Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect you have ADHD, ask your primary care doctor for the referral. You can also ask your friends and family for recommendations or use the internet to find professionals qualified to evaluate ADHD.
A professional will ask you questions regarding your current symptoms, however under current guidelines, a diagnosis cannot be determined without taking into account your childhood background. Your doctor may request to speak to your parents, teachers or any other adult who knew you as a child.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people suffering from ADHD do not know they have the disorder until they reach adulthood. They might not have been diagnosed as children and have difficulty coping with problems in school, at work or at home. A diagnosis and treatment plan can help people get their lives back in order.
Adults with ADHD typically have trouble staying focused, planning or paying attention to detail. They are more likely to act on impulse, and can easily be distracted. They might be unable to sit through activities that bore them, and frequently shift their attention from one thing to another. This can lead to delayed events, ineffective time management and a lot of mistakes at school or at work.
The signs of adhd in adulthood are different for each person. The signs of adult adhd differ for everyone. They usually appear in the early years of childhood, but they can be seen as an adult or an adolescent. To be considered to have the disorder the symptoms must be present for at least six months, and cause significant difficulties in multiple settings.
In certain instances doctors will look over school report cards to find out if there are any comments regarding behavior issues or a lack of effort or underachievement compared to your potential. The doctor may also ask to have the person being evaluated discuss the situation with their parents. Adults being evaluated by a professional for ADHD should be honest and forthcoming about their problems. They shouldn't be shy from fear of embarrassment or shame.
Women suffering from ADHD are often omitted or misdiagnosed because their symptoms are less obvious than those of men. The struggles of women suffering from ADHD can be hidden due to the fact that they have to care for their children or working in roles that are gender-specific. Signs of ADHD for women include not paying attention to important tasks, being slow to complete work in time, committing frequent errors and unable to concentrate at school or in the workplace. They tend to engage in fidgeting behavior such as tapping their feet or jumping their legs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD can still be successful in their personal and professional lives. They need to be able to manage their challenges, and take advantage of the help that is available. They can also make use of strategies that help to succeed, like using a planner or calendar and mobile apps that provide reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be difficult to distinguish from normal problems that occur in everyday life, like forgetting appointments or having trouble keeping track of tasks. However, the difference is crucial because, if it is left untreated, neglected or treated poorly, the disorder can result in serious social and work-related issues such as financial difficulties and strained relationships.
A mental health professional who has particular training and experience treating ADHD can diagnose the condition. This could include psychotherapists, clinical psychologists or physicians (such as neurologists, psychiatrists or family doctors) who specialize in neurology or psychiatry. They also have a deep understanding of co-existing conditions, such as depression and anxiety, that are often present with ADHD.
An in-depth interview will be conducted to determine whether a patient has ADHD. This will involve a thorough review of the patient's medical background, personal and family background. The interview will ask questions about how the patient's ADHD symptoms impact their relationships and work. It is crucial that the person is honest and not conceal any information.
It is also an excellent idea to raise any issues that the person has had in their personal or professional life since the time of their childhood. In many instances, these problems can reveal patterns that suggest that the person is suffering from ADHD. Many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty forming close bonds and changing jobs frequently. In addition, it is common for adults with ADHD to have problems with money management and spend more than they should.
In certain cases an assessment of adult ADHD could include other tests, like neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests, to rule out any other reasons for the difficulty. A person with ADHD could also have an underlying learning disorder, like dyslexia, dyscalculia 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 behavior and/or psychotherapy, in addition to lifestyle changes and treatment methods. These can help people recognize their own thoughts and behaviors, as well as develop strategies for dealing with them.
Seek Treatment
As adults, many people who have ADHD remain afflicted by the same problems they did when they were children: problems with relationships and work, as well as difficulties in completing their schoolwork or finding work. These issues often result in a medical referral for diagnosis and treatment. The first step for many people is to speak to their primary care provider. They may refer you to a mental healthcare professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Your doctor will perform a thorough evaluation in order to determine whether you suffer from ADHD or another condition that can cause symptoms that mimic ADHD. They will ask you questions, review your behavior and history, ask about your family and medical background, and use the psychiatric scales and questionnaires. The doctor will also look at your physical health, including blood pressure and heart rate. Other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms include anxiety, depression, stress, certain medications and the use of drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may be unable to recognize the disorder. They have learned to hide their symptoms and to compensate for them, but they can have low self-esteem and lack of confidence. Many women are better at hiding their symptoms than men and could be labeled as a slacker, goofy or troublemaker.
During an ADHD evaluation, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and how they impact your life. He or she may interview your family and friends, as well as colleagues at work. He or she could make use of old report cards to document childhood ADHD symptoms.
Treatment options for adult ADHD are behavioral and pharmacological (medication). The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication that assists in balancing brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These include stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine and atomoxetine, as well nonstimulants.
Some behavioral treatments may also be helpful with cognitive behavioral therapy and education on ADHD. Certain people with ADHD can benefit from a change in lifestyle, such as using a planner or journal and setting up regular routines. Marriage and family counseling or a life coach who can help with time management and organization skills, can be beneficial for others. Some people with ADHD may also benefit from accommodating arrangements in the workplace or school. This includes extended deadlines and flexible schedules.
Find Help
A diagnosis of ADHD can be stressful. It can be a first step towards getting control of the symptoms that have been in your life for many years. Adult ADHD symptoms could include difficulties keeping up with the demands of work or school, losing personal items and missing important appointments, making purchases impulsively and not following medical advice, and more. These issues can cause an ongoing stress level, low self-esteem and feelings of inadequate. Having a good support system and following 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 might have had trouble finding a job that was suitable or failing in their educational pursuits, and struggled to find long-term relationships. They could have regrets about missed opportunities and wasted time.
A comprehensive interview with a mental healthcare professional is typically required to diagnose adult ADHD. If undiagnosed adhd in adults can also be invited to the interview. The person will also be asked to complete questionnaires and scales and 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 individual's symptoms and the results of psychological tests and symptoms, neuropsychological or additional psychological testing could be necessary. The tests will provide more information about how ADHD affects the individual and can help determine if there are any co-existing conditions.
Adult ADHD is treated by psychological counseling (psychotherapy), educational programs, and occasionally medication. Psychotherapy helps individuals understand and manage their ADHD and build the skills needed 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 may also be beneficial for people with ADHD who have difficulty maintaining relationships.
The first step in finding the right counselor is to request a referral from your doctor or a specialist. You can also contact an area hospital affiliated with a university or graduate school of psychology to obtain recommendations. Select a psychologist you trust and has experience treating adults.
