Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a specialist if you think you might be suffering from ADHD. You can also get suggestions from your family and friends, or search online for specialists who are able to conduct ADHD evaluations.
A professional will ask you questions regarding your current symptoms. However, under current guidelines, a diagnosis can't be determined without taking into account your past medical background. Your doctor might ask you to speak with your parents, teachers or any other adult who knew you as when you were a child.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people who suffer from ADHD do not realize they have it until they reach adulthood. They may not have been diagnosed as children and are struggling to deal with issues at the classroom, at work or at home. A diagnosis and treatment plan could assist them in getting their lives back on the right track.
Adults with ADHD are unable to focus, planning and paying attention to small details. They tend to act on impulse and become easily distracted. They may also find that they are unable to remain focused on boring tasks and will often shift their focus from one task to the next. This could result in them not being able to attend important events, poor time management and frequent mistakes at work or at school.
The signs of adult adhd can be different for each person. The signs of adhd in adults differ for everyone. The signs typically appear in childhood but can also be recognized as adolescent or adult. 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.
A doctor may examine your school report card to see whether there are any comments regarding your conduct or inefficiency. The doctor may also ask that the person being assessed talk to his or her parents. It is crucial that those who are being assessed for ADHD discuss their problems openly and honestly with their clinician. They shouldn't be afraid of embarrassment or shame.
Women who suffer from ADHD can be overlooked or misdiagnosed since their symptoms are not as evident like those of men. The challenges faced by women with ADHD can be concealed due to the fact that they have to care for children, or work in roles which are more gender-specific. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to forgetting important tasks or being absentminded, to being late to complete work, and to make mistakes. They may also lack concentration in school or in work. They are also more likely to exhibit fidgeting behaviors like bouncing the leg or tapping their feet.
More who suffer from ADHD are still capable of being successful in their professional and personal lives. They need to be able to deal with their issues and to use the support that is available. They can also take advantage of strategies that help to succeed, like using a planner, calendar and mobile apps that provide reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
It can be difficult to determine the distinction between adult ADHD and other issues that arise in everyday life such as forgetting to complete appointments or tasks. The difference is important as if the condition is not treated, treated poorly or neglected, it can lead to serious problems with work and social life, including financial difficulties and difficult relationships.
A mental health professional with special training and experience treating ADHD can diagnose the condition. This includes clinical psychologists, psychotherapists, and physicians (such a psychiatrists, neurologists or family physicians who specialize in neurology or psychiatry). Professionals with qualifications also know how to deal with co-existing disorders, like anxiety and depression, which are often 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 history. The interview will involve questions regarding the effects of ADHD symptoms on a person's work and relationships. It is essential to be honest and not conceal any information.
It is also recommended to raise any issues that the person has experienced in their home or work life since the time of their childhood. These may reveal patterns that indicate ADHD. Many people with ADHD have difficulty forming close relationships and switching jobs frequently. Adults with ADHD frequently have difficulty managing their money and tend to spend more than they should.
In some cases an assessment of adults with ADHD could include other tests, including neuropsychological or psychological tests to rule out other causes for the person's problem. A person with ADHD may also be suffering from 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.
Some people suffering from ADHD might benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy and/or psychotherapy in addition to lifestyle changes and treatment methods. They can help them discover their own behavior and thoughts, as well as develop coping strategies for managing them.
Get Treatment
Many people who suffer from ADHD have the same issues similar to those they faced when they were kids such as problems with relationships and at work, issues completing their schoolwork or finding employment. These issues often lead to the need for medical referrals to diagnose and treatment. The first step for a lot of people is to talk to their primary care provider. They will likely recommend you to a mental health professional who is skilled in diagnosing adult ADHD.
Your doctor will conduct a thorough examination to determine if you suffer from ADHD or a different health condition that produces symptoms that are similar to ADHD. He or she will ask you questions, review your behavior and history, ask about your family history and medical history, and utilize questionnaires and psychiatric scales. The doctor will also examine your physical health including blood pressure and heartbeat. Other conditions that may cause similar symptoms include stress, anxiety, depression, as well as certain drugs and substances.
Adults with ADHD often have a harder to recognize that they suffer from the disorder. They have learned to hide their symptoms and compensate for their symptoms, but they may still be afflicted by low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. Women are often better than men at hiding their symptoms, and have gotten used to being labelled as a slacker, a goof-off or a troublemaker.
During an ADHD assessment, your physician will evaluate your symptoms and how they impact your life. The doctor may also interview your family members and you and colleagues at work. He or she will make use of different tools, including old report cards to document childhood ADHD symptoms.
Adult ADHD can be treated using both the use of pharmacological as well as behavioral (behavioral) treatments. The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication that aids in the balance of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They include stimulants like amphetamine, methylphenidate, and atomoxetine, as well nonstimulants.
Certain behavioral treatments like cognitive behavior therapy and education about ADHD can also aid. Some people suffering from ADHD can benefit from a change in lifestyle, such as using a planner or journal and establishing routines. Counseling for families and marriage or a life coach who can help with time management and organizational skills, are effective for many. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from accommodations at work or school, such as extended deadlines and flexible time, which can make it easier to meet the goals of performance and be successful.
Find Help
A diagnosis of ADHD can be stressful. It could be the first step towards finally taking control of symptoms that have been impacting your life for a number of years. Adult symptoms of ADHD could include having trouble managing work or school obligations, loosing important personal belongings, not making appointments, impulsively spending money not following medical instructions and more. These problems can cause chronic stress, low confidence and feelings of unworthiness. Following the most effective techniques and having a solid support system can make a big impact on how you manage your symptoms.
In the past, a lot of people with ADHD were not diagnosed. They may have had difficulty finding an occupation that was suitable for their needs, failed in their academic pursuits, and struggled to find long-term relationships. They may have a lot of regrets about missed opportunities and wasted time.
A thorough interview with a mental healthcare specialist is typically required to determine the severity of adult ADHD. If possible family members can also be invited to the interview. In addition, the patient is required to complete questionnaires and scales, and 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.
Based on the symptoms of a person and the results of psychological tests, neuropsychological or additional psychological testing may be required. This test can provide more details about how the person's ADHD affects their lives, and help determine if there are any co-existing disorders that need to be treated.
Treatment options for adult ADHD generally include psychological counseling (psychotherapy), education and occasionally, medications. Psychotherapy helps individuals learn to manage and understand their ADHD and improve their ability to manage it. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that teaches people to change their negative thinking patterns and behaviors. Marital and family counseling can also be beneficial for people with ADHD who have difficulties maintaining relationships.
The first step in locating an experienced counselor is to seek an appointment from your physician or an expert. You can also reach out to a local psychology graduate school or university hospital to get recommendations. Pick a doctor you are comfortable with and who has experience in treating adults.