ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can create problems in all aspects of your life. You may struggle to maintain relationships and work and may result in frequent job changes and/or low ratings for performance.
Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a medical professional who can assess adults suffering from ADHD. You will then receive a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is an neurodevelopmental disorder that causes difficulties with staying focused, paying attention, and responding to impulses. Adults with ADHD are often troubled at work, in school as well as in their relationships. It's a very common condition however, it can be difficult to diagnose because a lot of adults don't recall having symptoms as children, or were mistakenly diagnosed as children.
A person seeking to receive a diagnosis should visit a health care professional with experience performing ADHD evaluations in adults. The patient can ask their personal doctor for a referral to a specialist who is an expert in ADHD. They can also call local university-based hospitals, medical schools or graduate schools to ask for an appointment.
When conducting an evaluation of adults, a doctor will take into consideration how long symptoms have been present and whether they have affected the life of the patient. They will also consider whether the root of 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 patient must be exhibiting significant impairment in at least two areas of their lives, such as at work or at home or with family and friends or while engaging in specific activities like driving or playing sports. Impairment means the symptoms cause significant problems and have been present for at minimum six months.
The doctor will also rule out other conditions that could cause the same symptoms as ADHD, like depression, anxiety or addiction disorders. They can also conduct psychological, learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests to determine if a person suffers from a co-existing disorder.
People who haven't been diagnosed ADHD might be frustrated because they're not receiving the assistance and support they require. Some adults have experienced a sense relief and renewal after they are finally able to receive a diagnosis. Others report having many regrets over the opportunities they missed or the failures they made in their lives as a result of their ADHD symptoms went undiagnosed and untreated. Some people with ADHD are reluctant to admit they suffer from ADHD, especially women who were deemed female at birth. Some people are reluctant to admit that they suffer from ADHD due to the stigma surrounding it.
Signs and symptoms
Unlike children, adults with ADHD aren't able to overcome their condition. It continues to affect them throughout their lives and can cause similar impacts on their relationships, work, family life and mental health. Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are common in adults and children with ADHD. However the symptoms of adults are more severe. For example, they may impact a person's job performance and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can provide support and treatment.
The first step is to locate an accredited evaluator like a psychiatrist or psychologist. Request recommendations from your friends and family, or search on the internet for professionals in your region. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other disorders like depression and anxiety that must be considered when determining their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator wants to know as much as they can about your life. A thorough history, particularly one that covers your childhood, can give clues to whether your ADHD symptoms are related to any other disorder. Your evaluator may ask about your physical health and emotional 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 daily basis.
If the evaluator suspects you have ADHD they will examine your current symptoms to determine if they impact your daily life. Your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairments in at two different areas. Some examples of impairment are losing your job because of inadequate time management, or getting into financial difficulties because of reckless spending, or failing to make payments on time.
You can enhance your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning to manage the challenges they bring. You can lessen stress by keeping a clear schedule and following a regular routine. Additionally, you can get more sleep, avoid eating sweet or caffeinated food prior to bed and regularly exercise. Certain people suffering from ADHD find that psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy helps them manage their symptoms, and others take medication to lessen the impact of their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who suspect they may have ADHD is to consult with their health healthcare provider. They can refer you a mental health specialist who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations, or recommend professionals who do this. Some insurance companies provide professionals based on their specialties and can assist those who are covered by their plans to locate an expert.
The most crucial factor in determining ADHD in adults is the person's past. A doctor might ask to look over the child's report card or interview family about the child's early behavior. The health care professional can analyze patterns of behavior that suggest that there is a diagnosis of ADHD.
During the evaluation the health care professional can also utilize one of several rating scales that are standardized. These tests compare the behavior of a patient to those of people who do not have ADHD and can help a doctor determine whether the symptoms are in line with diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is required to rule out other conditions that may cause symptoms that are 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. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help patients overcome their negative thoughts and behavior. More Support can help reduce stress which can cause 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 with ADHD are frequently treated with stimulants. They appear to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These drugs can trigger serious side effects in certain people, particularly adolescents and children. They are usually prescribed for short-term treatment and are not appropriate for everyone.
Lifestyle changes and psychotherapy are also options. For example, some adults with ADHD find that increasing physical exercise can help them focus and be more productive. Certain people with ADHD may benefit from enhancing their planning and organization abilities. In addition, people who have difficulty keeping jobs or maintain relationships can seek help from a disability support service such as Access to Work.
Support
When you are properly diagnosed and treated, you can manage problems that affect your life. It can also improve your self-image and relationships with your family as well as your friends and colleagues. It is never too late to seek a diagnosis and treatment for ADHD.
Your GP may refer you to a mental service that specializes in treating adults with ADHD. This may be an Community Mental Health Service or an specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
There are support groups for adults with ADHD that can provide guidance and a sense of belonging. You can also join online forums and talk to others about their experiences. There are coaches and mentors that specialize in helping those suffering from ADHD. It is important to be aware, however, that mentorship and coaching are self-regulated careers and there are a variety of differences in the quality and expertise.
The signs of ADHD usually appear in childhood, but they can last into adulthood. The disorder is more common among males 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.
Adult ADHD can be difficult diagnose because the symptoms can vary between individuals. A history of issues at school, at work or in relationships can help a physician to identify a pattern. A thorough medical history could also be useful. The medical history can be used to determine if or identify possible causes. These include seizures, developmental disorders anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and certain medications.
A person suffering from untreated ADHD may develop a negative self-image and low self-esteem because of the constant frustration and failure. They could also develop disorders that are comorbid, such as depression or anxiety that can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD participate in clinical trials to help researchers learn more about the disorder. This could lead to better treatments in the near future. You can find tips for talking to your doctor about taking part in an investigational trial on the NIMH website.