ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in every area of your life. You may experience difficulties maintaining relationships and jobs, resulting in frequent job changes and/or low performance ratings.
Request your primary care physician to recommend you to a health professional who can assess adults with ADHD. Then, you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that makes it difficult to stay focused, paying attention and acting on impulses. Adults with ADHD frequently have issues at school, work and in their relationships. It's a fairly common disorder, but it can be difficult for adults to diagnose since they may not recall symptoms as children or have been wrongly diagnosed.
how to get diagnosed with adhd uk seeking an assessment of ADHD in adults should speak with an experienced health professional with expertise in ADHD evaluations. Asking a doctor to refer you to a specialist who is an ADHD specialist can be done by a person. They can also contact local hospitals that are affiliated with universities, medical schools, or graduate schools to request recommendations.
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 have been present since 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 areas of their lives. These include at home or at work, as well as with family and friends, or in specific activities like driving or playing sports. The symptoms must be severe and persistent for a minimum of six months before being considered impaired.
When making a diagnosis, the clinician will also try to rule out any other conditions that might cause the same issues as ADHD, such as anxiety, depression or addiction disorders. They can also conduct mental, learning or neuropsychological testing to determine if a person suffers from a co-existing disorder.
People who haven't been diagnosed ADHD may feel frustrated that they're not getting the help and support they require. Some adults have reported feeling a sense of relief and renewed energy after they are finally able to get a diagnosis. Many adults regret missed opportunities or failed to realize their ADHD symptoms were not diagnosed and untreated. Certain people with ADHD are hesitant about admitting that they suffer from the disorder, particularly women assigned female at birth (AFAB). Some people are hesitant to admit they have ADHD because of the stigma associated with it.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to outgrow the condition. It persists into adulthood and can cause similar impacts on their friendships, work, family life and mental health. Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are prevalent in both adults and children with ADHD. However the symptoms for adults are more severe. For instance, they can impact a person's job performance and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can help with treatment and help.
The first step is to locate a qualified evaluator such as psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask your family and friends for recommendations or use the internet to find professionals in your area. Many people with ADHD have other conditions like depression and anxiety that must be considered in their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator will want to learn the most details possible about your life. A detailed history of your life, especially one that spans from childhood, could provide clues to determine if ADHD symptoms are related to other issues. Your evaluator might inquire about your physical health and well-being, the development of your personality since early childhood, experiences in school and at work and driving history, as well as drinking and drug use and how you deal with stress on a regular day basis.
If the evaluator suspects you have ADHD they will examine your current symptoms to determine if they affect your daily routine. For a diagnosis to be granted, your symptoms need to be significant enough to cause impairment in at least two major settings. Examples of impairment include losing your job because of poor time management, getting into financial difficulties due to reckless spending, or not making payments on time.
You can improve your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning to cope with the challenges they create. For example you can lower your stress levels by following an established routine and keeping your schedule free of distractions. You can also get more sleep, avoid eating sweet or caffeinated food prior to bed and exercise regularly. Some people with ADHD discover that psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy helps them to manage their symptoms, whereas others use medication to reduce the impact of their symptoms.
Treatment
The first step for adults who suspect that they might be suffering from ADHD is to consult with their health care provider. They may refer you to a mental health specialist who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations, or recommend specialists who can perform this. Certain insurance companies also list specialists in their specialties and help those who are part of their plans to find the right specialist.
The past of the adult is vital in determining ADHD. For example, a doctor may ask to review school report cards from a person's childhood or interview family members about their behavior in early life. The health care professional can then examine signs of behavior that could indicate the diagnosis of ADHD.
During the assessment process, the health care provider may also use one or more of the standardized rating scales. These tests compare the behavior of a patient with that of people without ADHD, and may help a physician determine whether symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria.
A medical examination is also essential to rule out any illnesses that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid issues, seizures or hearing or vision issues sleep disorders, as well as food-related issues like lead poisoning or food allergies can all have similar effects to ADHD.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be helpful for adults with ADHD. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients overcome their negative thoughts and behaviors. This can help reduce stress, which may make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also teach people how to manage their time better, enhance their ability to organize their lives, and develop more effective coping mechanisms for dealing with stressful situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often treated with stimulants. They appear to balance and increase the levels of certain brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. These drugs can trigger serious side effects in some individuals, particularly adolescents and children. They are typically prescribed for short-term use and are not suitable for everyone.
Other treatments include lifestyle changes as well as psychotherapy. For example, some adults who suffer from ADHD discover that increasing physical exercise can aid in their focus and make them more productive. Some people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from improving their planning and organization abilities. Access to Work, a disability support group, can aid people who are having difficulty maintaining relationships or holding a job.
Support
Finding a doctor and receiving a successful treatment can help you deal with problems that hinder your daily life. It can also make a difference in your self-image and improve relationships with your family, friends, and colleagues. It is never too late to get the diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
Your GP can refer you to an area of mental health care that specialises in treating adult ADHD. It could be an Community Mental Health Service or an specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
Support groups for adults suffering from ADHD can provide advice and a sense of community. You can join online discussion forums and discuss your experiences with other people. There are also coaches or mentors who are specialized in helping people with ADHD. It is important to be aware, however, that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated careers and there are differences in terms of expertise and quality.
ADHD symptoms usually start in the early years of childhood, but they can last well into adulthood. The disorder is more common in boys and men than girls and women. The inattentive type (formerly known as hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder) 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 can be difficult diagnose because the symptoms can vary from one person to the next. A history of issues at work, school or relationships can help a doctor find the pattern. A thorough medical history can also be helpful. Certain medical conditions can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD, so the history can help rule out or pinpoint other possible causes of the symptoms. These include seizures, developmental disorders, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can lead to people developing low self-esteem as well as a negative self-image because of frustration and failure. They could also suffer from comorbidities like anxiety or depression which can make ADHD worse.
Some adults with ADHD take part in clinical studies to help researchers discover more about the disorder. This could lead to better treatments in the future. On the NIMH website, you can get some suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about taking part in a study.