Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect you suffer from ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, consult your primary care physician for a referral. You can also ask your family and friends for recommendations or go online to find professionals who are competent to assess ADHD.
A doctor will ask you questions regarding your current symptoms, however according to current guidelines, a diagnosis cannot be determined without taking into account your past medical history. Your doctor may examine your parents, teachers, or other adults who were close to you as a young person.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people suffering from ADHD do not realize they have the condition until they reach the age of adulthood. They might have missed out on the diagnosis while they were young and then have to deal with issues at work, at home and school. A diagnosis and treatment plan will assist them get their lives back in order.
Adults with ADHD frequently have trouble staying focused, planning or paying attention to details. They tend to act on impulse and become easily distracted. They may also find that they can't sit through boring activities and often shift their focus from one task to the next. This can lead to unplanned events, poor time management and frequent blunders at school or at work.
The signs of adhd in adulthood differ for each individual. adhd in adults diagnosis appear in the early years of childhood, but can also show up as adolescence or adulthood. The symptoms should be present for at least 6 months and cause significant difficulty in multiple settings before they can be identified.
In some cases, a doctor will review school report cards to look for comments regarding behavior issues or a lack of effort or underachievement in comparison to your potential. The doctor will also request the person being evaluated to speak with their parents. It's important that adults who are being evaluated for ADHD discuss their issues openly and honestly with their doctor. They shouldn't be shy from fear of shame or embarrassment.
Women with ADHD are often ignored or misdiagnosed as their symptoms are less noticeable than those of males. Their struggles can be hidden by the responsibilities of caring for children or by working in more traditionally gender-specific roles. Women with ADHD tend to forgetting important tasks or being unable to remember, to being late in completing work, and to make mistakes. They might also have trouble with concentration at school or in work. They tend to engage in fidgeting such as tapping their feet or moving their legs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are able to achieve success in their professional and personal lives. They need to be able how to handle their challenges and take advantage of the help that is available. They can also implement strategies to assist them in their goals, such as an organizer or a calendar, or phones with reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
The signs of adult ADHD can be difficult to differentiate from the normal issues that arise in daily life, such as a tendency to forget appointments or slipping up on tasks. The difference is important, because if the disorder is not treated, mistreated or neglected, it can cause serious social and work problems such as financial issues and strained relationships.
A mental health professional with particular training and experience treating ADHD can diagnose the condition. This includes psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, and physicians (such a psychiatrists, neurologists, or family doctors who specialize in neurology or psychiatry). Qualified professionals also understand co-existing conditions, including anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD.
An evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD will involve an extensive interview to look over the patient's personal, medical and family background. The interview will involve questions regarding the impact of ADHD symptoms on one's job and relationships. It is essential for the person to be honest and not hide any information.
It's also a good idea to bring up problems that the person could have faced at work or in their home life prior to childhood. These can often reveal patterns that indicate ADHD. For instance, many people with ADHD shift jobs frequently and have difficulty developing close relationships. Adults with ADHD often struggle with managing their money and tend to spend more than necessary.
In certain cases, an evaluation of adult ADHD could include other tests, like neuropsychological or psychological tests, to rule out any other reasons for the difficulty. For example, a person with ADHD may also have a learning disability such as dyslexia or dyscalculia. In these situations, accommodations--tools or changes in the environment that help manage a disability--may be helpful.
Some people suffering from ADHD may benefit from cognitive behavioral and/or psychotherapy, in addition to lifestyle changes and treatment methods. These therapies can help people understand their own thoughts and behaviors, as well develop coping mechanisms to manage these issues.
Seek Treatment
Many people with ADHD have the same issues as they did as children such as problems with relationships and at work, difficulties completing their schoolwork or finding jobs. These issues often lead to medical referral for diagnosis and treatment. For many, the first step is to speak to a primary care provider. They will likely recommend you to an expert in mental health who is experienced in diagnosing adult ADHD.
Your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation in order to determine if you have ADHD or another condition that can cause symptoms that mimic ADHD. They will ask you questions, go over your behavior and history and inquire about your family and medical background, and use psychiatric scales and questionnaires. The doctor will also assess your physical health including your heartbeat and blood pressure. Other conditions that can cause similar symptoms include stress, anxiety, depression as well as certain drugs and substances.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have a harder time recognizing that they have the disorder. They may have learned how to conceal their symptoms or to compensate for them but still have low self-confidence and self-esteem. Many women are more adept than men at concealing their symptoms, and have become accustomed to being branded a slacker, goof-off or a troublemaker.
In an ADHD assessment, your physician will examine your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They may also conduct interviews with your family and friends, as well as colleagues at work. He or she will make use of a variety of tools, such as old report cards to record childhood ADHD symptoms.
Treatment options for adult ADHD include pharmacological and behavioral treatments (medication). Medicines that aid in the balance of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals, are the most frequently prescribed treatments for ADHD. They include stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine as well as the non-stimulant atomoxetine.
Some behavioral treatments can help as well like cognitive behavior therapy and education on ADHD. Some people with ADHD can benefit from a change in their lifestyle by establishing routines and keeping journals or a planner. Others have success with counseling for family and marriage or a life coach who can assist with time management and organizing skills. Some people with ADHD can also benefit from a few adjustments at work or in school. These include extended deadlines and flexible time.
Finding Support
Being diagnosed with ADHD is stressful. It can be the first step towards finally taking control of symptoms that have been affecting your life for many years. Adult ADHD symptoms can include difficulty keeping up with work or school obligations and losing personal belongings or appointments, spending money in a hurry and not following medical advice and much more. These issues can lead to long-term anxiety, depression and feelings of unworthiness. A strong support system and following the best practices can make all the difference in the way you deal with your symptoms.
In the past, many people with ADHD went undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. They might have struggled to find the right job for them, or failed their academic endeavors, and had difficulty finding long-term relationships. They may be filled with regrets over missed opportunities or lost moments.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD typically requires a thorough interview with a mental health professional including family members when possible. The person is also required to fill out questionnaires and scales and talk about their past. In order to be diagnosed, the person must have experienced at least five symptoms of inattention and/or five symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity before age 12.
Depending on a person's symptoms and psychological testing and symptoms, neuropsychological or additional psychological testing may be required. This test can provide more information on how ADHD affects the individual and help determine if there are co-existing conditions.
Adult ADHD is treated by psychological counseling (psychotherapy), educational programs, and sometimes medication. Psychotherapy helps people understand and manage ADHD and improve their strategies for dealing with it. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches people to change their negative thinking patterns and behaviors. Family and marriage counseling can be beneficial to people who suffer from ADHD who have difficulty maintaining relationships.
A doctor or specialist to recommend a counsellor is the first step towards finding a qualified counsellor. You can also call an area hospital affiliated with a university or graduate school in psychology to receive recommendations. Choose a practitioner who you feel comfortable with and has experience treating adults.