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ADHD in Adults Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in every area of your life. You may experience difficulties maintaining relationships and employment which can lead to frequent job changes and/or low ratings for performance.
Request your primary care physician to recommend you to a health professional who can evaluate adults with ADHD. Then, you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental issue that causes problems staying focused, paying attention and responding to impulses. Adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty at work, in school as well as in their relationships. It is a common disorder however, it can be difficult to diagnose because a lot of adults don't recall having symptoms as children, or were misdiagnosed as kids.
A person who wants to receive a diagnosis should visit a medical professional who has experience performing ADHD tests on adults. The patient may ask their doctor for a referral to someone who is specialized in ADHD. You can also ask for an appointment by calling local universities, medical schools, or graduate schools.
In evaluating adults, the clinician will look at how long the symptoms have been present and how they impact the life of the patient. They will also examine whether the ADHD symptoms were present in the early years of childhood. adhd diagnosis in adult 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 diagnose ADHD to be diagnosed, the person must demonstrate significant impairment in two areas of their lives. These include at home or at work, as well as with family and friends or in particular activities like driving or playing sports. Impairment means that the symptoms cause significant problems and have lasted for at minimum six months.
When making a diagnosis, the doctor will also attempt to rule out any other conditions that might cause the same issues as ADHD like depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders. They can also conduct additional psychological, learning disabilities or neuropsychological testing to determine if a patient suffers from a co-existing disorder.
People who haven't been diagnosed with ADHD may feel frustrated that they aren't getting the help and support they require. Adults have reported feeling relieved and refreshed after obtaining an diagnosis. Some adults regret missing opportunities or failed to realize their ADHD symptoms were not identified and treated. Some people with ADHD are reluctant to admit that they have ADHD particularly women who were deemed female at birth. Some people are hesitant to admit that they suffer from ADHD because of the stigma surrounding it.
Symptoms
As opposed to children, adults suffering from ADHD don't typically outgrow their condition. It can continue to affect them into adulthood, and can have similar impacts on relationships, work family life, and mental health. Signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are present in both adults and children with ADHD however, the signs tend to be more severe in adults. For instance, they can impact a person's job performance and can cause problems with relationships. A professional can provide treatment and counseling.
The first step is to find an expert evaluator who is qualified, like a psychologist or psychiatrist. Ask for recommendations from family members and family, or search online for professionals in your region. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other disorders like anxiety and depression, which must be considered when determining their diagnosis and treatment.
Your evaluator will want to know as much about your life as is possible. A detailed account of your life, especially one that spans from childhood, can give clues to determine if ADHD symptoms are related to other conditions. Your evaluator will likely ask about your emotional and physical health, your development that began in early childhood, your academic and professional experience, driving history, any drugs or alcohol use, and how you deal with stress in your everyday life.
If your evaluator suspects you are suffering from ADHD then they will evaluate your symptoms to determine the degree to which they affect your daily routine. For a diagnosis to be granted, your symptoms need to be significant enough to cause impairment in at least two important settings. Examples of impairment could include losing a job because of inadequate time management, falling into financial trouble due to impulsive spending or failing to pay on time, and interpersonal problems in your relationship due to communication issues.
You can enhance your ability to manage your ADHD symptoms by learning how to manage the challenges they bring. You can reduce stress by keeping a schedule and following a regular routine. Additionally, you can get more sleep, avoid eating sugary or caffeinated food close to bedtime and exercise regularly. Certain people suffering from ADHD find that psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy helps them to manage their symptoms, whereas others use medication to reduce the impact of their symptoms.
Treatment
If you are an adult and suspect that you have ADHD the first step is to speak with a health professional. They can refer you to an expert in mental health that is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations or offer suggestions for professionals who can are able to do this. Certain insurance companies provide professionals based on their specialties and can help those who are part of their plans to find an expert.
The most important aspect in diagnosing ADHD in adults is the person's past. For instance, a physician may ask to review school report cards from the individual's childhood or talk to relatives about their behavior in early life. The health professional could analyze patterns of behavior that suggest that there is a diagnosis of ADHD.

During the examination, the health care provider can also utilize one of several rating scales that are standardized. These questionnaires assess the behavior of a patient to that of people without ADHD, and may help a doctor determine whether symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria.
A medical exam is essential to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. The thyroid, seizures, and issues with hearing and vision can all have similar effects.
Psychological and behavioral therapy can be beneficial for adults with ADHD. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help patients to change their negative thoughts and behavior. This can reduce stress, which can cause ADHD symptoms worse. Counseling can also teach people how to manage their time better, increase their organizational skills, and develop more effective coping strategies for dealing with stressful situations.
Stimulants are the most popular medications used to treat ADHD in adults. They appear to increase and balance the levels of certain brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. However, these medications can cause serious side effects for some individuals, especially children and teens. These medications are typically used for short-term treatment and are not suitable for all people.
Changes in lifestyle and psychotherapy are alternatives. For example, some adults with ADHD find that increasing physical exercise can help them focus and be more productive. Certain people with ADHD may benefit from enhancing their planning and organization abilities. Access to Work, a disability support group, can aid those who have trouble maintaining relationships or retaining the job they have.
Support
When you are properly diagnosed and treated, you can manage issues that are affecting your daily life. It can also make a difference in your self-image and improve relationships with your family, friends and colleagues. It's never too late for the diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
Your GP could recommend an area of mental health care that specialises in treating adult ADHD. adhd diagnosis uk adult could be a Community Mental Health Service, or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
Support groups for adults suffering from ADHD can provide advice and a sense of community. You can join online forums and talk to others about their experiences. There are coaches and mentors that specialize in helping people suffering from ADHD. However, you must be aware that coaching and mentorship are self-regulated and there are variations in quality and expertise.
ADHD symptoms usually start in childhood, but they can continue until adulthood. The disorder is more common for men and boys compared to girls and women. People with the inattentive subtype 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.
Adult ADHD can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms differ from one person to the next. A history of issues at school, at work or in relationships can help a physician find a pattern. A thorough medical history can also be helpful. The medical history can be used to determine if or pinpoint possible causes. These include seizures, developmental disorders depression, anxiety, substance abuse and certain medications.
Untreated ADHD can result in a person developing a low self-esteem as well as a negative self-image as a result of frustration and failure. They could also develop compulsive disorders like depression or anxiety and this can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Adults with ADHD might be able to participate in clinical trials that help researchers better understand the disorder. This could lead to more effective treatments in the future. You can find tips for talking to your doctor about participating in a clinical trial on the NIMH website.