Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
Ask your primary health care provider for a referral if you suspect you may 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.
A professional will ask you questions regarding your current symptoms. However, according to current guidelines, a diagnosis cannot be made without also considering your past medical history. Your doctor might talk to your teachers, parents or other adults who were familiar with you as a child.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people suffering from ADHD do not realize they have it until they reach adulthood. They might not have been diagnosed until they were children and struggle to cope with difficulties at the classroom, at work or at home. A diagnosis and treatment plan can help them get their lives back on path.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty focusing, planning or paying attention to details. They are more likely to act on impulse and become easily distracted. They might be unable to focus on tasks that bore them and frequently shift their focus from one task to another. This can lead to delayed events, ineffective time management and a lot of mistakes at school or at work.
The symptoms of adult adhd are different for every person. It is common for them to manifest in childhood, but they 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 environments.
In some instances doctors will look over school report cards to look for any remarks about behavior problems or a inability to work or underachievement in comparison to your potential. The doctor will also request the person being evaluated to speak with his or her parents. It is essential that adults who are being evaluated for ADHD discuss their issues in a candid and honest manner with the doctor. They shouldn't be afraid of shame or embarrassment.
Women suffering from ADHD are often overlooked or misdiagnosed because their symptoms aren't as evident like those of men. Their struggles may be concealed by the responsibilities of caring for children or working in more traditionally gender-specific roles. The signs of ADHD among women include not paying attention to important tasks, being slow to finish work on time, making numerous mistakes and unable to concentrate at school or in the workplace. 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 only need to learn to deal with their issues and to use the support that is available. They can also employ strategies that will aid them in their success, such as a planner or a calendar, as well as phone apps that have reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
It is often difficult to discern the difference between adult ADHD and other problems that are commonplace, such as forgetting tasks or appointments. The distinction is crucial, because if the disorder is not treated, treated poorly or unmanaged, it can result in serious issues with work and social relationships, including financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
In the majority of cases, a diagnosis of ADHD is made by a mental health professional who has specialized training and experience in treating the condition. This includes clinical psychologists, psychotherapists and doctors (such neurologists, psychiatrists or family doctors who specialize in neurology or psychiatry). They are also experienced with co-existing conditions that often occur in conjunction with ADHD such as depression and anxiety.
An in-depth interview will be conducted to determine if the patient suffers from ADHD. This will include a thorough review of the patient's medical and personal history as well as family background. The interview will involve questions regarding the effects of ADHD symptoms on the person's work and relationships. It is essential to be honest and not hide any information.
It is also a good idea to raise any issues that the person has had in their personal or professional life since the time of their childhood. These may reveal patterns that could indicate ADHD. For instance, many people with ADHD shift jobs frequently and have difficulty making close connections. In addition, it is typical for adults with ADHD to have issues with managing money and spending more than they should.
In some instances an evaluation for adults with ADHD may include additional testing such as psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities to rule out other causes of the person's problems. For instance, a person with ADHD could also be suffering from a learning impairment, like dyscalculia or dyslexia. 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 behavioral and/or psychotherapy in addition to lifestyle changes and treatment methods. These therapies can help people recognize their own behaviors and thoughts and help them create coping strategies to manage their behavior.
Get Treatment
As adults, many people who suffer from ADHD have the same issues they faced in their childhood: difficulties with relationships and work, difficulties in completing their schoolwork or finding work. These issues often lead to a medical referral for diagnosis and treatment. The first step for a lot of people is to consult their primary care physician. He or she may refer you to a mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Your doctor will conduct a thorough examination to determine if you have ADHD or another health condition that produces symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They will interview you, review your behavior and past history of your family and medical history, and utilize questionnaires and psychiatric rating scales. The doctor will also look at your physical health, such as blood pressure and heart rate. Other conditions that may cause similar symptoms include anxiety, depression, stress, certain medications and alcohol abuse.
Adults with ADHD often have a harder to recognize that they suffer from the disorder. They may have learned how to conceal their symptoms or compensate for them but still have low self-confidence and self-esteem. Many women are more adept than men at concealing their symptoms. They may be accustomed to being called an inept, lazy or a troublemaker.
During an ADHD assessment, your physician will look at your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. He or she will likely interview you, along with your family members and colleagues. He or she will make use of various tools, such as old report cards to document childhood ADHD symptoms.
Adult ADHD can be treated with both pharmacological and behavioral (behavioral) treatments. The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication that assists in balancing brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They include stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate as well as the nonstimulant Atomoxetine.
Some behavioral treatments can also help, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and education about ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD might benefit from lifestyle changes, such as using a planner or journal and setting up routines. Others can benefit from marriage and family counseling or a life coach who can assist with time management and organizing skills. Some people with ADHD may also benefit from accommodations in the workplace or school. This includes extended deadlines and flexible time.
Find Help
A diagnosis of ADHD is stressful. adhd diagnosis adult uk can be the first step to finally managing the symptoms that have been impacting your life for a number of years. Symptoms of adult ADHD can include trouble staying on top of school or work obligations, loosing important personal items, avoiding appointments, impulsively spending money not following instructions from your doctor and many more. These issues can result in an ongoing stress level, low self-esteem and feelings of unworthiness. Following the best practices and having a good support network can make a big difference in the way you manage your symptoms.
In the past, a lot of people suffering from ADHD were misdiagnosed or not recognized. They might have had trouble finding a job that was suitable or failed in their academic pursuits, and struggled to find long-term relationships. They might be replete with regrets over missed opportunities and lost moments.
An extensive interview with a mental health professional is usually required to determine the severity of adult ADHD. If possible, family members are also included in the interview. The person is also asked 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 and their symptoms, further tests for neuropsychological or psychological testing could be required. This testing can give more information about the ways the individual's ADHD impacts their lives and help determine if there are any co-existing conditions that need to be treated.
Adult ADHD is treated by psychological counseling (psychotherapy) as well as educational programs, and occasionally medication. Psychotherapy helps people comprehend and manage ADHD and improve their skills for coping with it. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps people to change their negative behavior patterns and thinking patterns. Family and marital counseling may also be beneficial for people with ADHD who are having difficulty maintaining relationships.
The first step to find the right counselor is to seek a referral from your doctor or an expert. You can also call a local university-based hospital or graduate school of psychology to obtain recommendations. Select a psychologist you feel comfortable with and who has experience working with adults.