Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect you may have ADHD You should ask your primary care doctor for the referral. You can also ask your family and friends for recommendations or search online to find specialists who are qualified to evaluate ADHD.
A professional will ask you questions about your current symptoms, but under current guidelines, a diagnosis cannot be determined without taking into account your childhood background. Your doctor may request to speak to your teachers, parents, or other adults that knew you as when you were a child.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people with ADHD do not know they have the disorder until they reach the age of adulthood. They may have missed the diagnosis as a child and then struggle to cope with problems at work, at home and at school. A diagnosis and treatment plan can help them get their lives back in order.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically have trouble focus, planning, or paying attention to the finer details. They are more likely to make decisions on impulse and can easily be distracted. They might be unable to sit through activities that bore them and frequently shift their focus from one task to another. This could result in them not being able to attend important events or deadlines, as well as frequent mistakes at work or in school.
Adult adhd symptoms differ for each individual. They tend to appear in childhood, but they may also manifest as the adolescent years or even as adults. The symptoms must be present for a minimum of 6 months and cause significant difficulty in multiple settings to be diagnosed.
A doctor can review your school report card to see if there are any comments regarding your conduct or inefficiency. The doctor will also ask the person being evaluated to talk with their parents. It is essential that adults who are being evaluated for ADHD discuss their concerns openly and honestly with the doctor. They shouldn't be afraid of shame or embarrassment.
Women who suffer from ADHD are often overlooked or misdiagnosed since their symptoms aren't as obvious as those of men. The struggles of women with ADHD can be hidden due to the fact that they have to care for children, or work in roles which are more gender-specific. Symptoms of ADHD in women include being absentminded about important tasks, being slow to complete work on time, making numerous mistakes and lacking focus at school or in the workplace. They tend to engage in fidgeting like tapping their feet or bouncing their legs.
Adults suffering from ADHD are still capable of being successful in their personal and professional life. They just need to learn how to handle their challenges and utilize the support that is available. They can also use strategies to aid them in their success, such as a planner or a calendar, and phone apps with reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be difficult to distinguish from the normal issues that arise in daily life, such as forgetting appointments or having trouble keeping track of tasks. However, the difference is crucial since, if left untreated, mistreated or not properly managed the disorder could cause serious work and social problems which include financial issues and troubled relationships.
A mental health professional with specific training and experience in treating ADHD can diagnose the condition. This includes clinical psychologists, psychotherapists and doctors (such a psychiatrists, neurologists or family doctors who specialize in neurology or psychiatry). Qualified professionals also understand co-existing disorders, like depression and anxiety, that are often associated with ADHD.
An in-depth interview will be conducted to determine whether the patient suffers from ADHD. This will involve an examination of the patient's medical, personal and family background. adhd diagnosis adult will also include questions about how the patient's ADHD symptoms affect their relationships and work. It is important for the person to be honest and not conceal any information.
It is also recommended to raise any issues that the person has had in their work or home life since childhood. These are often signs that could indicate ADHD. For instance, many people with ADHD shift jobs frequently and have trouble forming close relationships. Adults with ADHD frequently have difficulty managing their money and tend to spend more than necessary.
In certain cases, an evaluation of adult ADHD could include other tests, like neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests to rule out other possible causes for the issue. A person with ADHD could also have an underlying learning disorder, like dyscalculia, dyslexia or dyscalculia. 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 changes Certain individuals with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy. These therapies can help people understand their own disruptive thoughts and behaviors and develop coping mechanisms to manage these issues.
Receiving Treatment
Many people with ADHD suffer from the same problems similar to those they faced as children such as problems with relationships and at work, difficulty in completing their schoolwork or finding work. Often these problems result in medical referrals to get a diagnosis and treatment. For many, the first step is to talk to a primary care provider. The doctor will likely recommend you to a mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing adult ADHD.
Your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if you have ADHD, or some other health condition that produces symptoms that mimic ADHD. He or she will inquire about your concerns, review your behavior and history as well as inquire about your family history and medical background, and use questionnaires and psychiatric scales. The doctor will also examine your physical health, including your heartbeat and blood pressure. Other conditions that can cause similar symptoms include depression, anxiety and stress, as well as certain drugs and substances.
Adults with ADHD may be unable to recognize the condition. They may have learned to conceal their symptoms or make excuses for them, but suffer from low confidence and self-esteem. Women are often better than men at hiding their symptoms, and be accustomed to being labelled a slacker, goof-off or a troublemaker.
In an ADHD evaluation, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. The doctor will interview you, as well as your family members and colleagues. He or she may make use of old report cards to note childhood ADHD symptoms.
Treatment options for adults with ADHD include pharmacological and behavioral treatments (medication). Medications that help balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters are the most frequently prescribed treatments for ADHD. They include stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, as well as the nonstimulant Atomoxetine.
Certain behavioral treatments may also be helpful, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and education on ADHD. Some people with ADHD can benefit from a change in their lifestyle like setting routines, and using journals or a planner. Marriage and family counseling, or a life-coach who can assist with time management and organizing skills, are beneficial for many. Certain people suffering from ADHD may also benefit from accommodating at work or school, such as extended deadlines and flexible time, which can make it easier to achieve the goals of performance and be successful.
Finding Support
A diagnosis of ADHD is stressful. It could be the first step in finding a way to manage the issues that have been affecting your life for years. Adult ADHD symptoms include difficulty maintaining a schedule for the demands of work or school, losing personal items, missing important appointments, spending money impulsively, not following medical instructions, and more. These issues can result in an ongoing stress level, low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy. Following the best techniques and having a solid support network can make a big difference in the way you deal with your symptoms.
In the past, many people suffering from ADHD were misdiagnosed or not recognized. They might have had trouble finding a job they liked or failing in their educational endeavors and struggled to find long-term relationships. They could be overwhelmed by regrets over missed opportunities or lost opportunities.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD usually involves a comprehensive interview with a mental health professional and family members, should it be possible. The person will also be required 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.
Based on the individual's symptoms and the results of psychological tests, neuropsychological or additional psychological testing could be necessary. This testing can give more details on how the individual's ADHD affects their lives, and can help determine whether there are any co-existing disorders that need to be treated.
Treatment options for adults with ADHD generally include psychological counseling (psychotherapy) as well as education and sometimes medications. Psychotherapy helps people comprehend and manage ADHD and improve their skills for coping with it. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that teaches people to change their negative behavior patterns and thinking patterns. Marital and family counseling can also be beneficial for people with ADHD who have difficulties maintaining relationships.
The first step to find an experienced counselor is to seek an appointment from your doctor or an expert. You can also reach out to the local psychology graduate school or university hospital to get recommendations. Choose a psychologist with whom you feel comfortable and who is experienced in treating adults.