Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect that you have ADHD You should ask your primary care doctor for an appointment. You can also ask your friends and family for recommendations or use the internet to find professionals who are competent to assess ADHD.
The professionals will inquire about your symptoms today, but according to current guidelines, it is impossible to determine the cause without taking into consideration your childhood history. Your specialist may ask to talk to your parents, teachers, or other adults that knew you when you were a child.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people suffering from ADHD do not realize they have it until later in life. They might have missed out on the diagnosis as a child and then struggle to cope with the challenges at work, at home and school. A diagnosis and treatment plan can help them get their lives back on track.
Adults suffering from ADHD struggle with focusing, planning and paying attention to small details. They are more likely to act on impulse and to become easily distracted. They might also find that they cannot sit through boring activities and often shift their focus from one task to the next. This could lead to missed events, poor time-management and frequent blunders at school or at work.
The signs and symptoms of adult adhd are different for each person. how to diagnose adhd appear in the early years, but may also manifest as the adolescent years or even as adults. To be diagnosed with the disorder the symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant difficulties in multiple settings.
In some instances the doctor may review school report cards to look for any remarks about behavior problems or a lack of effort and inadequacy compared to your potential. The doctor will also ask the person being evaluated to speak with their parents. Adults who are being evaluated by a professional for ADHD must be honest and open about their concerns. They shouldn't hold back out of fear of shame or embarrassment.
Women with ADHD are often overlooked or misdiagnosed as their symptoms are less obvious than those of men. Their struggles are often concealed by the responsibilities of caring for children or working in more traditionally gender-specific roles. The signs of ADHD for women include forgetting or being absentminded about important tasks, being slow to complete work on time, making numerous mistakes and having trouble staying focused at school or in the workplace. They tend to be fidgety such as tapping their feet or jumping their legs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are still capable of being successful in their personal and professional life. They just need to learn to deal with their issues and take advantage of the help that is available. They can also implement 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 such as forgetting to complete tasks or appointments. The distinction is crucial as if the condition is not addressed, treated properly or not properly managed, it could cause serious social and work problems such as financial issues and strained relationships.
A mental health professional with specific training and experience in treating ADHD can diagnose the condition. This includes psychotherapists, clinical psychologists and doctors (such neurologists, psychiatrists, or family doctors who specialize in psychiatry or neurology). Professionals with qualifications also know how to deal with co-existing disorders, like anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD.
A thorough interview will be conducted to determine if the patient suffers from ADHD. This will involve an examination of the patient's medical background, personal and family background. The interview will involve questions regarding the impact of ADHD symptoms on the person's work and relationships. It is crucial for the person to be honest and not conceal any details.
It's also a great idea to bring up issues that the person might have had at work or in their personal life prior to childhood. In many cases, these issues can be indicators that the person suffers from ADHD. Many people with ADHD have difficulty forming close relationships and change jobs frequently. In addition, it is common for adults with ADHD to have problems with managing their money and to spend more than they should.
In some instances an assessment for adult ADHD may include additional testing such as neuropsychological, psychological or tests for learning disabilities to rule out other causes of the individual's issues. A person with ADHD could also have one of the learning disorders, like dyscalculia, dyslexia, or dyscalculia. In these situations, accommodations--tools or changes in the environment that help manage a disability--may be helpful.
Certain people with ADHD might benefit from cognitive behavior and/or psychotherapy, in addition to lifestyle changes and treatment methods. These therapies can help people recognize their own behaviors and thoughts, as well develop strategies to deal with these issues.
Get Help
Many people with ADHD experience the same difficulties similar to those they faced as children: problems with relationships and at work, issues in completing their schoolwork or finding jobs. These issues often lead to medical referral for a diagnosis and treatment. The first step for many people is to consult their primary care provider. He or she could refer you to a mental healthcare specialist who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Your doctor will conduct a thorough exam to determine whether you have ADHD, or some other disorder that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. The doctor will ask you questions, review your history and behavior as well as inquire about your family history and medical history, and utilize questionnaires and psychiatric scales. The doctor will also examine your physical health, including blood pressure and heart rate. Other conditions that may cause similar symptoms include depression, anxiety and stress as well as certain medications and substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD may be unable to recognize the condition. They have learned to hide their symptoms and compensate for their symptoms, but they may still be afflicted by low self-esteem and confidence. Many women are better than men at hiding their symptoms, and be accustomed to being called an inept, lazy or a troublemaker.
During an ADHD assessment, your physician will examine your symptoms and how they affect your life. He or she may interview your family members and you and colleagues at work. He or she will make use of various tools, like old report cards, to record childhood ADHD symptoms.
Treatment options for adults with ADHD include pharmacological and behavioral treatments (medication). The use of medications to regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters are the most commonly prescribed treatments for ADHD. These include stimulants such as methylphenidate, amphetamine and atomoxetine as well as non-stimulants.
Certain behavioral treatments can also help with cognitive behavioral therapy and education on ADHD. Certain people with ADHD can benefit from lifestyle changes like using a planner or a journal and establishing routines. Family and marriage counseling, or a life-coach who can help with time-management and organizational skills, are effective for many. Some people suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a few adjustments at work or in school. These include extended deadlines and flexible hours.
Find Help
A diagnosis of ADHD can be stressful. It can be the first step towards finally taking control of symptoms that have been impacting your life for a number of years. Adult ADHD symptoms could include difficulties staying on top of school or work obligations, losing personal items, missing important appointments, making purchases impulsively and not following medical advice, and more. These problems can lead to an ongoing stress level, low self-esteem and feelings of unworthiness. A strong support system and adhering to the most effective techniques can make a huge difference in the way you deal with your issues.
In the past, a lot people with ADHD were misdiagnosed. They might have struggled finding a job that was suitable, failed in their educational efforts, and struggled to establish long-term relationships. They may have regrets about missed opportunities and lost time.
An extensive interview with a mental health specialist is typically required to diagnose adult ADHD. If possible, family members are also present during the interview. The person will also be asked to fill out scales and questionnaires, as well as talk about 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 tests in neuropsychology or psychotherapy could be conducted. This testing can give more details about how the individual's ADHD affects their lives and also help determine if there are any co-existing disorders that require treatment.
Adult ADHD is treated by psychotherapy (psychotherapy), educational programs, and sometimes medication. Psychotherapy helps individuals recognize and manage their ADHD and improve their ability to deal with it. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that teaches individuals to alter negative thoughts and behaviors. Family and marital counseling may be beneficial to those with ADHD who have difficulty maintaining relationships.
The first step in locating a qualified counselor is to ask for a referral from your doctor or a specialist. You can also contact an area hospital affiliated with a university or graduate school in psychology to receive recommendations. Then, choose a practitioner who you are comfortable with and who has experience treating adults.