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 seek recommendations from family and friends or look online for experts who are qualified to conduct ADHD assessments.
A doctor will ask you questions about your current symptoms, but under current guidelines, a diagnosis cannot be made without considering your past medical history. Your doctor may request to talk to your parents, teachers, or other adults that knew you when you were a child.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people with ADHD do not realize they have it until adulthood. They may not have been diagnosed until they were children and have difficulty coping with problems in the classroom, at work or at home. A diagnosis and treatment plan can help them to get their lives back in order.
Adults with ADHD typically have trouble focusing, planning or paying attention to details. They are more likely to act on impulse and can easily be distracted. They might be unable to endure activities that bore them, and frequently shift their focus from one task to another. This could result in them not being able to attend important events as well as poor time management and frequent mistakes at school or at work.
The signs of adhd in adulthood are different for every person. The signs of adhd in adults are different for each person. The signs typically appear in childhood but can also be observed in an adult or an adolescent. To be considered to have the disorder the symptoms must have been present for at least six months, and cause significant difficulties in multiple situations.
A doctor may look over your school report card to see whether there are any comments regarding your conduct or inefficiency. The doctor will also request the person being evaluated to talk 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 afraid of embarrassing themselves or feeling embarrassed.
Women suffering from ADHD can be overlooked or misdiagnosed since their symptoms are not so obvious as those of men. Their struggles may be concealed by the responsibilities of caring for children or working in more traditionally gender-specific roles. Signs of ADHD among women include not paying attention to important tasks, being slow to complete work on time, making numerous mistakes and having trouble staying focused at school or in the workplace. They are also more likely to exhibit fidgeting actions like bouncing their leg or tapping their feet.
Adults suffering from ADHD can still achieve success in their professional and personal lives. They just need to learn how to handle their challenges and use the support they can access. They can also take advantage of strategies that will help them to achieve success, such as using a planner or a calendar and phone apps that offer reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
The signs of adult ADHD can be difficult to differentiate from normal problems that occur in everyday life, such as forgetting appointments or having trouble keeping track of tasks. However, the distinction is significant because, if it is left untreated, unmanaged or mistreated the disorder could cause serious work and social problems such as financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
In the majority of cases, a diagnosis of ADHD must be made by an expert in mental health with specialized expertise and training in treating the condition. This can include psychotherapists, clinical psychologists or doctors (such as neurologists, psychiatrists or family physicians) who specialize in neurology or psychiatry. They also have a deep understanding of co-existing conditions, including depression and anxiety, that are frequently associated with ADHD.
An in-depth interview will be conducted to determine whether a patient has ADHD. This will include a thorough review of the patient's medical background, personal and family background. The interview will involve questions regarding the effects of ADHD symptoms on the person's work and relationships. It is crucial that the person is honest and not conceal any details.
It is also a good idea to raise any issues that the person has faced in their work or home life since the time of their childhood. In many cases, these can reveal patterns that indicate that the person is suffering from ADHD. For instance, many people with ADHD shift jobs frequently and have trouble developing close relationships. Adults with ADHD frequently have difficulty managing their money and spend more than they need to.
In certain cases an assessment of adult ADHD could include other tests, such as neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests, to rule out any other causes for the person's difficulty. A person suffering from ADHD could also have one of the learning disorders, like 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 behavior and/or psychotherapy in addition to lifestyle modifications and treatment methods. These therapies can help people learn to recognize their own disruptive thoughts and behaviors, as well as develop strategies for dealing with them.
Seek Treatment
Many people who suffer from ADHD have the same issues as they did when they were children issues with relationships, and at work, difficulties in completing their schoolwork or finding employment. Many times, these issues result in medical referrals to get a diagnosis and treatment. The first step for many is to talk to their 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 whether you suffer from ADHD or another condition that may cause symptoms that mimic ADHD. He or she will ask you questions, review your history and behavior, ask about your family and medical history, and utilize questionnaires and psychiatric scales. The doctor will also look at your physical health, including blood pressure and heart rate. Other conditions that could cause similar symptoms are stress, depression, anxiety, some medications and substance misuse.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may be unable to recognize the condition. They've learned to hide their symptoms and to compensate for their symptoms, but they may have low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. Many women are better at hiding their symptoms than men, and may be labeled as a slacker, goofy or a troublemaker.
During an ADHD evaluation, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and how they impact your life. The doctor may also interview you and your family, as well as colleagues at work. They will employ a variety of tools, including old report cards to document childhood ADHD symptoms.
Treatment options for adult ADHD include pharmacological and behavioral treatments (medication). The most common treatment for ADHD is medication that helps balance neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They include stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, as well as the nonstimulant Atomoxetine.
Certain behavioral treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy or education on ADHD may also be helpful. Some people suffering from ADHD might benefit from lifestyle changes, such as using a planner or journal and establishing routines. Family and marriage counseling, or a life-coach who can help with time-management and organization skills, can be beneficial for other people. Some people suffering from ADHD may also benefit from accommodations at school or in the workplace. These can include extended deadlines and flexible hours.
Finding Support
Being diagnosed with ADHD is stressful. It could also be the first step in getting control of the symptoms that may be affecting your life for a long time. Adult symptoms of ADHD can include trouble managing work or school obligations, losing important personal items, avoiding appointments, impulsively spending money and not adhering to medical guidelines and more. Highly recommended Resource site can cause chronic stress, low confidence and feelings of unworthiness. Being supported by a strong network and following the best techniques can make a huge difference in the way you deal with your symptoms.
In the past, many people with ADHD were not diagnosed or misdiagnosed. They might have had difficulty finding the right job for their needs, failed in their academic pursuits and had trouble finding long-term relationships. They could have regrets about missed opportunities and lost time.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD typically involves a thorough interview with an expert in mental health and family members, if possible. The person is also required to fill out 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 psychological testing, neuropsychological or additional psychological tests may be required. This testing can provide more information on how ADHD affects the individual and can help determine if there are any co-existing conditions.
Adult ADHD is treated by psychological counseling (psychotherapy) and educational programs, and sometimes medication. Psychotherapy helps people recognize and manage their ADHD and improve their ability to manage it. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps people to change their negative thoughts and behaviors. Family and marital counseling can be beneficial to those with ADHD who are having difficulty maintaining relationships.
The first step in finding the right counselor is to seek an appointment from your physician or a specialist. You can also contact a local university-based hospital or graduate school of psychology to obtain recommendations. Choose a psychologist with whom you feel comfortable and who is experienced in treating adults.