Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
Ask your primary care physician for a referral if you think you might be suffering from ADHD. You can also ask your family and friends for recommendations or go online to find professionals competent to assess ADHD.
The professionals will inquire about your symptoms now but, based on current guidelines, it's impossible to determine the cause without taking into account your childhood experiences. Your doctor may request to speak to your teachers, parents or other adults who knew you when you were an infant.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people suffering from ADHD don't realize they have it until adulthood. They might not have been diagnosed as children and are struggling to deal with problems in the classroom, at work or at home. A diagnosis and treatment plan will assist them to restore their lives to order.
Adults suffering from ADHD have trouble focusing on their plans and paying attention to the details. They are more likely to make decisions on impulse and become easily distracted. They might also find it difficult to endure activities that bore them, and frequently shift their focus from one task to another. This can lead to missed events, poor time-management and frequent mistakes at school or at work.
The symptoms of adult adhd vary for each person. It is common for them to manifest in the early years, but can also appear in adolescence or adulthood. To be considered to have the disorder, the symptoms must have been present for at least six months and cause significant difficulties in multiple environments.
A doctor may review your school report card to see whether there are any comments regarding your conduct or inefficiency. diagnosing adhd in adults may also request that the person being evaluated speak to their parents. It is crucial that those who are being assessed for ADHD discuss their concerns openly and honestly with their doctor. They shouldn't hide their feelings because of fear of embarrassment or shame.
Women suffering from ADHD can be omitted or misdiagnosed, as their symptoms aren't as obvious as those of males. Their struggles are often concealed due to the demands of caring for children or performing more traditional gender-specific roles. The signs of ADHD in women include not paying attention to important tasks, not being able to complete work in time, making numerous mistakes and unable to concentrate at work or at school. They are also more likely to display fidgeting behaviors like bouncing the leg or tapping the feet.
Adults suffering from ADHD can still be successful in having success in their professional and personal lives. They just need to learn how to handle their challenges and to use the support that is available. They can also employ strategies to aid them in their success, such as the use of a planner or calendar, as well as phone apps that have reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
It is often difficult to discern the difference between adult ADHD and other issues that arise in everyday life like forgetting appointments or tasks. However, the distinction is important because, if it is left untreated, mistreated or not properly managed the disorder could result in serious work and social problems which include financial issues and strained relationships.
In the majority of cases the case, a diagnosis of ADHD should be determined by a mental health professional who has specialized training and experience in treating the condition. This can include psychotherapists, clinical psychologists and physicians (such as neurologists, psychiatrists or family physicians) who specialize in neurology or psychiatry. adhd diagnosis uk adults who are certified are also acquainted with co-existing conditions that often occur along with ADHD, such as anxiety and depression.
An evaluation to determine if someone has ADHD will require a thorough interview to review the patient's personal, medical and family background. The interview will ask questions about the effects of ADHD symptoms on one's job and relationships. It is important for the person to be honest and not hide any details.
It's also a good idea to discuss any issues that the person may have had at work or in their personal life prior to the time of their childhood. These can often reveal patterns that could indicate ADHD. Many people with ADHD struggle to form close relationships and change jobs frequently. Additionally, it is typical for adults with ADHD to have issues with managing their money and to spend more than they ought to.
In certain instances an assessment of adults with ADHD might include additional tests, including neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests, to rule out any other causes for the person's problem. 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.
In addition to treatment strategies and lifestyle adjustments, some people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavior therapy and/or psychotherapy. These therapies can help people understand their own disruptive behaviors and thoughts and help them create coping strategies to manage their behavior.
Getting Treatment
Many people with ADHD have the same issues like they did when they were kids issues with relationships, and at work, difficulties finishing their schoolwork or obtaining work. These issues often require the need for medical referrals to diagnose and treatment. The first step for many is to speak to their primary care provider. He or she could refer you to a mental healthcare professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Your doctor will conduct a thorough examination to determine whether you have ADHD or another condition that causes symptoms that resemble ADHD. He or she will interview you, go over your behavior and past history of your medical and family history, and utilize questionnaires and psychiatric rating scales. The doctor will also assess your physical health, including your heartbeat and blood pressure. Other conditions that can cause similar symptoms include stress, depression, and anxiety, as well as certain medications and addiction to substances.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may be unable to recognize the condition. They may have learned to conceal their symptoms or compensate for them, but suffer from low confidence and self-esteem. Women are more adept in hiding their issues than men, and can be labeled as a slacker, goofy or a troublemaker.
During an ADHD assessment, your doctor will examine your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They may also conduct interviews with you and your family and colleagues at work. They may also use old report cards to record childhood ADHD symptoms.
Treatment options for adult ADHD are pharmacological and behavioral (medication). Medications that help balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters are the most frequently prescribed treatments for ADHD. They include stimulants like amphetamine, methylphenidate, and atomoxetine, in addition to non-stimulants.
Certain behavioral therapies like cognitive behavior therapy or education on ADHD may also be helpful. Certain people with ADHD may benefit from a change in lifestyle, such as keeping a diary or planner and establishing routines. Others have success with marriage and family counseling or a life coach who can aid with time management and organization skills. Some people with ADHD may also benefit from a few adjustments in the workplace or school. These can include extended deadlines and flexible time.
Finding Support
A diagnosis of ADHD can be stressful. It could also be the first step in getting control of the symptoms that may have been affecting your life for a number of years. Symptoms of adult ADHD may include difficulty managing school or work obligations, losing important personal items, missing appointments, spending money impulsively, failing to follow medical guidelines and more. These issues can lead to chronic anxiety, low confidence and feelings of unworthiness. Following the best practices and having a good support network can make a huge impact on how you deal with your symptoms.
In the past, many people with ADHD were misdiagnosed or not recognized. They might have had difficulty finding the right job for their needs, failed in their academic endeavors, and had difficulty finding long-term relationships. They may have many regrets over missed opportunities and lost time.
An extensive interview with a mental healthcare professional is usually required to diagnose adult ADHD. If possible family members can also be invited to the interview. The patient will also be asked to complete scales and questionnaires, as well as 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.
Based on the individual's symptoms and the results of psychological tests, neuropsychological or additional psychological testing may be required. This test can provide more details about how the person's ADHD impacts their lives and can help determine whether there are any co-existing conditions that need to be treated.
Adult ADHD is treated through psychological counseling (psychotherapy) and educational programs, and sometimes medication. Psychotherapy assists people to understand and manage ADHD and build strategies for dealing with it. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches people to change their negative thinking patterns and behavior. Marriage and family counseling may also be beneficial for people who suffer from ADHD who have trouble maintaining relationships.
A doctor or specialist for a recommendation is the first step to finding a qualified counsellor. You can also contact a local psychology graduate school or university hospital to get recommendations. Select a psychologist with whom you feel comfortable and who has experience treating adults.