Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
Ask your primary care physician for a referral if suspect you have ADHD. You can also get suggestions from your family and friends, or search online for professionals qualified to conduct ADHD assessments.
A doctor will ask you questions regarding your current symptoms, however according to current guidelines, a diagnosis can't be determined without taking into account your childhood background. Your doctor might ask you to speak with your teachers, parents or other adults who knew you as an infant.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people with ADHD don't realize they have it until later in life. how to diagnosis adhd may have missed the diagnosis when they were children and then struggle with problems at home, work and school. A diagnosis and treatment plan can assist them in getting 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 also find it difficult to endure activities that bore them, and frequently shift their attention from one task to another. This can result in missed events, poor time-management and a lot of mistakes at school or at work.
The signs of adhd in adulthood are different for every person. The symptoms of adult adhd are different for everyone. They usually appear in childhood, but may be observed in an adult or an adolescent. To be considered to have the disorder the symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months and create significant problems in multiple situations.
In some cases doctors will look over school report cards to look for any remarks regarding behavior issues or a lack of effort and inadequacy compared to your potential. The doctor may also request to have the person being evaluated talk to his or her parents. Adults being evaluated by a doctor for ADHD must be honest and open about their issues. They shouldn't be scared of shame or embarrassment.
Women with ADHD can be overlooked or misdiagnosed, as their symptoms aren't so obvious as those of men. Their struggles may be concealed because of the responsibilities of caring for children or by working in more traditionally gender-specific roles. Women with ADHD tend to forgetting important tasks or being unable to remember, to being late in completing work, and to make mistakes. They may also lack concentration at school or in work. They tend to engage in fidgeting behavior such as tapping their feet or jumping their legs.
Adults with ADHD are still capable of having success in their personal and professional life. They only need to learn how to handle their challenges and to use the support that is available. They can also use strategies that will assist them in their goals, such as the use of a planner or calendar, and phone apps that have reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
It can be difficult to tell the distinction between adult ADHD and other daily difficulties like forgetting appointments or tasks. However, the distinction is important because, if left untreated, neglected or treated poorly the disorder could lead to serious work and social problems, including financial difficulty and troubled relationships.
A mental health professional with special training and experience treating ADHD can diagnose the condition. This could include psychotherapists, clinical psychologists and doctors (such as psychiatrists, neurologists or family doctors) who specialize in psychiatry or neurology. Professionals who are certified are also acquainted with co-existing conditions that often occur along with ADHD such as anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation to determine if someone has ADHD will require an extensive interview to look over the patient's medical, personal and family background. The interview will ask questions regarding the impact of ADHD symptoms on a person's work and relationships. It is essential that the person be honest and not hide any details.
It is also recommended to bring up any problems that the person has had in their home or work life since the time of their childhood. In many cases, these can reveal patterns that indicate that the person suffers from ADHD. For example, many people with ADHD change jobs frequently and have difficulty forming close relationships. Additionally, it's common for adults with ADHD to have problems with managing their money and to spend more than they ought to.
In certain situations, an evaluation for adult 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 who suffers from ADHD may also have a learning disability such as 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 strategies and lifestyle adjustments Certain individuals with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy and/or psychotherapy. They can help them recognize their own behavior and thoughts, as well as develop strategies to manage them.
Get Help
As adults, many who have ADHD continue to experience the same issues they faced when they were children: problems with relationships and work, difficulties completing schoolwork or securing employment. These issues often result in medical referrals to get a diagnosis and treatment. For many, the first step is to speak to a primary care physician. He or she will probably refer you to a mental health professional who has experience diagnosing adult ADHD.
Your doctor will conduct a thorough exam to determine if you have ADHD or another disorder that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. The doctor will ask you questions, review your behavior and history as well as inquire about your family and medical history, and employ psychiatric scales and questionnaires. The doctor will also look at your physical health, including blood pressure and heart rate. Other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms include depression, anxiety and stress and also certain drugs and substances.
Adults with ADHD might have difficulty recognizing the condition. They may have learned to conceal their symptoms or make excuses for them, but have low confidence and self-esteem. Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men and could be viewed as a goof-off, slacker or a troublemaker.
During an ADHD assessment, your doctor will examine your symptoms and how they impact your life. He or she will likely interview you, and your family members and colleagues. They may also use old report cards to record childhood ADHD symptoms.
Treatment options for adults with ADHD include pharmacological and behavioral treatments (medication). The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication that helps balance neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They include stimulants like amphetamine, methylphenidate, and atomoxetine as well as non-stimulants.
Certain behavioral treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy and education about ADHD may also be helpful. Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from lifestyle modifications like setting routines, and using a planner or journal. Others can benefit from marriage and family counseling or a life coach who can help with time management and organizing skills. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a variety of accommodations at work or school for extended deadlines or flex time, which can make it easier to achieve targets for performance and achieve success.
Finding Support
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a stressful experience. It could also be the first step towards finally gaining control over symptoms that may be affecting your life for a number of years. Adult ADHD symptoms include difficulty maintaining a schedule for work or school obligations, losing personal items, missing important appointments, spending money in a hurry and not following medical advice, and more. These issues can result in anxiety, depression and feelings of inadequate. Following the best methods and having a strong support network can make a big difference in how you manage your symptoms.
In the past, a lot of people who had ADHD were not diagnosed. They may have had difficulty finding an occupation that was suitable for them, failed their educational endeavors, and had difficulty finding long-term relationships. They might be replete with regrets for missed opportunities and lost moments.
A thorough interview with a mental healthcare specialist is typically required to diagnose adult ADHD. If possible family members can also be included in the interview. In addition, the person is required to complete scales and questionnaires, as well as to 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.
Depending on the individual and their symptoms, further psychological or neuropsychological testing may be required. This testing can provide more information on how ADHD affects the individual and also help determine if there are any co-existing conditions.
Adult ADHD is treated with psychotherapy (psychotherapy) and educational programs, and occasionally medication. Psychotherapy helps individuals understand and manage their ADHD and build the skills needed to manage it. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps people to change negative thoughts and behaviors. Family and marriage counseling could also be beneficial for people with ADHD who have difficulty maintaining relationships.
A doctor or specialist for a recommendation is the first step to finding a licensed counsellor. You can also contact a local university-based hospital or graduate school of psychology to obtain recommendations. Choose a psychologist who you are comfortable with and who has experience treating adults.