Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect that you have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, consult your primary care physician for a referral. You can also seek recommendations from family and friends or search the internet for specialists who are able to conduct ADHD assessments.
A doctor will ask you questions about your current symptoms, but according to current guidelines, a diagnosis cannot be determined without taking into account your past history. Your doctor might talk to your parents, teachers or other adults who were close to you as a child.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people suffering from ADHD do not know they have the disorder until they reach the age of adulthood. They might not have been diagnosed as children and have difficulty coping with issues at the classroom, at work or at home. A diagnosis and treatment plan can help them get their lives back on track.
Adults with ADHD typically have trouble staying focused, planning or paying attention to details. They are more likely to make decisions on impulse and become easily distracted. They might also discover that they can't remain focused on boring tasks and often shift their focus from one task to the next. This can result in unplanned events, poor time management and frequent blunders at school or at work.
The symptoms of adult adhd vary for everyone. The signs typically appear in the early years, but can also appear in an adult or in adolescence. The symptoms are required to be present for at least six months and create significant difficulties in a variety of settings to be diagnosed.
In some instances the doctor may review school report cards to find out if there are any comments about behavior problems or a lack of effort or underachievement in comparison to your potential. The doctor will also request the person being evaluated to speak with his or her parents. It is crucial that those who are being evaluated for ADHD discuss their issues openly and honestly with the clinician. They shouldn't be worried about embarrassing themselves or feeling embarrassed.
Women with ADHD can be overlooked or misdiagnosed since their symptoms aren't as obvious as those of men. Their struggles may be concealed because of the responsibilities of caring for children or by being in gender-specific roles. adults diagnosed with adhd with ADHD tend to be distracted by important tasks or being unfocused and late in completing tasks, and making mistakes. They may also lack concentration at school or in work. They are also more likely to exhibit fidgeting behavior such as bouncing the leg or tapping their feet.
Adults with ADHD are still capable of being successful in their professional and personal lives. They just need to understand how to manage their challenges and make use of the help they can get. They can also take advantage of strategies that will help them to achieve success, such as using a planner, calendar and phone apps that offer reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
It can be difficult to determine the distinction between adult ADHD and other daily difficulties, such as forgetting tasks or appointments. The difference is crucial since if the disorder is not treated, treated poorly or unmanaged, it can lead to serious social and work problems, including financial difficulties and difficult relationships.
In general the diagnosis of ADHD must be made by an expert in mental health with specialized expertise and training in treating the condition. This could include psychotherapists, clinical psychologists and physicians (such as neurologists, psychiatrists or family doctors) who specialize in neurology or psychiatry. Qualified professionals also understand co-existing conditions, such as depression and anxiety, that are often associated with ADHD.
An in-depth interview will be conducted to determine if a patient has ADHD. This will involve a thorough review of the patient's medical and personal history as well as family background. The interview will include questions about the effects of ADHD symptoms on a person's work and relationships. It is important for the person to be honest and not conceal any information.
It is also a great idea to bring up issues that the person might have encountered at work or in their home life since the time of their childhood. These may reveal patterns that could indicate ADHD. For example, many people with ADHD change jobs frequently and have difficulty developing close relationships. In addition, it is typical for adults with ADHD to have problems with managing money and spending more than they should.
In certain cases, an evaluation of adult ADHD could include other tests, like neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests, to rule out any other possible causes for the problem. For example, a person who suffers from ADHD may also have a learning impairment, like dyscalculia or dyslexia. In these situations, accommodations--tools or changes in the environment that help manage a disability--may be helpful.
Certain people with ADHD might benefit from cognitive behavior and/or psychotherapy, in addition to lifestyle changes and treatment methods. These can help people discover their own disruptive behavior and thoughts as well as formulate coping strategies for managing them.
Seek Treatment
Many people who suffer from ADHD have the same issues as they did as children such as problems with relationships and at work, difficulty in completing their schoolwork or finding work. Often these problems can lead to medical referrals for diagnosis and treatment. For many patients, the first step is talking to a primary care provider. He or she may refer you to a mental health specialist who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD for adults.
Your doctor will conduct a thorough examination to determine if you have ADHD or another disorder that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. The doctor will ask you questions, go over your history and behavior as well as inquire about your family and medical history, and employ the psychiatric scales and questionnaires. The doctor will also examine your physical health, such as your heart rate and blood pressure. Other conditions that may be causing similar symptoms include anxiety, depression, stress, certain medications and the use of drugs.
Adults suffering from ADHD may be unable to recognize the disorder. They've learned to hide their symptoms and make excuses for them, but they could still suffer from low self-esteem and confidence. Women are often better than men at hiding their symptoms, and be accustomed to being branded a slacker, goof-off or a troublemaker.
In an ADHD evaluation, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and their impact on your life. He or she may interview your family members and you and colleagues at work. They will employ various tools, like old report cards to record childhood ADHD symptoms.
Treatment options for adult ADHD include pharmacological and behavioral treatments (medication). Medications that help balance levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals, are the most commonly prescribed treatments for ADHD. They include stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate as well as the non-stimulant atomoxetine.
Certain 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 like setting routines, and using an organizer or journal. Others can benefit from marriage and family counseling or a life coach who can help with time management and organizational skills. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from accommodations at work or school like extended deadlines and flexible time, which can make it easier to achieve the goals of performance and be successful.
Finding Support
A diagnosis of ADHD can be stressful. It could be the first step towards taking control of symptoms that have been in your life for many years. The signs of adult ADHD may include difficulty managing work or school obligations, misplacing important personal belongings, not making appointments, spending money impulsively not following medical guidelines and more. These issues can cause anxiety, depression and feelings of unworthiness. Following the best techniques and having a solid support system can make a huge impact on how you deal with your symptoms.
In the past, many people suffering from ADHD were not diagnosed or misdiagnosed. They might have struggled to find an occupation that was suitable for them, or failed their academic pursuits and had trouble finding long-term relationships. They may be filled with regrets over missed opportunities and lost opportunities.
A comprehensive interview with a mental health professional is usually required to determine the severity of adult ADHD. If possible family members can also be included in the interview. The person will also be asked to complete scales and questionnaires as well as 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.
Depending on the individual and their symptoms, additional tests in neuropsychology or psychotherapy could be required. This test can provide more details on how the individual's ADHD affects their lives and help determine if there are any co-existing disorders that need to be treated.
Adult ADHD is treated with psychotherapy (psychotherapy) and educational programs, and sometimes medication. Psychotherapy assists people to learn to manage and understand their ADHD and build the skills needed to cope with it. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that helps people to alter negative thinking patterns and behaviors. Family and marital counseling may also be beneficial for people with ADHD who have difficulty maintaining relationships.
A doctor or specialist to recommend a counsellor is the first step towards finding a licensed counsellor. You can also contact a local psychology graduate college or a university hospital for recommendations. Select a psychologist with whom you feel comfortable and who is experienced in treating adults.