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ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment

If you have untreated ADHD, it can lead to problems throughout your life. You may have difficulty maintaining relationships and jobs which can lead to frequent job changes or low performance ratings.

You should first consult your primary care doctor for a referral to a health professional who can conduct evaluations for adults with ADHD. You can then get an assessment and treatment plan.

Diagnosis

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes problems with staying focused, paying to one's surroundings and responding to impulses. Adults suffering from ADHD have difficulties working, at school as well as in their relationships. It's a fairly common disorder, however it can be difficult for adults to diagnose, since they may not recall the symptoms they experienced as children or have been incorrectly diagnosed.

A person who is seeking a diagnosis of ADHD in adults must consult a health care provider with expertise in ADHD evaluations. A doctor's request to refer you to someone who is an ADHD specialist can be done by a doctor. You can also request a referral by contacting local universities, medical schools, or graduate schools.

When conducting an evaluation of adults, a doctor will take into consideration how long symptoms have been present and if they have negatively affected the person's life. They will also consider whether the primary ADHD symptoms have existed in childhood. The clinician will also determine if the person meets diagnostic guidelines for either the predominantly inattentive, the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive or combined subtypes of the disorder.

To be diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, the patient must have significant impairment in at least two areas of their life for example, at home or work or with family and friends; or when engaging in particular activities, such as driving or playing sports. Impairment means that the symptoms cause significant problems and have been present for at minimum six months.

In determining a diagnosis the doctor will also attempt to rule out other conditions that could cause the same issues as ADHD like depression, anxiety or addiction disorders. They may also conduct additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities to determine if a person has co-existing disorders.

People who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD may be frustrated because they're not getting the help and support they require. Some adults have experienced a sense relief and renewal after they finally be diagnosed. Others have reported having many regrets over failed opportunities or failures in their lives because their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and untreated. Certain people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit they suffer from ADHD, especially women who were assigned a female at birth. Others are hesitant because of the stigma that surrounds it.

Signs and symptoms

As opposed to children, adults suffering from ADHD don't typically outgrow their condition. It is a condition that persists into adulthood and can have the same impact on their relationships, work and family life, as well as their mental health. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity can be seen in both adults and children with ADHD, but the symptoms tend to be more severe in adults. They can affect a person's work performance and lead to troublesome relationships. A professional can offer assistance and treatment.

The first step is to find a qualified evaluator, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. Ask your friends and family for recommendations or search online to locate professionals in your area.  More  who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other disorders like anxiety and depression, which must be considered in their diagnosis and treatment.

Your evaluator will want to learn as much about your life as they can. A detailed history of your life, particularly one that goes back to childhood, can provide clues to determine if ADHD symptoms are linked to other issues. The evaluator will inquire about your physical health and emotional well-being, your development in the early years of your life, educational and work experiences, driving history, drinking and drug use, and how you manage stress on a regular basis.

If the person who evaluated you suspects that you have ADHD then they will assess your symptoms to determine the degree to which they affect your daily routine. For a diagnosis, your symptoms must be significant enough to cause impairment in at least two major situations. Examples of impairment include losing your job because of inadequate time management, or getting into financial difficulties because of reckless spending, or not making payments on time.

You can improve your ability manage ADHD symptoms by learning to deal with their challenges. You can reduce stress by keeping a clear schedule and following a routine. Additionally, you can get more sleep, avoid eating sugary or caffeinated foods prior to bed and regularly exercise. Certain people suffering from ADHD discover that cognitive or psychotherapy therapy can help them manage their symptoms, and others use medications to ease the effects of their symptoms.

Treatment

If you are an adult and suspect that you have ADHD the first step is to talk with a health care provider. They can refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations, or recommend specialists who can perform this. Some insurance companies have a list of professionals based on their specialties, and can assist those who are part of their plans to locate a specialist.

The most crucial factor in determining ADHD in adults is the person's history. For example, a doctor may ask to review school report cards from a person's childhood or talk to relatives about the person's behavior in early life. The health professional could then examine signs of behavior that could indicate that there is a diagnosis of ADHD.

During the evaluation, the health care provider can also utilize one of several scales of rating that are standardized. These tests compare the behavior of the patient with that of people who do not have ADHD and may help the doctor determine whether or not symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria.

A medical examination is required to rule out other illnesses that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. For instance, thyroid problems seizures, hearing and vision issues sleep disorders, and other dietary issues like food allergies or lead poisoning can all have similar effects to ADHD.

Psychological and behavioral therapy can be helpful for adults with ADHD. Particularly, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients change their negative thoughts and behaviors. This can decrease stress, which can make ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can help people better manage their time, increase their organizational skills, and discover more effective ways to deal with stressful situations.

Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulants. They are believed to boost and balance levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. However, these drugs may cause serious adverse reactions for some people, particularly teenagers and children. These medications are typically used for short-term treatment and are not suitable for all people.

Psychotherapy and lifestyle changes are alternatives. For instance, some people with ADHD discover that exercising more regularly can aid in their focus and make them more productive. Other people with ADHD benefit from learning to improve their organizational and planning abilities. In addition, people who are having difficulty keeping jobs or maintaining relationships can benefit through a disability-related support service such as Access to Work.

Support

Getting diagnosed and receiving effective treatment can help you manage symptoms that interfere with your life. It can also help improve your self-image as well as your relationships with family members and friends as well as coworkers. It's never too late to get the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.

Your GP may refer you to an expert mental health service that specializes in treating adult ADHD. It could be a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.

Support groups for adults with ADHD can provide advice and a sense of community. You can join online forums and talk with other members about their experiences. There are also coaches or mentors who specialize in helping people with ADHD. However, you should be aware that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated and there are a variety of quality and knowledge.

ADHD symptoms usually start in childhood, but they can continue until adulthood. The disorder is more common for men and boys than women and girls. People who suffer from the inattentive type of the condition (formerly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are more likely to be diagnosed than those with the combined type. Symptoms of the hyperactive/impulsive subtype are less common in adults than those of the inattentive type, but they can still occur.

Adult ADHD can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms differ from one person to another. A doctor can spot patterns in the history of a patient of issues at school, work or in relationships. A thorough medical history may also be beneficial. Numerous medical conditions can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, so the background information can help determine or pinpoint other possible causes of the symptoms. These include developmental disorders, seizure disorders, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and certain medications.

A person with untreated ADHD may develop a negative self-image and low self-esteem because of persistent frustration and failure. They could also develop comorbidities such as anxiety or depression and this can cause ADHD symptoms worse.

Some adults with ADHD participate in clinical studies to help researchers discover more about the disorder. This can lead to better treatments in the future. There are tips for talking with your doctor about participating in clinical trials on the NIMH website.