Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a specialist if you suspect you may have ADHD. You can also ask your family and friends for recommendations or go online to find professionals qualified to evaluate ADHD.
Professionals will ask about your symptoms right now however, according to current guidelines, it's impossible to diagnose without taking into consideration your past experiences as a child. Your doctor might talk to your parents, teachers, or other adults who were close to you as a child.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people with ADHD do not realize they have it until later in life. They might not have been diagnosed until they were children and struggle to cope with issues at the classroom, at work or at home. A diagnosis and treatment plan will help people restore their lives to order.
Adults with ADHD struggle with focusing on their plans and paying attention to small details. They tend to make decisions on impulse and to become easily distracted. They may be unable to endure activities that bore them, and frequently shift their attention from one task to another. This can result in missing important events or deadlines, as well as frequent mistakes at school or at work.
Adult adhd symptoms differ for each individual. It is common for them to manifest in the early years, but can also appear in an adult or in adolescence. To be considered to have the disorder the symptoms must be present for at least six months, and create significant problems in multiple situations.
In certain instances, a doctor will review school report cards to find out if there are any comments concerning behavior issues or lack of effort and underachievement in comparison to your potential. The doctor may also request that the person being assessed discuss the situation with their parents. Adults being evaluated by a clinician for ADHD must be honest and open about their issues. They shouldn't hide their feelings because of fear of shame or embarrassment.
Women with ADHD are often omitted or misdiagnosed as their symptoms are less noticeable than those of males. The struggles of women with ADHD can be concealed because they have to care for children, or work in positions that are more gender-specific. Women with ADHD are prone to forgetting important tasks or being unable to remember and late in completing work, and to make mistakes. They may also lack concentration at school or in work. They are also more likely to exhibit fidgeting behavior such as bouncing the foot or tapping it.
Adults suffering from ADHD can still be successful in achieving success in both their personal and professional life. They just need to learn how to handle their challenges and take advantage of the support they can get. They can also implement strategies that will aid them in their success, such as the use of a planner or calendar, and phone apps that have reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
It is often difficult to discern the difference between adult ADHD and other daily difficulties, such as forgetting appointments or tasks. But the distinction is important because, if it is left untreated, unmanaged or mistreated, the disorder can cause serious work and social problems, including financial difficulty and troubled relationships.
In general the case, a diagnosis of ADHD is made by an expert in mental health who has specialized knowledge and experience in treating the condition. This includes psychotherapists, clinical psychologists and physicians (such as neurologists, psychiatrists or family physicians) who specialize in psychiatry or neurology. Professionals who are certified are also acquainted with co-existing conditions that often occur alongside ADHD like depression and anxiety.
A thorough interview will be conducted to determine if the patient suffers from ADHD. This will involve a thorough review of the patient's medical, personal and family background. The interview will involve questions regarding the impact of ADHD symptoms on one's job and relationships. It is important for the person to be honest and not hide any details.
It is also a great idea to bring up issues that the person could have had at work or in their personal life since childhood. These may reveal patterns that could indicate ADHD. For instance, many people with ADHD change jobs frequently and have difficulty making close connections. In addition, it is common for adults with ADHD to have problems with money management and spend more than they should.
In certain situations an assessment for adult ADHD may include additional testing such as psychological, neuropsychological or tests for learning disabilities to determine the cause of the individual's issues. For instance, a person suffering from 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 therapy and/or psychotherapy in addition to lifestyle modifications and treatment methods. adhd diagnosis uk adults can help them recognize their own disruptive thoughts and behaviors and develop coping strategies for managing them.
Getting Treatment
Many people with ADHD have the same issues similar to those they faced when they were kids issues with relationships, and at work, difficulty finishing their schoolwork or obtaining employment. These issues often lead to a medical referral for diagnosis and treatment. The first step for a lot of people is to talk to their primary care provider. They will likely recommend you to an expert in mental health who has experience diagnosing adult ADHD.
Your doctor will conduct an extensive examination to determine if you have ADHD or another condition that may cause symptoms that mimic ADHD. They will inquire about your concerns, review your behavior and history, ask about your family history and medical history, and utilize questionnaires and psychiatric scales. The doctor will also check your physical health including your heartbeat and blood pressure. Other conditions that may cause similar symptoms are depression, anxiety, stress, some medications and the use of drugs.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have a hard to recognize that they suffer from the disorder. They may have learned how to conceal their symptoms or make excuses for them, but they still have low confidence and self-esteem. Women are often better than men in hiding their symptoms, and have become accustomed to being labelled a slacker, goof-off or troublemaker.
In an ADHD evaluation, your doctor will examine your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will interview you, as well as your family members and work colleagues. They may also use old report cards to note childhood ADHD symptoms.
Adult ADHD can be treated using both pharmaceutical and behavioral (behavioral) treatments. The use of medications to regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters are the most commonly prescribed treatments for ADHD. These include stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, as well as the non-stimulant Atomoxetine.
Certain behavioral therapies like cognitive behavior therapy and education on ADHD may also be helpful. Certain people with ADHD might benefit from a change in lifestyle like using a planner or journal and establishing routines. Others have success with marriage and family counseling or a life coach who can aid with time management and organizational skills. Some people with ADHD might also benefit from accommodations at work or in school. These can include extended deadlines and flexible schedules.
Finding Support
A diagnosis of ADHD is stressful. It can be the first step to finally taking control of symptoms that have been impacting your life for a number of years. Adult ADHD symptoms can include difficulty keeping up with the demands of work or school, losing personal items or appointments, spending money impulsively, not following medical instructions and much more. These issues can lead to chronic stress, low confidence and feelings of inadequate. Being supported by a strong network and adhering to the best techniques can make a huge difference in how you cope with your issues.
In the past, a lot of people suffering from ADHD were misdiagnosed or not recognized. They may have had difficulty finding a suitable job, failed in their educational pursuits, and struggled to find 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 if possible. The person is also asked to fill out questionnaires and scales and discuss their past experiences. 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 psychological testing and symptoms, neuropsychological or additional psychological tests may be required. This testing can provide more information on how ADHD affects the individual and also help determine if there are any co-existing conditions.
Adult ADHD is treated by psychological counseling (psychotherapy) and educational programs, and occasionally medication. Psychotherapy helps people recognize and manage their ADHD and improve their ability to cope with it. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that teaches individuals to change negative thinking patterns and behaviors. Marriage and family counseling may be beneficial to people who suffer from ADHD who are having difficulty maintaining relationships.
The first step in locating the right counselor is to request an appointment from your physician or a specialist. You can also contact an area hospital affiliated with a university or graduate school in psychology to receive recommendations. Choose a psychologist who you are comfortable with and who has experience treating adults.