Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
Ask your primary health care provider to refer you to a specialist if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. You can also seek recommendations from friends and family or search the internet for specialists who are able to conduct ADHD evaluations.
A professional will ask you questions about your current symptoms. However, according to current guidelines, a diagnosis can't be made without considering your past medical background. Your doctor may talk to your parents, teachers or other adults who knew you as a child.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people with ADHD do not know they have the condition until adulthood. They might have missed the diagnosis while they were young and then struggle with the challenges at work, home and at school. A diagnosis and treatment plan could assist them in getting their lives back on path.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically have trouble focus, planning, or paying attention to the finer details. They are more likely to act on impulse, and can easily be distracted. They might also discover that they cannot endure boring tasks and often shift their focus from one task to the next. This can lead to delayed events, ineffective time management and a lot of mistakes at school or at work.
The signs of adult adhd can be different for each person. They tend to appear in the early years of childhood, but can also show up as an adult or in adolescence. To be diagnosed with the disorder the symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months and cause significant difficulties in multiple situations.
In certain instances the doctor may review school report cards to look for comments about behavior problems or a lack of effort and underachievement in comparison to your potential. The doctor will also request the person being evaluated to speak with their parents. It's important that adults who are being assessed for ADHD discuss their concerns openly and honestly with their doctor. They shouldn't be afraid of shame or embarrassment.
Women suffering from ADHD are often ignored or misdiagnosed since their symptoms are less noticeable than those of males. The struggles of women suffering from ADHD are often hidden due to the fact that they are responsible for caring for children or in jobs that are more gender-specific. Women with ADHD are prone to forgetting important tasks or being absentminded and late to complete work, and to making mistakes. They might also have trouble with focus in school or at work. They are also more likely to exhibit fidgeting behavior such as bouncing the leg or tapping their feet.
Adults suffering from ADHD are still capable of being successful in their personal and professional life. They only need to learn how to handle their challenges and to use the support that is available. They can also make use of strategies that make it easier to succeed, such as using a planner, calendar and phone apps that offer reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
It can be difficult to tell the difference between adult ADHD and other problems that are commonplace, such as forgetting appointments or tasks. The distinction is crucial since if the disorder is not treated, mistreated or unmanaged, it can cause serious issues with work and social relationships which include financial problems and difficult relationships.
In the majority of cases, a diagnosis of ADHD should be determined by an expert in mental health who has specialized knowledge and experience in treating the condition. This includes psychotherapists, clinical psychologists or doctors (such as psychiatrists, neurologists or family doctors) who specialize in neurology or psychiatry. They also have a deep understanding of co-existing conditions, including anxiety and depression, which are frequently associated with ADHD.
A test to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD will require an extensive interview to look over the patient's medical, personal and family background. The interview will also include questions about how the patient's ADHD symptoms affect their work and relationships. It is crucial for the person to be honest and not conceal any information.
It is also an excellent idea to raise any issues that the person has had in their work or home life since the time of their childhood. In many cases, these issues can be indicators that the person suffers from ADHD. Many people with ADHD struggle to establish close bonds and changing jobs often. In addition, it is common for people with ADHD to have issues with managing their money and to spend more than they should.
In certain cases, an evaluation of adult ADHD could include other tests, including neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests, to rule out any other causes for the person's issue. A person with ADHD may also be suffering from a learning disorder such as dyslexia, dyscalculia or dyscalculia. 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 changes and treatment strategies. These can help people learn to recognize their own thoughts and behaviors as well as formulate strategies to manage them.
Get Treatment
As adults, many with ADHD remain afflicted by the same issues that they had in their childhood: difficulties with relationships and work, difficulties getting through school or finding work. Many times, these issues result in medical referrals to get a diagnosis and treatment. adult diagnosis adhd for many people is to speak to their primary care physician. He or she will probably recommend you to a mental health professional who has experience diagnosing adult ADHD.
Your doctor will conduct a thorough exam to determine if you suffer from ADHD or another disorder that can cause symptoms that mimic ADHD. He or she will interview you, go over your behavior and past history, ask about family and medical history, and use questionnaires and psychiatric rating scales. The doctor will also examine your physical health including blood pressure and heartbeat. Other conditions that can cause similar symptoms include stress, anxiety, depression, as well as certain drugs and substances.
Adults suffering from ADHD may have difficulty recognizing the disorder. They may have learned how to conceal their symptoms or compensate for them, but suffer from low self-confidence and self-esteem. Women are often better than men in hiding their symptoms, and may have become accustomed to being labelled a slacker, goof-off or a troublemaker.
During an ADHD assessment, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and how they affect your life. The doctor will interview you, as well as your family and work colleagues. They will employ a variety of tools, including old report cards, to document childhood ADHD symptoms.
Treatment options for adults with ADHD are pharmacological and behavioral (medication). The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication that helps balance brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They include stimulants like methylphenidate, amphetamine and atomoxetine, in addition to nonstimulants.
Certain behavioral therapies like cognitive behavior therapy and education on ADHD may also be helpful. Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from lifestyle changes by establishing routines and keeping journals or a planner. Marriage and family counseling, or a life-coach who can help with time-management and organization skills, can be beneficial for other people. Certain people with ADHD might also benefit from a few adjustments in the workplace or school. These can include extended deadlines and flexible time.
Finding Support
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a stressful experience. It can also be the first step to getting control of the symptoms that have been impacting your life for a number of years. Adult ADHD symptoms could include difficulties keeping up with school or work obligations, losing personal items or appointments, spending money in a hurry and not following medical advice and many more. These problems can cause chronic stress, low confidence and feelings of unworthiness. A strong support system and following the best methods can make all the difference in how you deal with your symptoms.
In the past, many people with ADHD were not diagnosed or misdiagnosed. They might have had difficulty finding the right job for them, failed their educational pursuits, and struggled to find long-term relationships. They could be overwhelmed by regrets over missed opportunities or lost moments.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD typically requires a thorough interview with a mental health professional including family members when possible. In addition, the patient will be asked to complete questionnaires and scales, as well as to talk about 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.
Depending on the individual and their symptoms, additional tests for neuropsychological or psychological testing could be performed. This test will provide more information about how ADHD affects the individual and help determine if there are any co-existing conditions.
Treatment options for adult ADHD generally include psychological counseling (psychotherapy) as well as education and occasionally, medications. Psychotherapy helps people understand and manage ADHD and develop techniques for managing it. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people to change their negative thinking patterns and behavior. Family and marital counseling can also be helpful for individuals with ADHD who have difficulties maintaining relationships.
A doctor or specialist for a recommendation is the first step towards finding a licensed counsellor. You can also reach out to a local psychology graduate college or university hospital to get recommendations. Pick a doctor you feel comfortable with and who has experience working with adults.