disappointment and failure. They may also develop disorders like depression or anxiety which can make ADHD worse.
Adults with ADHD could be involved in clinical trials to help researchers better understand the disorder. This could lead to better treatments in the future. On the NIMH site, you will find some tips on how to speak with your doctor about participating in a study.
