Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
Ask your primary care physician for a referral if you suspect you have ADHD. You can also seek recommendations from friends and family or look online for professionals qualified to conduct ADHD assessments.
Professionals will inquire about your symptoms now however, according to current guidelines, it's impossible to determine the cause without taking into account your past experiences as a child. Your specialist may want to interview your parents, teachers or other adults who were close to you as a child.
Understanding adhd undiagnosed in adults with ADHD do not realize they have it until later in life. They may have missed out on the diagnosis while they were young and then struggle to cope with issues at home, work and school. A diagnosis and treatment plan will assist people restore their lives to order.
Adults with ADHD have trouble focusing, planning and paying attention to small details. They are more likely to act on impulse and are easily distracted. They might also discover that they are unable to endure boring tasks and will often shift their attention from one task to the next. This can lead to missed events, poor time-management and frequent blunders at work or school.
The signs and symptoms of adult adhd vary for each person. The signs typically appear in childhood, but they can also appear in an adult or in adolescence. To be considered to have the disorder, the symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months and cause significant difficulty in a variety of settings.
In some cases, a doctor will review school report cards to find out if there are any comments regarding behavior issues or a inability to work or inadequacy compared to your potential. The doctor may also ask that the person being assessed speak to their parents. It is essential that adults who are being evaluated for ADHD discuss their issues openly and honestly with their doctor. They shouldn't be afraid of embarrassing themselves or feeling embarrassed.
Women who suffer from ADHD are often overlooked or misdiagnosed since their symptoms are less apparent than those of men. Their struggles are often concealed due to the demands of caring for children, or being in gender-specific roles. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to be distracted by important tasks or being absentminded or being late to complete work, and to make mistakes. They may also be unable to focus in school or at the workplace. They tend to be fidgety such as tapping their feet or moving their legs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are still capable of having success in their personal and professional life. They just need to understand how to deal with their issues and take advantage of the support they can access. They can also employ strategies to assist them in their goals, such as the use of a planner or calendar, or phones with reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be difficult to differentiate from the normal issues that arise in everyday life, like forgetting appointments or slipping up on tasks. The difference is important as if the condition is not treated, treated poorly or neglected, it can result in serious problems with work and social life such as financial issues and strained relationships.
A mental health professional with particular training and experience treating ADHD can diagnose the condition. This includes psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, and physicians (such neurologists, psychiatrists or family doctors who specialize in psychiatry or neurology). Professionals with qualifications also know how to deal with co-existing conditions, such as depression and anxiety, that are often present with ADHD.
An in-depth interview will be conducted to determine if a patient has ADHD. This will include a thorough review of the patient's medical background, personal and family history. The interview will include questions regarding the effects of ADHD symptoms on one's job and relationships. It is crucial to be honest and not hide any information.
It is also an excellent idea to discuss any issues that the person has experienced in their personal or professional life since the time of their childhood. These can often reveal patterns that could indicate ADHD. Many people with ADHD struggle to form close relationships and change jobs frequently. Adults with ADHD often struggle with managing their money and spend more than necessary.
In certain cases an assessment of adults with ADHD might include additional tests, such as neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests, to rule out any other possible causes for the problem. A person with ADHD could also have a learning disorder like dyslexia, dyscalculia 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, some people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavior therapy and/or psychotherapy. These therapies can help people understand their own thoughts and behaviors and help them develop coping mechanisms to manage their behavior.
Finding Treatment
As adults, many who suffer from ADHD have the same issues that they had in their childhood: difficulties with relationships and work, difficulties in completing their schoolwork or finding work. These issues usually require the need for medical referrals to diagnose and treatment. For many people, the first step is to speak to a primary care physician. He or she could refer you to a mental health specialist who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Your doctor will conduct a thorough examination to determine if you have ADHD or another health condition that produces symptoms that resemble ADHD. The doctor will ask you questions, go over your history and behavior and inquire about your family and medical background, and use psychiatric scales and questionnaires. The doctor will also examine your physical health, including blood pressure and heart rate. Other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms include stress, depression, and anxiety, as well as certain medications and addiction to substances.
Adults with ADHD typically have a difficult time recognizing that they have the disorder. They've learned to hide their symptoms and compensate for their symptoms, but they may still suffer from low self-esteem and confidence. Many women are better in hiding their issues than men, and may be used to being labeled as a slacker, goofy or troublemaker.
During an ADHD evaluation, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and how they affect your life. He or she may interview you and your family, as well as colleagues at work. He or she will make use of a variety of tools, including old report cards to document childhood ADHD symptoms.
Treatment options for adults with ADHD are behavioral and pharmacological (medication). The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication that assists in balancing neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. These include stimulants such as 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 can benefit from lifestyle changes by using a planner or journal and setting up routines. Counseling for families and marriage, or a life-coach who can help with time management and organizing skills, are beneficial for others. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from accommodations at school or work, such as extended deadlines and flex time, which makes it easier to meet performance goals and achieve success.
Finding Support
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD is stressful. It can be a first step towards finally managing the symptoms that have been affecting your life for many years. Adult symptoms of ADHD may include difficulty managing work or school obligations, misplacing important personal belongings, not making appointments, spending money impulsively not following instructions from your doctor and many more. These issues can lead to chronic anxiety, low confidence and feelings of inadequate. Having a good support system and adhering to the most effective techniques can make a huge difference in how you cope with your issues.
In the past, many people suffering from ADHD went undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. They might have had trouble finding a suitable job, failed in their educational pursuits, and struggled to find long-term relationships. They could be overwhelmed by regrets for missed opportunities and lost times.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD usually involves a comprehensive interview with an expert in mental health, including family members if possible. The person will also be 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.
Depending on the individual and their symptoms, further tests in neuropsychology or psychotherapy could be conducted. The tests can provide more details on how ADHD affects the individual and also help determine if there are any co-existing conditions.
Adult ADHD is treated with psychological counseling (psychotherapy), educational programs, and sometimes medication. Psychotherapy helps people understand and manage ADHD and improve their techniques for managing it. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps people to alter negative thinking patterns and behaviors. adult diagnosis adhd and family counseling can also be helpful for individuals with ADHD who have difficulties maintaining relationships.
The first step in locating an experienced counselor is to ask for an appointment from your physician or an expert. You can also reach out to the local psychology graduate school or a hospital at the university to obtain recommendations. Choose a psychologist with whom you feel comfortable and who has experience working with adults.