ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment<br /><br />Untreated ADHD can create problems in all aspects of your life. You may struggle to maintain relationships and jobs and may result in frequent job changes or low ratings for performance.<br /><br />It is recommended to first ask your primary care physician for a referral to a health care professional who conducts assessments for adults with ADHD. You will then be able to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.<br /><br />Diagnosis<br /><br />ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause difficulties with staying focused, paying close attention, and responding to impulses. Adults suffering from ADHD often have trouble at school, at work and in their relationships. It is a common disorder, but it isn't always easy to identify because many adults don't remember having symptoms as children or being misdiagnosed as kids.<br /><br />A person who wants to be diagnosed with ADHD must see a health care professional with experience performing ADHD evaluations in adults. Asking a doctor to refer you to someone who is an ADHD specialist can be done by a doctor. They can also call local hospitals that are affiliated with universities, medical schools, or graduate schools to request recommendations.<br /><br />When evaluating adults, the clinician will look at how long the symptoms have been present and how they affect the life of the patient. They will also examine whether the ADHD symptoms were present 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.<br /><br />To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must exhibit significant impairment in two areas of their lives. <a href="https://www.openlearning.com/u/oneildixon-sm0o60/blog/TheUglyFactsAboutAdhdDiagnosisInAdultsUk">diagnosis for adhd in adults</a> include at home, at work, with family and friends or in particular activities such as driving or playing sports. Impairment is when the symptoms cause significant difficulty and have lasted for at least six months.<br /><br />The clinician will also look into other conditions that might cause the same symptoms as ADHD, like anxiety, depression or other addiction disorders. They may also do additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing to determine if the person suffers from co-existing disorders.<br /><br />People who don't have a diagnosis of ADHD might be feeling dissatisfied because they're not receiving the support and help they need. Adults have reported feeling rejoicing and refreshed after obtaining a diagnosis. Others have reported having many regrets over lost opportunities or failures in their lives because their ADHD symptoms were not recognized and untreated. Some people with ADHD are hesitant about admitting to themselves that they suffer from the disorder, especially women who are assigned female at birth (AFAB). Some are reluctant due to the stigma associated with it.<br /><br />Symptoms<br /><br />Unlike children, adults with ADHD do not typically overcome their condition. It can persist into adulthood, and have similar impacts on relationships, work family life, and mental health. The signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are present in both children and adults with ADHD but the symptoms are more prevalent in adults. They can affect the performance of a person at work and cause troubled relationships. A professional can assist with treatment and help.<br /><br /><br /><br />The first step is to find an accredited evaluator, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. Request recommendations from your friends and family members or look on the internet for professionals in your region. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other illnesses, like depression and anxiety which must be taken into consideration in their diagnosis and treatment plan.<br /><br />Your evaluator wants to know the most details possible about your life. A thorough history, particularly one that stretches across your entire childhood, can provide clues as to whether your ADHD symptoms are connected to any other disorder. Your evaluator will likely ask about your physical and mental health, your development going back to early childhood, your academic and professional experiences, your driving history, any substance or alcohol abuse and how you handle stress in your daily life.<br /><br />If the evaluator suspects you may have ADHD they will evaluate your current symptoms to determine if they affect your daily life. Your symptoms must be severe enough to cause impairments in at two different areas. Examples of impairment include losing your job because of inadequate time management, or getting into financial trouble due to excessive spending, or failing to make payments on time.<br /><br />You can increase your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning to manage the challenges they bring. You can lessen stress by keeping a clear schedule and following a regular routine. You should also ensure you get enough sleep, stay away from food items that are high in caffeine or sugar prior to bedtime, and exercise regularly. Certain people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to manage their symptoms. Others take medication to reduce their symptoms.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />For adults who suspect they have ADHD the first step is to discuss the issue with a health care provider. They can refer you a mental health specialist who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations, or recommend specialists who are experts in this. Certain insurance companies have a list of professionals based on their specialties and may assist those who are covered by their plans find the right specialist.<br /><br />The most important aspect in diagnosing ADHD in adults is the person's history. For instance, a physician might ask to look over school report cards from a person's childhood or talk to relatives about the person's behavior in early life. The health professional will then search for patterns of behavior that may indicate ADHD.<br /><br />During the assessment process the health professional may also use one or more standardized rating scales. These questionnaires evaluate the patient's behavior to the behavior of those who do not suffer from ADHD and can aid the doctor in determining whether or not symptoms fit diagnostic criteria.<br /><br />A medical examination is required to rule out other illnesses that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Thyroid problems, seizures and hearing and vision issues can all cause similar symptoms.<br /><br />Psychological and behavioral therapy can be helpful for adults suffering from ADHD. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients to change their negative thoughts and behavior. This can lessen stress which can cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can help people better manage their time, improve their organization skills, and discover more effective ways of dealing with stressful situations.<br /><br />Stimulants are the most popular medications used to treat ADHD in adults. They appear to increase and balance levels of certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. However, these drugs may cause serious adverse reactions for some individuals, especially teenagers and children. They are often only prescribed for short-term use and are not appropriate for everyone.<br /><br />Other treatment options include lifestyle changes and psychotherapy. Some adults with ADHD find that increasing their physical activity can help them focus more effectively and become more productive. Other people with ADHD benefit from learning to improve their organization and planning capabilities. In addition, some people who have difficulty keeping jobs or maintaining relationships can seek help through a disability support program like Access to Work.<br /><br />Support<br /><br />Finding a doctor and receiving a successful treatment can help you deal with problems that hinder your life. It can also help improve your self-image and relationships with your family as well as your friends and colleagues. It is never too late to get the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.<br /><br />Your GP may recommend a mental health facility that specialises in treating adult ADHD. This may be an Community Mental Health Service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.<br /><br />Support groups for adults suffering from ADHD can provide guidance and a sense of community. You can join online forums and chat with other members about their experiences. There are coaches or mentors who are specialized in helping people with ADHD. However, you must be aware that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated and there are differences in the quality and expertise.<br /><br />The signs of ADHD typically appear in childhood, but may persist into adulthood. The disorder is more prevalent in boys and men than girls and women. People who suffer from the inattentive type of the disorder (formerly referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are more likely to be diagnosed than those who suffer from 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.<br /><br />Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis because the symptoms differ between individuals. A doctor can find patterns in the history of a patient of difficulties at school, work or in relationships. A thorough medical history could also be beneficial. The medical history can be used to rule out or determine the cause. These include developmental disorders and seizures disorders. They also include anxiety, depression and drug addiction, as well as certain medications.<br /><br />A person with untreated ADHD may develop a negative self-image and low self-esteem as a result of persistent frustration and failure. They could also suffer from comorbidities like anxiety or depression which can cause ADHD worse.<br /><br />A few adults suffering from ADHD take part in clinical trials to help researchers understand more about the disorder. This can lead to improved treatments in the future. You can find tips for talking with your doctor about participating in an investigational trial on the NIMH website.<br /><br />