Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect you may have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, ask your primary physician for an appointment. You can also ask your friends and family for recommendations or go online to find professionals who are qualified to evaluate ADHD.
A professional will ask you questions regarding your current symptoms, but according to current guidelines, a diagnosis cannot be made without also considering your childhood history. Your doctor may request to speak with your parents, teachers or any other adult who knew you when you were an infant.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people suffering from ADHD do not realize they have the condition until they reach adulthood. They might have missed the diagnosis as a child and then struggle with problems at work, home and at school. A diagnosis and treatment plan will help people get their lives back in order.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have difficulty staying focused, planning or paying attention to the finer details. They are more likely to act on impulse and to become easily distracted. They may also find it difficult to endure activities that bore them, and frequently shift their focus from one task to another. This can lead to missed events, poor time-management and frequent blunders at work or school.
The signs of adhd in adulthood 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 considered to have the disorder the symptoms must have been present for at least six months, and cause significant difficulty in a variety of environments.
A doctor will review your school report card to determine whether there are any comments about your behavior or inefficiency. The doctor may also ask the person being evaluated to speak with his or her parents. Adults who are being evaluated by a clinician for ADHD must be honest and forthcoming about their problems. They shouldn't be scared of embarrassment or shame.
Women with ADHD are often omitted or misdiagnosed because their symptoms are less apparent than those of males. Their struggles may be concealed because of the responsibilities of caring for children or working in more traditionally gender-specific roles. Signs of ADHD among women include forgetting or not paying attention to important tasks, not being able to complete work on time, committing frequent errors and unable to concentrate at school or in the workplace. They are also more likely to display fidgeting behaviors like bouncing the leg or tapping their feet.
Adults who suffer from ADHD can still be successful in their personal and professional lives. They need to be able how to handle their challenges and take advantage of the help that is available. They can also take advantage of strategies that help to succeed, such as using a planner or a calendar and mobile apps that provide reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
The signs of adult ADHD can be difficult to distinguish from normal problems that occur in daily life, such as a tendency to forget appointments or losing track of tasks. The difference is crucial as if the condition is not treated, mistreated or unmanaged, it can result in serious problems with work and social life such as financial issues and difficult relationships.
A mental health professional who has specific training and experience in treating ADHD can diagnose the condition. This includes psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, and physicians (such neurologists, psychiatrists or family physicians who specialize in psychiatry or neurology). They also have a deep understanding of co-existing conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which are frequently associated with ADHD.
An evaluation to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD will involve a thorough interview to review the patient's medical, personal and family history. The interview will include questions about how the patient's ADHD symptoms impact their relationships and work. It is crucial for the person to be honest and not conceal any details.
It is also an excellent idea to bring up any problems that the person has had in their work or home life since childhood. These can often reveal patterns that suggest ADHD. Many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty forming close relationships and change jobs frequently. Adults with ADHD often have trouble managing their money and tend to spend more than they need to.
In Our Site for adults with ADHD might include additional tests like neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities to rule out other causes of the person's issues. For example, a person with ADHD may 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.
In addition to treatment methods and lifestyle adjustments, some people suffering from ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy and/or psychotherapy. These treatments can help people identify their own disruptive behaviors and thoughts and help them develop strategies to deal with these issues.
Get Help
Many people who suffer from ADHD experience the same difficulties like they did when they were children such as problems with relationships and at work, difficulty in completing their schoolwork or finding jobs. Many times, these issues lead to medical referral for diagnosis and treatment. For many people, the first step is to talk to a primary care provider. They will likely refer you to a mental health professional who has experience diagnosing adult ADHD.
Your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether you have ADHD or a different condition that causes symptoms that are similar to ADHD. The doctor will interview you, review your behavior and past history as well as ask about your medical and family history, and use the psychiatric rating scales as well as questionnaires. The doctor will also examine your physical health, including blood pressure and heartbeat. Other conditions that may cause similar symptoms include stress, depression, and anxiety as well as certain drugs and substances.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may be unable to recognize the disorder. They may have learned how to conceal their symptoms or to compensate for them but still suffer from low self-esteem and confidence. Women are often better than men at hiding their symptoms. They may have become accustomed to being called an inept, lazy or troublemaker.
During an ADHD evaluation, your doctor will examine your symptoms and how they impact your life. The doctor will interview you, and your family members and colleagues. They will employ a variety of tools, like old report cards to document childhood ADHD symptoms.
Adult ADHD is treatable with both pharmacological 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 such as methylphenidate and amphetamine and the nonstimulant atomoxetine.
Some behavioral treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy and education on ADHD, can also help. Some people suffering from ADHD can benefit from a change in their lifestyle like setting routines and keeping journals or a planner. Marriage and family counseling or a life coach who can help with time management and organizational skills, are effective for many. Certain people suffering from ADHD also benefit from accommodations at school or at work, such as extended deadlines and flexible time, which makes it easier to achieve the goals of performance and be successful.
Find Support
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be stressful. It could be the first step towards managing the symptoms that have been impacting your life for a number of years. Adult ADHD symptoms include difficulty staying on top of the demands of work or school, losing personal items, missing important appointments, spending money impulsively, not following medical instructions and many more. These problems can lead to an ongoing stress level, low self-esteem and feelings of inadequate. Following the most effective practices and having a good support system can make a significant difference in the way you deal with your symptoms.
In the past, many people with ADHD were misdiagnosed or not recognized. They might have had trouble finding a job they liked or failing in their educational pursuits, and struggled to find long-term relationships. They may have a lot of regrets about wasted opportunities and time.
An extensive interview with a mental health specialist is typically required to diagnose adult ADHD. If possible family members are invited to the interview. The person will also be asked to complete 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.
Based on the individual and their symptoms, additional tests for neuropsychological or psychological testing could be required. The tests can provide more details on how ADHD affects the individual and can help determine if there are any co-existing conditions.
Treatment options for adult ADHD generally include psychological counseling (psychotherapy) as well as education and sometimes medications. Psychotherapy helps people understand and manage ADHD and improve their skills for coping with it. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that teaches individuals to change their negative behavior patterns and thinking patterns. Family and marital counseling can be beneficial to those with ADHD who have difficulties maintaining relationships.
The first step in locating a qualified counselor is to request an appointment from your doctor or an expert. You can also reach out to a local psychology graduate college or a university hospital for recommendations. Select a psychologist you are comfortable with and who has experience working with adults.