Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
Ask your primary doctor to refer you to a specialist if you think you might be suffering from ADHD. You can also ask for recommendations from friends and family or look online for specialists who are able to conduct ADHD assessments.
A professional will ask you questions about your current symptoms, but under current guidelines, a diagnosis cannot be made without considering your past medical background. Your doctor might interview your teachers, parents or other adults who were familiar with you as a child.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people with ADHD do not realize they have the disorder until adulthood. They might not be diagnosed until they are children and struggle to cope with problems in school, at work or at home. A diagnosis and treatment plan will assist people get their lives back in order.
Adults with ADHD struggle with focusing on planning, focusing and paying attention to small details. They are more likely to act on impulse and become easily distracted. They may also find that they can't endure boring tasks and will often shift their focus from one task to the next. This can result in missed events, poor time-management and a lot of mistakes at work or school.
The signs and symptoms of adult adhd can be different for each person. The symptoms of adult adhd are different for each person. The signs typically appear in childhood but can also be seen as an adult or an adolescent. To be considered to have the disorder the symptoms must have been present for at least six months, and create significant problems in multiple situations.
A doctor will look over your school report card to determine if there are any comments about your behavior or inefficiency. The doctor might also suggest that the person being evaluated speak to their 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 who suffer from ADHD are often overlooked or misdiagnosed because their symptoms aren't so obvious as those of males. adhd diagnosis uk adult faced by women with ADHD can be hidden due to the fact that they have to care for children or in roles which are more gender-specific. Women with ADHD are prone to forgetting important tasks or being unable to remember, to being late in completing work, and to making mistakes. They may also lack focus in school or at work. They are more likely to be fidgety such as tapping their feet or jumping their legs.
Adults with ADHD can still achieve success in their personal and professional lives. They need to be able to deal with their issues and take advantage of the help that is available. They can also employ strategies to help them succeed, like a planner or a calendar, or phone apps that have reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
It is often difficult to discern the distinction between adult ADHD and other issues that arise in everyday life like forgetting tasks or appointments. The difference is important, because if the disorder is not treated, treated poorly or not properly managed, it could cause serious issues with work and social relationships which include financial problems and troubled relationships.
In the majority of cases the case, a diagnosis of ADHD must be made by an expert in mental health who has specialized expertise and training in treating the condition. This includes psychotherapists, clinical psychologists and doctors (such neurologists, psychiatrists or family physicians who specialize in neurology or psychiatry). Qualified professionals also understand co-existing conditions, such as depression and anxiety, that are frequently associated with ADHD.
An evaluation to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD will involve a thorough interview to review the patient's personal, medical and family background. The interview will also include questions about how the patient's ADHD symptoms impact their relationships and work. It is crucial that the person be honest and not hide any details.
It is also a great idea to bring up problems that the person could have had at work or in their home life prior to the time of their childhood. In many instances, these problems can be indicators that the person suffers from ADHD. Many people with ADHD struggle to form close bonds and changing jobs often. Adults with ADHD often have trouble managing their money and spend more than they should.
In certain instances an evaluation for adults with ADHD may include additional testing such as neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities to determine the cause of the individual's issues. A person with ADHD may also be suffering from 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.
Some people with ADHD might benefit from cognitive behavioral and/or psychotherapy, in addition to lifestyle modifications and treatment methods. These can help people recognize their own disruptive thoughts and behaviors, as well as develop strategies for dealing with them.
Get Help
Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from the same problems like they did when they were kids: problems 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 many is to consult their primary care provider. He or she could refer you to a mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Your doctor will perform an extensive exam to determine whether you suffer from ADHD or another condition that can cause symptoms that mimic ADHD. They will inquire about your concerns, review your behavior and history as well as inquire about your family and medical history, and employ the psychiatric scales and questionnaires. The doctor will also look at your physical health, such as your heart rate and blood pressure. Other conditions that may cause similar symptoms are depression, anxiety and stress and also certain medications and addiction to substances.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty recognizing the condition. They've learned to conceal their symptoms and to compensate for them, but they can have low self-esteem and lack of confidence. Women are often more adept than men at concealing their symptoms, and may be accustomed to being branded an inept, lazy or troublemaker.
During an ADHD evaluation, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also conduct interviews with your family and friends and colleagues at work. He or she will use different tools, including old report cards to record childhood ADHD symptoms.
Treatment options for adults with ADHD include pharmacological and behavioral treatments (medication). The use of medications to regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters are the most commonly prescribed treatments for ADHD. They include stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine and the non-stimulant Atomoxetine.
Certain behavioral treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy and education about ADHD may also be helpful. Certain people with ADHD benefit from lifestyle modifications like setting regular routines and using journals or a planner. Family and marriage counseling or a life coach who can help with time management and organization skills, can be beneficial for other people. Certain people with ADHD can also benefit from a variety of accommodations at work or school like extended deadlines and flex time, which makes it easier to achieve the goals of performance and be successful.
Find Help
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be stressful. It can also be the first step towards finding a way to manage the symptoms that may have been impacting your life for a number of years. The signs of adult ADHD could include having trouble managing school or work obligations, loosing important personal items, missing appointments, impulsively spending money, failing to follow medical instructions and more. These issues can lead to long-term anxiety, low confidence and feelings of unworthiness. A strong support system and adhering to the best methods can make all the difference in how you deal with your symptoms.
In the past, a lot of people with ADHD went undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. They may have had difficulty finding a job that was suitable or failed in their academic efforts, and struggled to establish long-term relationships. They could be overwhelmed by regrets for missed opportunities and lost times.
A thorough interview with a mental health professional is usually required to diagnose adult ADHD. If possible, family members are also invited to the interview. The person will also be required to fill out 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 person and their symptoms, additional psychological or neuropsychological testing may be performed. The tests will provide more information about how ADHD affects the individual and also help determine if there are any co-existing conditions.
Treatment options for adult ADHD typically involve counseling for psychological issues (psychotherapy) as well as education, and sometimes medication. Psychotherapy assists people to understand and manage ADHD and build techniques for managing it. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that teaches individuals to change their negative thoughts and behaviors. Marital and family counseling can also be beneficial for people with ADHD who are having difficulty maintaining relationships.
The first step to find the right counselor is to ask for an appointment from your physician or an expert. You can also call a local university-based hospital or graduate school in psychology to get recommendations. Pick a doctor you trust and has experience treating adults.