Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
Ask your primary doctor for a referral if think you might be suffering from ADHD. You can also seek recommendations from family and friends or search the internet for professionals qualified to conduct ADHD evaluations.
Professionals will ask about your symptoms now however, according to current guidelines, it is impossible to diagnose without taking into account your childhood history. Your specialist may ask to talk to your teachers, parents, or other adults that knew you as a child.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people who suffer from ADHD don't know they have it until they reach adulthood. They might not have been diagnosed as children and struggle to cope with problems in school, at work or at home. A diagnosis and treatment plan can help them get their lives back on path.
Adults suffering from ADHD struggle with focusing on their plans and paying attention to small details. They are more prone to act on impulse, and become easily distracted. They might also discover that they can't remain focused on boring tasks and tend to shift their focus from one task to the next. This can result in missed events, poor time-management and frequent mistakes at school or at work.
The signs and symptoms of adult adhd vary for everyone. They tend to appear in childhood, but they can also appear in adolescence or adulthood. To be considered to have the disorder, the symptoms must have been present for at least six months and create significant problems in multiple settings.
A doctor may look over your school report card to see whether there are any comments regarding your conduct or lack of effort. The doctor may also ask the person being evaluated to speak with their parents. It is crucial that those who are being assessed for ADHD discuss their issues openly and honestly with the doctor. They shouldn't hold back from fear of embarrassment or shame.
Women suffering from ADHD are often ignored or misdiagnosed because their symptoms are less obvious than those of men. The challenges faced by women with ADHD are often hidden due to the fact that they have to care for their children or working in positions that are gender-specific. Women with ADHD tend to forgetting important tasks or being unable to remember or being late to finish work, and to make mistakes. They may also lack concentration in school or in work. They are also more likely to display fidgeting actions like bouncing their leg or tapping the feet.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are able to achieve success in their professional and personal lives. They need to learn how to deal with their issues and make use of the help they have available. They can also make use of strategies that will help them to succeed, like using a planner or calendar and mobile apps that provide reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
It is often difficult to discern the distinction between adult ADHD and other daily difficulties, such as forgetting tasks or appointments. However, the difference is important because, if left untreated, neglected or treated poorly the disorder could lead to serious work and social problems which include financial issues and troubled relationships.
In general the diagnosis of ADHD is made by a mental health professional with specialized knowledge and experience in treating the condition. This includes psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, and physicians (such a psychiatrists, neurologists, or family doctors who specialize in psychiatry or neurology). Professionals who are certified are also acquainted with co-existing illnesses that frequently occur along with ADHD like anxiety and depression.
A thorough interview will be conducted to determine if the patient suffers from ADHD. This will include an examination of the patient's medical and personal history as well as family background. The interview will ask questions regarding the impact of ADHD symptoms on the person's work and relationships. It is crucial that the person be honest and not hide any information.
It is also an excellent idea to bring up any problems that the person has experienced in their home or work life since childhood. In many cases, these can reveal patterns that indicate that the person suffers from ADHD. Many people with ADHD have difficulty forming close relationships and switching jobs often. Adults with ADHD frequently have difficulty managing their money and spend more than they need to.
In certain cases an assessment of adult ADHD might include additional tests, like neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests, to rule out any other possible causes for the issue. A person with ADHD may also have a learning disorder such as 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 may benefit from cognitive behavior and/or psychotherapy, in addition to lifestyle changes and treatment methods. These therapies can help people learn to recognize their own disruptive thoughts and behaviors and develop strategies to manage them.
Getting Treatment
Many people with ADHD suffer from the same problems as they did as children such as problems with relationships and at work, difficulties completing their schoolwork or finding employment. These issues often result in an appointment with a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. For many patients, the first step is to talk with a primary care doctor. He or she could refer you to a mental health specialist who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Your doctor will perform an extensive exam to determine if you have ADHD or another condition that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They will ask you questions, review your history and behavior as well as inquire about your family and medical history, and utilize questionnaires and psychiatric scales. The doctor will also assess your physical health, including blood pressure and heartbeat. Other conditions that may cause similar symptoms include stress, depression, and anxiety as well as certain medications and addiction to substances.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may be unable to recognize the condition. They might have learned to conceal their symptoms or make excuses for them, but have low confidence and self-esteem. Many women are better than men at hiding their symptoms, and may have gotten used to being called as a slacker, a goof-off or a troublemaker.
In an ADHD assessment, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and their impact on your life. He or she will likely interview you, along with your family and work colleagues. He or she may utilize old report cards to document childhood ADHD symptoms.
adult adhd diagnosis for adult ADHD are pharmacological and behavioral (medication). The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication that helps balance neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They include stimulants like methylphenidate, amphetamine and atomoxetine, as well non-stimulants.
Some behavioral treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy or education on ADHD, can also help. Certain people with ADHD might benefit from a change in lifestyle, such as keeping a diary or planner and establishing routines. Marriage and family counseling or a life coach who can assist with time management and organizing skills, are beneficial for many. Certain people with ADHD may also benefit from accommodations at school or in the workplace. These can include extended deadlines and flexible schedules.
Finding Support
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a stressful experience. It can be a first step towards finally managing the symptoms that have been in your life for many years. The signs of adult ADHD could include having trouble managing work or school obligations, misplacing important personal belongings, not making appointments, spending money impulsively, failing to follow medical instructions and more. These issues can cause chronic stress, low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy. Following the best practices and having a good support network can make a significant difference in the way you manage your symptoms.
In the past, many people with ADHD were not diagnosed. They might have had difficulty finding the right job for them, failed their educational pursuits and had trouble finding long-term relationships. They could have many regrets over missed opportunities and wasted time.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD typically requires a thorough interview with an expert in mental health including family members if possible. In addition, the person will be asked to fill out questionnaires and scales, 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.
Based on the individual and their symptoms, additional tests for neuropsychological or psychological testing could be performed. This testing can provide more information on how ADHD affects the individual and can help determine if there are co-existing conditions.
Adult ADHD is treated through psychological counseling (psychotherapy), educational programs, and occasionally medication. Psychotherapy assists people to understand and manage ADHD and improve their techniques for managing it. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that teaches people to change their negative behavior patterns and thinking patterns. Family and marriage counseling could be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD who are having difficulty maintaining relationships.
The first step to find an experienced counselor is to seek an appointment from your physician or a specialist. You can also contact a local psychology graduate school or a hospital at the university to obtain recommendations. Choose a practitioner who you feel comfortable with and has experience treating adults.