Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
Ask your primary doctor for a referral if you think you might be suffering from ADHD. You can also ask for recommendations from friends and family or search the internet for specialists who are able to conduct ADHD evaluations.
Professionals will inquire about your symptoms today but, based on current guidelines, it is impossible to diagnose without taking into consideration your childhood history. Your doctor may talk to your teachers, parents or other adults who knew you as a child.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people with ADHD don't realize they have the disorder until they reach the age of adulthood. They might have missed out on the diagnosis when they were children and then struggle with problems at home, work and at school. A diagnosis and treatment plan can assist them in getting their lives back on path.
Adults with ADHD frequently have trouble focusing, planning or paying attention to details. They tend to act on impulse and are easily distracted. They might also find it difficult to sit through activities that bore them, and frequently shift their attention from one task to another. This could lead to delayed events, ineffective time management and frequent mistakes at work or school.
The signs of adult adhd are different for everyone. It is common for them to manifest in childhood, but they can also show up as an adult or in adolescence. To be diagnosed with the disorder, the symptoms must have been present for at least six months and cause significant difficulties in multiple situations.
A doctor may look over your school report card to determine whether there are any remarks regarding your conduct or lack of effort. The doctor may also ask that the person being assessed discuss the situation with their parents. Adults being evaluated by a professional for ADHD must be honest and forthcoming about their concerns. They shouldn't be shy from fear of shame or embarrassment.
Women who suffer from ADHD can be overlooked or misdiagnosed because their symptoms are not as evident like those of men. The struggles of women with ADHD can be concealed because they have to care for children, or work in positions that are more gender-specific. Signs of ADHD in women include forgetting or being absentminded about important tasks, being slow to complete work in time, making frequent mistakes and lacking focus at school or in the workplace. They are also more likely to exhibit fidgeting behavior such as bouncing the leg or tapping their feet.
Adults who suffer from ADHD can still achieve success 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 use strategies to aid them in their success, such as an organizer or a calendar, and phones with 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, because if the disorder is not treated, treated poorly or unmanaged, it can cause serious problems with work and social life such as financial issues and strained relationships.
In general the diagnosis of ADHD is made by an expert in mental health with specialized knowledge and experience in treating the condition. This includes psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, and physicians (such a psychiatrists, neurologists or family doctors who specialize in neurology or psychiatry). They are also experienced with co-existing conditions that often occur alongside ADHD, such as depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation to determine if someone has ADHD will involve a thorough interview to review the patient's personal, medical and family history. The interview will include questions regarding the impact of ADHD symptoms on a person's work and relationships. It is essential that the person is honest and not hide any information.
It's also a great idea to bring up issues that the person could have faced at work or in their personal life since the time of their childhood. In many instances, these problems can reveal patterns that indicate that the person suffers from ADHD. Many people with ADHD struggle to establish close bonds and changing jobs often. Adults with ADHD often have trouble managing their money and spend more than necessary.
In certain situations an assessment for adult ADHD could include additional tests like neuropsychological, psychological or tests for learning disabilities to determine the cause of the person's issues. A person with ADHD may 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 may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy and/or psychotherapy in addition to lifestyle modifications and treatment methods. These therapies can help people recognize their own behaviors and thoughts and develop strategies to deal with their behavior.
Finding Treatment
As adults, many who suffer from ADHD remain afflicted by the same issues they faced when they were children: problems with relationships and work, difficulties in completing their schoolwork or finding work. These issues usually lead to the need for medical referrals to diagnose and treatment. For many, the first step is to talk with a primary care doctor. He or she could refer you to a mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if you suffer from ADHD, or some other condition that causes symptoms that mimic ADHD. He or she will interview you, review your behavior and past history, ask about medical and family history, and utilize the psychiatric rating scales as well as questionnaires. The doctor will also assess your physical health, including blood pressure and heartbeat. Other conditions that may cause similar symptoms are stress, depression, and anxiety as well as certain drugs and substances.
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty recognizing the disorder. They may have learned to conceal their symptoms or to compensate for them, but suffer from low self-esteem and confidence. adhd diagnosis adults are better in hiding their symptoms than men and could be labeled as a slacker, snob or troublemaker.
In an ADHD assessment, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. The doctor will interview you, along with your family members and work colleagues. He or she may use old report cards to record childhood ADHD symptoms.
Adult ADHD can be treated using both pharmaceutical and behavioral (behavioral) treatments. The most common treatment for ADHD is medication that helps balance neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. These include stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, as well as the non-stimulant Atomoxetine.
Certain behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy and education about ADHD, can also help. Some people with ADHD might benefit from lifestyle changes by keeping a diary or planner and setting up regular routines. Counseling for families and marriage or a life coach who can help with time management and organization skills, can be beneficial for others. Some people with ADHD can also benefit from a variety of accommodations at school or work like extended deadlines or flex time, which can make it easier to achieve the goals of performance and be successful.
Finding Support
A diagnosis of ADHD is stressful. It can be the first step to finally getting control of the symptoms that have been affecting your life for many years. Symptoms of adult ADHD can include trouble staying on top of school or work obligations, loosing important personal items, missing appointments, spending money impulsively, failing to follow medical instructions and more. These problems can lead to anxiety, depression and feelings of unworthiness. Being supported by a strong network and adhering to the best methods can make all the difference in the way you deal with your issues.
In the past, many people suffering from ADHD went undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. They might have struggled finding a job that was suitable or failing in their educational efforts, and struggled to establish long-term relationships. They could be left with regrets about missed opportunities and lost time.
A thorough interview with a mental healthcare professional is usually required to diagnose adult ADHD. If possible family members are present during the interview. The person will also be required to fill out scales and questionnaires, as well as 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 symptoms of a person and the results of psychological tests, neuropsychological or additional psychological testing may be required. This test can provide more information about the ways the person's ADHD impacts their lives and help determine if there are any co-existing issues that require treatment.
Treatment options for adults with ADHD typically involve counseling for psychological issues (psychotherapy) as well as education and occasionally, medications. Psychotherapy helps people comprehend and manage ADHD and improve their techniques for managing it. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches people to change their negative thinking patterns and behavior. Family and marital counseling may also be helpful for individuals with ADHD who are having difficulty maintaining relationships.
The first step in locating an experienced counselor is to ask for a referral from your doctor or a specialist. You can also contact the local hospital that is affiliated with a university or graduate school in psychology to get recommendations. Then, choose a practitioner with whom you feel comfortable and who has experience treating adults.