Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, ask your primary physician for a referral. You can also ask your family and friends for recommendations or use the internet to find specialists who are qualified to evaluate ADHD.
A medical professional will ask questions regarding your current symptoms. However, according to current guidelines, a diagnosis can't be made without considering your childhood background. Your specialist may ask to speak to your teachers, parents or other adults who knew you when you were an infant.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people who suffer from ADHD do not realize they have it until later in life. They might not have been diagnosed until they were children and have difficulty coping with problems in the classroom, at work or at home. A diagnosis and treatment plan will help people get their lives back in order.
Adults suffering from ADHD are unable to focus on planning, focusing and paying attention to small details. They are more prone to act on impulse and are easily distracted. They may also find it difficult to focus on tasks that are boring and often shift their attention from one task to another. This can lead to unplanned events, poor time management and a lot of mistakes at school or at work.
The symptoms of adult adhd are different for each person. The signs typically appear in the early years, but can also show up as the adolescent years or even as adults. The symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months and create significant difficulties in a variety of settings before they can be identified.
A doctor may review your school report card to determine whether there are any comments regarding your conduct or lack of effort. The doctor may also ask that the person being assessed discuss the situation with their parents. It's important that adults who are being assessed for ADHD discuss their problems openly and honestly with the doctor. They shouldn't hold back out of fear of shame or embarrassment.
Women who suffer from ADHD can be overlooked or misdiagnosed since their symptoms aren't so obvious like those of men. Their struggles are often concealed because of the responsibilities of caring for children or by performing more traditional gender-specific roles. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to be distracted by important tasks or being absentminded or being late in completing work, and to make mistakes. They may also lack concentration in school or in work. They are also more likely to display fidgeting behavior such as bouncing the leg or tapping their feet.
Adults with ADHD are still capable of having success in their personal and professional life. They just need to learn to manage their challenges, and take advantage of the help that is available. They can also employ strategies that can help them succeed, like the use of a planner or calendar, as well as phone apps with reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
It can be difficult to tell the difference between adult ADHD and other issues that arise in everyday life, such as forgetting tasks or appointments. The difference is important since if the disorder is not treated, treated poorly or neglected, it can lead to serious issues with work and social relationships such as financial issues and troubled relationships.
adhd diagnosis in adults with particular training and experience treating ADHD can diagnose the condition. This includes clinical psychologists, therapists and 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 frequently associated with ADHD.
A thorough interview will be conducted to determine if a patient has ADHD. This will include an examination of the patient's medical background, personal and family background. The interview will ask questions about the effects of ADHD symptoms on a person's work and relationships. It is crucial that the person is honest and not conceal any information.
It is also recommended to bring up any problems that the person has experienced in their work or home life since childhood. These can often reveal patterns that indicate ADHD. For instance, many people with ADHD shift jobs frequently and have difficulty forming close relationships. Additionally, it's typical for adults with ADHD to have issues with money management and spend more than they should.
In certain instances an assessment of adult ADHD could include other tests, such as neuropsychological or psychological tests to rule out other causes for the person's difficulty. For instance, a person who suffers from ADHD could also be suffering from a learning disability 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 behavioral and/or psychotherapy in addition to lifestyle modifications and treatment methods. These therapies can help people discover their own disruptive thoughts and behaviors as well as formulate strategies to manage them.
Get Treatment
As adults, many people who have ADHD remain afflicted by the same problems they did in childhood: trouble with relationships and work, difficulties in completing their schoolwork or finding work. These issues often lead to medical referral for diagnosis and treatment. For many people, the first step is to speak with a primary care doctor. They may refer you to a mental health professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether you have ADHD, or some other health condition that produces symptoms that mimic ADHD. The doctor will interview you, look over your behavior and past history, ask about family and medical history, and use the psychiatric rating scales as well as questionnaires. The doctor will also examine your physical health, including your heart rate and blood pressure. Other conditions that can be causing similar symptoms include depression, anxiety, stress, certain medications and the use of drugs.
Adults suffering from ADHD might have difficulty recognizing the condition. They may have learned how to hide their symptoms or make excuses for them, but they still suffer from low self-esteem and confidence. Women are more adept in hiding their issues than men, and can be labeled as a slacker, goofy or troublemaker.
In an ADHD evaluation, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and their impact on your life. They may also conduct interviews with you and your family and colleagues at work. He or she will use different tools, like old report cards to document childhood ADHD symptoms.
Treatment options for adults with ADHD are pharmacological and behavioral (medication). The most common 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, such as cognitive behavior therapy and education about ADHD, can also help. Some people with ADHD might benefit from lifestyle changes by using a planner or a journal and setting up regular routines. Others can benefit from counseling for families and marriages or a life coach who can assist with time management and organization skills. Certain people with ADHD may also benefit from accommodations at school or in the workplace. This includes extended deadlines and flexible hours.
Finding Support
A diagnosis of ADHD is stressful. It could be the first step towards finding a way to manage the symptoms that may have been affecting your life for a long time. Adult ADHD symptoms include difficulty maintaining a schedule for school or work obligations as well as losing personal items or appointments, making purchases impulsively and not following medical advice and many more. These issues can result in an ongoing stress level, low self-esteem and feelings of unworthiness. Following the most effective practices and having a good support system can make a huge impact on how you manage your symptoms.
In the past, a lot people with ADHD were misdiagnosed. They might have had trouble finding a suitable job or failed in their academic pursuits, and struggled to find long-term relationships. They may have many regrets over wasted opportunities and time.
A thorough interview with a mental health professional is usually required to determine the severity of adult ADHD. If possible family members are present during the interview. The person is also asked 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 a person's symptoms and the results of psychological tests, neuropsychological or additional psychological tests may be required. This test can provide more information about the ways the individual's ADHD affects their lives and also help determine if there are any co-existing issues that need to be treated.
Adult ADHD is treated by psychotherapy (psychotherapy) as well as educational programs, and sometimes medication. Psychotherapy helps people recognize and manage their ADHD and build the skills needed to manage it. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that teaches people to alter negative thoughts and behaviors. Family and marital counseling may also be beneficial for people with ADHD who have difficulties maintaining relationships.
The first step in finding an experienced counselor is to seek a referral from your doctor or a specialist. You can also call an area hospital affiliated with a university or graduate school of psychology to obtain recommendations. Then, choose a practitioner who you are comfortable with and who is experienced in treating adults.