Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect you may have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, consult your primary care physician for a referral. You can also ask your friends and family for recommendations or use the internet to find professionals qualified to evaluate ADHD.
A doctor will ask you questions about your current symptoms, however according to current guidelines, a diagnosis can't be made without considering your childhood history. Your doctor may request to speak to your teachers, parents, or other adults that knew you when you were when you were a child.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people with ADHD do not realize they have it until adulthood. They might not be diagnosed until they are children and have difficulty coping with issues at the classroom, at work or at home. A diagnosis and treatment plan can assist them in getting their lives back on path.
Adults with ADHD have trouble focusing on their plans and paying attention to the details. They are more prone to act on impulse, and can easily be distracted. They may also find that they are unable to sit through boring activities and often shift their attention from one task to the next. This can result in missing important events as well as poor time management and frequent mistakes at school or at work.
The signs of adhd in adulthood are different for each person. The signs typically appear in the early years of childhood, but can also appear in an adult or in adolescence. To be diagnosed with the disorder the symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant difficulty in a variety of settings.
In some instances the doctor may review school report cards to look for any remarks concerning behavior issues or inability to work or underachievement in comparison to your potential. The doctor may also ask the person being evaluated to talk with his or her parents. It's important that adults who are being evaluated for ADHD discuss their issues openly and honestly with their physician. They shouldn't be worried about embarrassment or shame.
Women suffering from ADHD are often ignored or misdiagnosed since their symptoms are less apparent than those of men. Their struggles can be hidden because of the responsibilities of caring for children or working in more traditionally gender-specific roles. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to forgetting important tasks or being absentminded or being late to finish work, and to make mistakes. They may also lack focus in school or at the workplace. They are also more likely to display fidgeting actions like bouncing their foot or tapping it.
Adults suffering from ADHD can still achieve success in their professional and personal lives. They only need to learn how to handle their challenges and take advantage of the help that is available. They can also make use of strategies that help to succeed, like using a planner or a calendar and phone apps that offer reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be difficult to distinguish from normal problems that occur in daily life, such as a tendency to forget appointments or slipping up on tasks. However, the distinction is important because, if it is left untreated, neglected or treated poorly the disorder could result in serious social and work-related issues which include financial issues and troubled relationships.
In general the diagnosis of ADHD must be made by an expert in mental health who has specialized knowledge and experience in treating the condition. This includes clinical psychologists, therapists and physicians (such as psychiatrists, neurologists or family physicians) who specialize in neurology or psychiatry. Qualified professionals also understand co-existing conditions, such as depression and anxiety, that are frequently associated with ADHD.
A thorough interview will be conducted to determine if the patient suffers from ADHD. This will include a review of the patient's medical background, personal and family background. The interview will also include questions about how the person's ADHD symptoms impact their work and relationships. It is important for the person to be honest and not hide any details.
It's also a good idea to bring up problems that the person could have encountered at work or in their personal life prior to childhood. In many instances, these problems can reveal patterns that indicate that the person is suffering from ADHD. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to establish close relationships and switching jobs frequently. Additionally, it's common for adults with ADHD to have problems with managing money and spending more than they ought to.
In some cases an assessment of adults with ADHD might include additional tests, such as neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests to rule out other causes for the person's issue. A person suffering from ADHD may also have a 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.
Some people suffering from ADHD might benefit from cognitive behavior and/or psychotherapy in addition to lifestyle changes and treatment strategies. These therapies can help people recognize their own thoughts and behaviors, as well as develop strategies for dealing with them.
Finding Treatment
Many people suffering from ADHD have the same issues similar to those they faced as children issues with relationships, and at work, issues in completing their schoolwork or finding employment. Many times, these issues lead to medical referral for a diagnosis and treatment. The first step for many is to consult their primary healthcare 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 if you have ADHD or another health condition that produces symptoms that mimic ADHD. They will ask you questions, go over your behavior and history, ask about your family history and medical history, and utilize the psychiatric scales and questionnaires. The doctor will also examine your physical health, including your heartbeat and blood pressure. Other conditions that can cause similar symptoms include stress, anxiety, depression and also certain drugs and substances.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have a harder time recognizing that they have the disorder. They may have learned how to hide their symptoms or compensate for them, but have low self-esteem and confidence. Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms than men, and may be used to being labeled as a goof-off, slacker or a troublemaker.
In an ADHD evaluation, your doctor will examine your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will interview you, and your family members and colleagues. He or she will use various tools, such as old report cards to record childhood ADHD symptoms.
Treatment options for adults with ADHD are pharmacological and behavioral (medication). Medications that help balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters are the most frequently prescribed treatments for ADHD. These include stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine and the nonstimulant atomoxetine.
Some behavioral treatments like cognitive behavior therapy and education about ADHD can also aid. Certain people with ADHD can benefit from a change in their lifestyle by establishing routines, and using an organizer or journal. Others have success with marriage and family counseling or a life coach who can help with time management and organization skills. Some people with ADHD can also benefit from accommodations at work or in school. These include extended deadlines and flexible hours.
Find Help
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD is stressful. It can be the first step towards finally managing the symptoms that have been affecting your life for many years. Adult symptoms of ADHD may include difficulty keeping up with work or school obligations, misplacing important personal items, missing appointments, spending money impulsively, failing to follow medical instructions and more. These issues can cause an ongoing stress level, low self-esteem and feelings of unworthiness. Following the most effective methods and having a strong support network can make a huge difference in how you deal with your symptoms.
In the past, a lot people who had ADHD were incorrectly diagnosed. Full Document might have struggled finding a job they liked or failed in their academic pursuits, and struggled to find long-term relationships. They could be overwhelmed by regrets for missed opportunities and lost times.
An extensive interview with a mental health specialist is typically required to determine the severity of adult ADHD. If possible family members can also be present during the interview. The person is also asked to complete 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 could be necessary. This testing can provide more information on how ADHD affects the individual and can help determine if there are co-existing conditions.
Treatment options for adults with ADHD generally include psychological counseling (psychotherapy), education and occasionally, medications. Psychotherapy helps individuals learn to manage and understand their ADHD and develop skills to manage it. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that teaches individuals to change their negative behavior patterns and thinking patterns. Marriage and family counseling may be beneficial to people with ADHD who have trouble maintaining relationships.
Asking your doctor or specialist for a recommendation is the first step in finding a qualified counselor. You can also reach out to a local psychology graduate college or a university hospital for recommendations. Select a psychologist you feel comfortable with and has experience treating adults.