Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
Ask your primary doctor for a referral if suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. You can also ask your friends and family for recommendations or search online to find specialists who are qualified to evaluate ADHD.
A professional will ask you questions regarding your current symptoms, but under current guidelines, a diagnosis can't be made without also considering your childhood history. Your doctor might ask you to speak to your parents, teachers or any other adult who knew you as an infant.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people with ADHD don't realize they have it until later in life. They may not have been diagnosed until they were children and are struggling to deal with difficulties at school, at work or at home. A diagnosis and treatment plan will help them to restore their lives to order.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have trouble staying focused, planning or paying attention to the finer details. They are more likely to act on impulse and can easily be distracted. They might also find that they are unable to endure boring tasks and tend to shift their attention from one task to the next. This can result in missing important events or deadlines, as well as frequent missteps at school or at work.
Adult adhd symptoms differ for each individual. The signs of adhd in adults differ for everyone. The signs typically appear in the early years of childhood, but they can be recognized as adult or an adolescent. To be considered to have the disorder, the symptoms must be present for at least six months, and cause significant difficulty in a variety of settings.
In adhd diagnosis uk adult will look over school reports to find out if there are any comments about behavior problems or a inability to work or underachievement compared to your potential. The doctor may also ask the person being evaluated to speak with his or her parents. It is essential that adults who are being evaluated for ADHD discuss their issues openly and honestly with the clinician. They shouldn't be worried about shame or embarrassment.
Women with ADHD are often overlooked or misdiagnosed because their symptoms aren't so obvious as those of men. The struggles of women with ADHD can be hidden due to the fact that they are responsible for caring for their children or working in roles which are more gender-specific. Signs of ADHD among women include forgetting or being absentminded about important tasks, being slow to complete work in time, making numerous mistakes and having trouble staying focused at work or at school. They tend to be fidgety like tapping their feet or moving their legs.
Adults with ADHD can still be successful in their professional and personal lives. They need to learn how to deal with their issues and make use of the help they can access. They can also employ strategies that will help them succeed, like the use of a planner or calendar, as well as phones with reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
It is often difficult to discern the difference between adult ADHD and other problems that are commonplace, such as forgetting tasks or appointments. The difference is important, because if the disorder is not treated, treated poorly or unmanaged, it can result in serious issues with work and social relationships which include financial problems and strained relationships.
A mental health professional with particular training and experience treating ADHD can diagnose the condition. This includes psychotherapists, clinical psychologists and doctors (such neurologists, psychiatrists or family doctors who specialize in psychiatry or neurology). Professionals with qualifications also know how to deal with co-existing conditions, such as depression and anxiety, that are often associated with ADHD.
An in-depth interview will be conducted to determine whether the patient suffers from ADHD. This will include an examination of the patient's medical background, personal and family history. The interview will include questions about how the person's ADHD symptoms impact their relationships and work. It is important that the person be honest and not hide any information.
It is also a great idea to discuss any issues that the person could have faced at work or in their home life prior to childhood. In many cases, these issues can reveal patterns that indicate that the person is suffering from ADHD. Many people with ADHD struggle to form close relationships and change jobs often. In addition, it is typical for adults with ADHD to have issues with managing their money and to spend more than they should.
In some instances an assessment for adult ADHD may include additional testing like neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities to rule out other causes of the person's issues. A person suffering from ADHD could also have a learning disorder such as dyscalculia, dyslexia, or dyscalculia. 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 behavioral therapy and/or psychotherapy in addition to lifestyle changes and treatment methods. These treatments can help people identify their own behavior and thoughts and develop coping mechanisms to manage these issues.
Get Treatment
As adults, many who have ADHD continue to experience the same issues they faced when they were children: problems with relationships and work, difficulty getting through school or finding work. Many times, these issues result in medical referrals to get a diagnosis and treatment. The first step for many is to speak to their primary care physician. He or she may refer you to a mental health specialist who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD for adults.
Your doctor will perform an extensive exam to determine whether you suffer from ADHD or another condition that could cause symptoms that mimic ADHD. They will interview you, go over your behavior and history as well as ask about your family and medical background, and employ the psychiatric rating scales as well as questionnaires. The doctor will also look at your physical health, such as your heart rate and blood pressure. Other conditions that could cause similar symptoms are anxiety, depression, stress and certain medications as well as alcohol abuse.
Adults who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty recognizing the condition. They may have learned to conceal their symptoms or to compensate for them, but they still have low confidence and self-esteem. Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men, and can be viewed as a slacker, snob or a troublemaker.
In an ADHD assessment, your doctor will look at your symptoms and how they impact your life. They may also conduct interviews with your family and friends as well as your colleagues at work. They may also make use of old report cards to document childhood ADHD symptoms.
Adult ADHD can be treated with both pharmacological and behavioral (behavioral) treatments. The use of medications to regulate levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals, are the most frequently prescribed treatments for ADHD. They include stimulants like amphetamine, methylphenidate, and atomoxetine, as well nonstimulants.
Certain behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy and education on ADHD may also be helpful. Some people with ADHD benefit from lifestyle modifications like setting regular routines and using an organizer or journal. Marriage and family counseling, or a life-coach who can help with time management and organizational skills, are effective for many. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a variety of accommodations at work or school for extended deadlines or flex time, which makes it easier to meet targets for performance and achieve success.
Finding Support
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be stressful. It could be the first step in finding a way to manage the symptoms that may have been impacting your life for a long time. Adult ADHD symptoms could include difficulties maintaining a schedule for work or school obligations, losing personal items and missing important appointments, spending money impulsively or not following medical guidelines, and more. These issues can result in anxiety, depression and feelings of inadequate. A strong support system and adhering to the most effective techniques can make a huge difference in the way you deal with your symptoms.
In the past, a lot people who had ADHD were misdiagnosed. They might have struggled finding a suitable job, failed in their educational endeavors and struggled to find long-term relationships. They could be left with many regrets over wasted opportunities and time.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD usually involves a comprehensive interview with an expert in mental health, including family members should it be possible. In addition, the patient will be asked to complete questionnaires and scales, as well as to discuss their history. 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 could be necessary. This testing can provide more details on how ADHD affects the individual and can help determine if there are any co-existing conditions.
Treatment options for adults with ADHD typically involve counseling for psychological issues (psychotherapy), education and sometimes medications. Psychotherapy assists people to understand and manage ADHD and improve their skills for coping with it. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people to change their negative thought patterns and behaviors. Marriage and family counseling may also be beneficial for people who suffer from ADHD who have difficulty maintaining relationships.
Asking your doctor or specialist to recommend a counsellor is the first step in finding a licensed counsellor. You can also contact a local university-based hospital or graduate school in psychology to receive recommendations. Select a psychologist you are comfortable with and has experience treating adults.