Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
Ask your primary health care provider for a referral if you suspect you have ADHD. You can also ask your friends and family for recommendations or go online to find professionals qualified to evaluate ADHD.
Professionals will ask about your symptoms today, but according to current guidelines, it's impossible to determine the cause without considering your past experiences as a child. Your doctor may request to speak to your parents, teachers, or other adults that knew you as a child.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people with ADHD don't know they have it until they reach adulthood. They might have missed out on the diagnosis while they were young and then have to deal with issues at work, at home and at school. A diagnosis and treatment plan will help them to get their lives back in order.
Adults suffering from ADHD struggle with focusing, planning and paying attention to the details. They are more prone to act on impulse, and are easily distracted. They might also discover that they are unable to sit through boring activities and will often shift their focus from one task to the next. This could result in them not being able to attend important events or deadlines, as well as frequent missteps at work or in school.
The symptoms of adult adhd can be different for everyone. It is common for them to manifest in the early years, but can also appear in the adolescent years or even as adults. To be diagnosed with the disorder the symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months and create significant problems in multiple settings.
In certain instances, a doctor will review school report cards to look for any remarks regarding behavior issues or a lack of effort or underachievement in comparison to your potential. The doctor will also request the person being evaluated to talk with his or her parents. Adults who are being evaluated by a doctor for ADHD should be honest and open about their problems. They shouldn't be scared of shame or embarrassment.
Women who suffer from ADHD are often overlooked or misdiagnosed, as their symptoms are not as obvious as those of men. Their struggles can be hidden because of the responsibilities of caring for children or by working in more traditionally gender-specific roles. Symptoms of ADHD among women include forgetting or being unable to focus on important tasks, not being able to complete work on time, making frequent mistakes and unable to concentrate at work or at school. They tend to be fidgety like tapping their feet or jumping their legs.
Adults with ADHD can still be successful in being successful in their professional and personal lives. They just need to learn how to manage their challenges and make use of the help they have available. They can also use strategies that can help them succeed, like the use of a planner or calendar, as well as phones with reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
It is often difficult to discern the distinction between adult ADHD and other problems that are commonplace like forgetting tasks or appointments. But the distinction is significant because, if left untreated, mistreated or not properly managed the disorder could lead to serious social and work-related issues which include financial issues and troubled relationships.
In general the case, a diagnosis of ADHD is made by an expert in mental health who has special knowledge and experience in treating the condition. This includes clinical psychologists, psychotherapists and doctors (such neurologists, psychiatrists or family physicians who specialize in neurology or psychiatry). They are also experienced with co-existing disorders that typically occur in conjunction with ADHD, such as anxiety and depression.
An in-depth interview will be conducted to determine if a patient has ADHD. This will include a thorough review of the patient's medical background, personal and family history. The interview will include questions about how the person's ADHD symptoms affect their relationships and work. It is essential for the person to be honest and not hide any details.
It is also recommended to raise any issues that the person has experienced in their home or work life since childhood. In many instances, these problems can reveal patterns that indicate that the person is suffering from ADHD. For instance, a lot of people with ADHD have a tendency to change jobs frequently and have trouble forming close relationships. Additionally, it's common for people with ADHD to have issues with money management and spend more than they ought to.
In certain instances, an evaluation of adult ADHD might include additional tests, such as neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests, to rule out any other reasons for the problem. For instance, a person who suffers from ADHD might also have 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.
Certain people with ADHD might benefit from cognitive behavior and/or psychotherapy, in addition to lifestyle changes and treatment strategies. They can help them recognize their own behavior and thoughts and develop strategies for dealing with them.
Get Treatment
Many people with ADHD experience the same difficulties as they did as children issues with relationships, and at work, difficulties completing their schoolwork or finding jobs. Many times, these issues result in medical referrals to get a diagnosis and treatment. For many people, the first step is talking to a primary care provider. They will likely refer you to an expert in mental health who is skilled in diagnosing adult ADHD.
Your doctor will conduct an extensive examination to determine whether you suffer from ADHD or another condition that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. He or she will inquire about your concerns, review your behavior and history as well as inquire about your family history and medical history, and employ questionnaires and psychiatric scales. The doctor will also check your physical health including your heartbeat and blood pressure. Other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms include stress, depression, and anxiety, as well as certain medications and addiction to substances.
Adults suffering from ADHD might have difficulty recognizing the disorder. They might have learned to hide their symptoms or make excuses for them but still suffer from low confidence and self-esteem. Many women are better in hiding their symptoms than men, and may be used to being labeled as a goof-off, slacker or troublemaker.
During an ADHD assessment, your doctor will examine your symptoms and how they impact your life. The doctor will interview you, as well as your family and work colleagues. He or she will make use of a variety of tools, like old report cards, to record childhood ADHD symptoms.
Adult ADHD can be treated using both pharmaceutical and behavioral (behavioral) treatments. Medicines that aid in the balance of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters are the most frequently prescribed treatments for ADHD. They include stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate as well as the non-stimulant Atomoxetine.
Certain behavioral treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy and education about ADHD can also aid. Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from lifestyle modifications, such as setting routines, and using a planner or journal. Others find success through marriage and family counseling or a life coach who can help with time management and organizing skills. Some people suffering from ADHD may also benefit from accommodating at work or school for extended deadlines or flex time, which makes it easier to achieve the goals of performance and be successful.
Find Support
A diagnosis of ADHD can be stressful. It can be the first step towards finding a way to manage the symptoms that be affecting your life for a long time. diagnose adhd of adult ADHD could include having trouble keeping up with work or school obligations, misplacing important personal belongings, not making appointments, spending money impulsively, failing to follow instructions from your doctor and many more. These issues can result in anxiety, depression and feelings of unworthiness. Being supported by a strong network and adhering to the most effective practices can make all the difference in the way you deal with your symptoms.
In the past, many people with ADHD went undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. They might have struggled finding a job that was suitable or failing in their educational pursuits, and struggled to find long-term relationships. They could be overwhelmed by regrets over missed opportunities or lost times.
A comprehensive interview with a mental health professional is typically required to diagnose adult ADHD. If possible family members can also be present during the interview. 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 the results of psychological tests depending on the person's symptoms, additional or neuropsychological tests may be required. The tests can provide more information about the ways the individual's ADHD impacts their lives and help determine if there are any co-existing disorders that require treatment.
Adult ADHD is treated through psychological counseling (psychotherapy) as well as educational programs, and sometimes medication. Psychotherapy helps people learn to manage and understand their ADHD and improve their ability to deal with it. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people to change their negative thought patterns and behavior. Marital and family counseling can also be helpful for individuals with ADHD who have difficulty maintaining relationships.
The first step to find the right counselor is to request a referral from your doctor or an expert. You can also call the local hospital that is affiliated with a university or graduate school in psychology to get recommendations. Choose a practitioner who you trust and who has experience in treating adults.