Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect that you may have ADHD You should ask your primary physician for a referral. You can also seek recommendations from family and friends or search the internet for specialists who are able to conduct ADHD evaluations.
Professionals will inquire about your symptoms now but, based on current guidelines, it is impossible to diagnose without taking into account your childhood history. Your doctor may request to speak with your parents, teachers or any other adult who knew you when you were a child.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people suffering from ADHD don't realize they suffer from the condition until they reach adulthood. They may not be diagnosed until they are children and have difficulty coping with problems in school, at work or at home. A diagnosis and treatment plan can help them get their lives back on the right track.
Adults with ADHD have trouble focusing on their plans and paying attention to the details. They are more likely to act on impulse, and are easily distracted. They might also find it difficult to focus on tasks that are boring and often shift their focus from one task to another. This could result in them not being able to attend important events as well as poor time management and frequent missteps at school or at work.
The signs and symptoms of adult adhd are different for everyone. They tend to appear in childhood, but they may also manifest as an adult or in adolescence. To be considered to have the disorder the symptoms must be present for at least six months, and create significant problems in multiple environments.
A doctor may look over your school report card to determine whether there are any remarks about your behavior or lack of effort. The doctor will also request the person being evaluated to talk with his or her parents. Adults who are being assessed by a doctor for ADHD must be honest and open about their concerns. They shouldn't be worried about embarrassing themselves or feeling embarrassed.
Women with ADHD can be omitted or misdiagnosed because their symptoms aren't so obvious like those of men. Their struggles can be hidden because of the responsibilities of caring for children or performing more traditional gender-specific roles. Signs of ADHD in women include forgetting or being absentminded about 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 exhibit fidgeting behaviors like bouncing the leg or tapping the feet.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are still capable of achieving success in both 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 take advantage of strategies that will help them to succeed, like using a planner, calendar and mobile apps that provide reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
The signs of adult ADHD can be difficult to distinguish from the normal issues that arise in everyday life, such as forgetting appointments or slipping up on tasks. The distinction is crucial since if the disorder is not addressed, treated properly or unmanaged, it can lead to serious problems with work and social life such as financial issues and troubled relationships.
A mental health professional with special training and experience treating ADHD can diagnose the condition. adhd adult diagnosis includes psychotherapists, clinical psychologists and doctors (such a psychiatrists, neurologists or family doctors who specialize in psychiatry or neurology). They also have a deep understanding of co-existing disorders, like depression and anxiety, that are often associated with ADHD.
A thorough interview will be conducted to determine whether a patient has ADHD. This will involve a review of the patient's medical and personal history as well as family background. The interview will ask questions about the effects of ADHD symptoms on a person's work and relationships. It is important for the person to be honest and not conceal any information.
It is also a good idea to raise any issues that the person has experienced in their home or work life since childhood. These can often reveal patterns that could indicate ADHD. For instance, many people with ADHD shift jobs frequently and have difficulty developing close relationships. Additionally, it's common for people with ADHD to have problems with managing their money and to spend more than they ought to.
In certain instances an assessment of adults with ADHD may include other tests, like neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests to rule out other possible causes for the problem. For instance, a person with ADHD could also be suffering from 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.
Some people suffering from ADHD may benefit from cognitive behavior and/or psychotherapy in addition to lifestyle modifications and treatment methods. These can help people discover their own thoughts and behaviors, as well as develop strategies for dealing with them.
Getting Treatment
Many people who suffer from ADHD have the same issues similar to those they faced when they were kids: problems with relationships and at work, difficulty finishing their schoolwork or obtaining jobs. Many times, these issues can lead to medical referrals for a diagnosis and treatment. For many people, the first step is to talk to a primary care physician. He or she will probably recommend you to an expert in mental health who is skilled in diagnosing adult ADHD.
Your doctor will conduct an extensive exam to determine if you have ADHD or another condition that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They will ask you questions, go over your history and behavior, ask about your family and medical background, and use questionnaires and psychiatric scales. The doctor will also check your physical health, including blood pressure and heartbeat. Other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms include stress, anxiety, depression, as well as certain medications and addiction to substances.
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty recognizing the disorder. They may have learned how to hide their symptoms or to compensate for them, but they still suffer from low confidence and self-esteem. Many women are better 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 look at your symptoms and their impact on your life. They will interview you, as well as your family members and work colleagues. They will employ various tools, including old report cards to record childhood ADHD symptoms.
Treatment options for adult ADHD are pharmacological and behavioral (medication). Medications that help balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters are the most commonly prescribed treatments for ADHD. These include stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate, as well as the nonstimulant Atomoxetine.
Certain behavioral therapies like cognitive behavior therapy and education about ADHD may also be helpful. Some people with ADHD may benefit from a change in lifestyle like keeping a diary or planner and setting up regular routines. Others can benefit from counseling for family and marriage or a life coach who can help with time management and organization skills. Certain people with ADHD can also benefit from a variety of accommodations at work or school for extended deadlines or flex time, which makes it easier to meet targets for performance and achieve success.
Finding Support
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a stressful experience. It could be the first step in finally gaining control over issues that have been impacting your life for a number of years. Adult symptoms of ADHD can include trouble staying on top of work or school obligations, loosing important personal items, missing appointments, spending money impulsively not following medical instructions and more. These problems can lead to anxiety, depression and feelings of unworthiness. Being supported by a strong network and adhering to the most effective practices can make all the difference in how you cope with your symptoms.
In the past, a lot of people with ADHD were misdiagnosed or not recognized. They might have had trouble finding a job they liked or failed in their academic efforts, and struggled to establish long-term relationships. They could have many regrets over missed opportunities and lost time.
A comprehensive interview with a mental health professional is typically required to determine the severity of adult ADHD. If possible family members can also be included in the interview. In addition, the patient will be asked to complete questionnaires and scales, and 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 person and their symptoms, additional tests in neuropsychology or psychotherapy could be required. The tests can provide more details on how the individual's ADHD impacts their lives and help determine if there are any co-existing disorders that need to be treated.
Adult ADHD is treated with psychological counseling (psychotherapy), educational programs, and occasionally medication. Psychotherapy assists people to learn to manage and understand their ADHD and develop skills to manage it. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches people to change their negative thinking patterns and behavior. Family and marital counseling can be beneficial to those with ADHD who have difficulties maintaining relationships.
The first step in finding an experienced counselor is to request an appointment from your doctor or a specialist. You can also contact the local hospital that is affiliated with a university or graduate school of psychology to obtain recommendations. Then, choose a practitioner with whom you feel comfortable and who is experienced in treating adults.