Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD, ask your primary care doctor for a referral. You can also seek recommendations from friends and family or search the internet for professionals qualified to conduct ADHD evaluations.
A medical professional will ask questions about your current symptoms. However, under current guidelines, a diagnosis can't be made without considering your past history. Your doctor may request to speak with your teachers, parents or any other adult who knew you as when you were a child.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people suffering from ADHD do not realize they have the condition until they reach adulthood. They may have missed out on the diagnosis when they were children and then struggle to cope with the challenges at work, home and at school. A diagnosis and treatment plan can help them get their lives back on path.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently have trouble focus, planning, or paying attention to detail. They are more prone to act on impulse, and become easily distracted. They might also discover that they are unable to sit through boring activities and often shift their attention from one task to the next. This could result in them not being able to attend important events as well as poor time management and frequent mistakes at work or at school.
The signs of adult adhd are different for each person. It is common for them to manifest in the early years, but may also manifest as adolescence or adulthood. 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 some instances doctors will look over 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 will also ask the person being evaluated to speak with their parents. It's important that adults who are being assessed for ADHD discuss their concerns openly and honestly with the clinician. They shouldn't hold back from fear of shame or embarrassment.
Women who suffer from ADHD can be overlooked or misdiagnosed since their symptoms aren't as obvious as those of men. The struggles of women with ADHD are often hidden due to the fact that they are responsible for caring for children, or work in jobs that are more gender-specific. Signs of ADHD in women include forgetting or being unable to focus on important tasks, not being able to complete work in time, making numerous mistakes and having trouble staying focused at school or in the workplace. They are also more likely to display fidgeting behaviors like bouncing the leg or tapping their feet.
Adults who suffer from ADHD can still be successful in their personal and professional lives. They just need to learn how to manage their challenges and take advantage of the support they can get. They can also use strategies that will aid them in their success, such as the use of a planner or calendar, or phones with reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be difficult to distinguish from the normal issues that arise in everyday life, such as forgetting appointments or losing track of tasks. The difference is crucial since if the disorder is not addressed, treated properly or neglected, it can lead to serious issues with work and social relationships which include financial problems and strained relationships.
In general the diagnosis of ADHD should be determined by an expert in mental health with specialized expertise and training in treating the condition. This includes clinical psychologists, psychotherapists, and physicians (such neurologists, psychiatrists or family doctors who specialize in psychiatry or neurology). They are also experienced with co-existing disorders that typically occur along with ADHD, such as anxiety and depression.
A thorough interview will be conducted to determine if a patient has ADHD. This will involve a review of the patient's medical background, personal and family background. The interview will also include questions regarding how the individual's ADHD symptoms affect their relationships and work. It is important to be honest and not hide any details.
It's also a great idea to discuss any issues that the person may have encountered at work or in their home life prior to childhood. In many cases, these issues can reveal patterns that suggest that the person has ADHD. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to form close relationships and change jobs frequently. In addition, it is common for adults with ADHD to have issues with managing their money and to spend more than they should.
In certain situations an assessment for adult ADHD could include additional tests such as psychological, neuropsychological or tests for learning disabilities to rule out other causes of the individual's issues. For example, a person suffering from ADHD could also be suffering from an impairment in learning, like dyscalculia or dyslexia. In these situations, accommodations--tools or changes in the environment that help manage a disability--may be helpful.
In addition to treatment techniques and lifestyle changes Some individuals with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy. These treatments can help people identify their own thoughts and behaviors, as well develop strategies to deal with their behavior.
Seek Treatment
As adults, many who have ADHD have the same issues they faced in childhood: trouble with relationships and work, as well as difficulties completing schoolwork or securing employment. These issues usually lead to an appointment with a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. For many patients, the first step is to speak to a primary care provider. They may refer you to a mental healthcare professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Your doctor will conduct a thorough exam to determine whether you have ADHD or another condition that causes symptoms that mimic ADHD. He or she will interview you, review your behavior and past history as well as ask about your family and medical history, and use questionnaires and psychiatric rating scales. The doctor will also check your physical health including blood pressure and heartbeat. Other conditions that may cause similar symptoms are depression, anxiety, stress and certain medications as well as substance misuse.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have a difficult than others to acknowledge that they suffer from the disorder. They might have learned to conceal their symptoms or to compensate for them, but suffer from low self-confidence and self-esteem. Women are often more adept than men at concealing their symptoms, and may have gotten used to being labelled as a slacker, a goof-off or a troublemaker.
In an ADHD assessment, your physician will evaluate your symptoms and their impact on your life. The doctor may also interview your family and friends, as well as colleagues at work. He or she could utilize old report cards to record childhood ADHD symptoms.
Treatment options for adult ADHD include pharmacological and behavioral treatments (medication). The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication that helps balance brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These include stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine as well as the non-stimulant atomoxetine.
Some behavioral treatments may also be helpful, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and education about ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD may benefit from lifestyle changes like using a planner or journal and setting up regular routines. Others have success with marriage and family counseling or a life coach who can help with time management and organization skills. Certain people with ADHD may also benefit from accommodating at work or school for extended deadlines and flex time, which can make it easier to meet the goals of performance and be successful.
Finding Support
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a stressful experience. It can also be the first step to finding a way to manage the symptoms that may have been impacting your life for a long time. Adult ADHD symptoms can include difficulty staying on top of the demands of work or school, losing personal items, missing important appointments, spending money in a hurry, not following medical instructions, and more. killer deal can lead to chronic stress, low confidence and feelings of unworthiness. A strong support system and adhering to the best techniques can make a huge difference in how you deal with your symptoms.
In the past, a lot of people suffering from ADHD went undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. They might have had trouble finding a job they liked or failing in their educational pursuits, and struggled to find long-term relationships. They could be overwhelmed by regrets over missed opportunities or lost moments.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD usually involves a comprehensive interview with a mental health professional, including family members when possible. In addition, the patient is required to complete questionnaires and scales, as well as to discuss 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 symptoms of a person and psychological testing and symptoms, neuropsychological or additional psychological testing may be required. The tests can provide more information on how ADHD affects the individual and also help determine if there are any co-existing conditions.
Treatment options for adult ADHD generally include psychological counseling (psychotherapy), education and sometimes medications. Psychotherapy assists people to understand and manage ADHD and develop strategies for dealing with it. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches people to change their negative thinking patterns and behaviors. Marital and family counseling can be beneficial to those with ADHD who have difficulties maintaining relationships.
The first step to find the right counselor is to request a referral from your doctor or an expert. You can also reach out to a local psychology graduate college or a university hospital for recommendations. Choose a psychologist who you are comfortable with and who is experienced in treating adults.