ADHD in Adults - Characterisation, Diagnosis and Treatment
Finding a professional who is able to evaluate you is the first step to receiving treatment for ADHD. They will ask you about your symptoms, your family history, and any other factors like stress, workplace or school issues.
They will employ standardized behavior rating scales and checklists for assessing your symptoms. They may also conduct psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities.
Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD have trouble concentrating and staying focused as well as organising their responsibilities. People with ADHD typically avoid tasks that require a lot of attention and are more likely to delay tasks. This makes it difficult to keep track of daily activities such as completing chores, paying your bills, or planning for future events. It is also common for adults suffering from ADHD to be easily annoyed and struggle with regulating their emotions. This can cause mood swings and relationship problems.
The first step to get an assessment of ADHD is to speak with your primary care provider. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. During the evaluation they will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact you at work, school or at your home. They will also check to find out if you suffer from other mental health conditions and also consider whanau or family history.
Your psychiatrist will review your symptoms and consider whether you suffer from any other medical illnesses that could cause similar problems. The psychiatrist will then recommend a plan of treatment which could include medication. The use of medication can lessen the severity of ADHD symptoms, and you will have to discuss this with your psychiatrist before you begin taking medication. Your psychiatrist will also be able to pass your prescription on to your GP, so that they can monitor your progress or make any changes to the medication.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, you should see your psychiatrist on a regular basis to ensure that you are on the right path with your treatment. It is recommended that you are examined within 30 days of initiation of medication and then monthly until your symptoms and functioning improve.
People with ADHD are more likely to suffer from job losses and transfers, academic failure or drops as well as financial instability, strained relationships and addictions. But, with the right treatment those with ADHD can lead fulfilling lives that include fulfilling careers and relationships. The key to success is identifying the best treatment plan for you. It is crucial to discuss your issues and symptoms with your doctor and with your coworkers and teachers.
Medications
Someone suffering from ADHD will likely be treated with a mix of medication and psychotherapy. The right medication can help reduce or eliminate symptoms that interfere with the quality of an adult's life and hinder them from achieving their full potential. Talk therapy can help people discover more effective ways to manage their symptoms.
To start evaluating ADHD, the individual should consult their primary care doctor or a mental health specialist. They can refer you to specialists in your area. Asking a local ADHD group for a specialist recommendation is a good idea. Many insurance plans offer an inventory of professionals according to specialty and can help individuals locate a professional who can perform an evaluation.
A thorough evaluation will consist of an explanation of the patient's symptoms, a review of the medical and mental background, and a thorough interview with the patient. The evaluator may use scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists and will seek feedback from friends or family members. Sometimes, additional tests are used to determine if the individual has ADHD. For example tests for cognitive and neuropsychological testing.
It is important to rule out any other medical conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms before making a final diagnosis. These include learning disorders, mood disorders, head injuries, anxiety disorders thyroid problems, and the taking certain medications, such as steroids. The evaluator will carefully weigh the various explanations for the patient's symptoms, before making the diagnosis.
Stimulants and nonstimulant medications are used to treat ADHD among adults. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications. They can improve concentration and attention. They can enhance the performance of students and at work. They also help reduce anxiety and depression. However, signs of untreated adhd in adults of stimulants varies in different individuals and it may take time to reach the desired level of improvement.
Nonstimulant medications can be beneficial in the treatment of ADHD in adults. They are often more affordable and have less side effects than stimulants. They are not as powerful as stimulants, and may cause an "crash effect" for some people. They can also interact with other medications and can cause negative effects on some medical conditions.
Treatments
Psychotherapy and medication are the primary treatments for ADHD among adults. The medication helps people focus better and be less impulsive. This will improve their quality of life. Psychotherapy helps people learn how to cope and manage their issues. It may also include techniques for managing behaviour that are based on reward systems. Researchers are looking at new methods to treat ADHD. They may use brain imaging or measurements of how the brain works in problem solving.
People suffering from ADHD frequently experience different symptoms as they grow older. For example, inattentive symptoms become more pronounced in adulthood, while hyperactive-impulsive symptoms may decrease or disappear entirely. However, many people who suffer from ADHD remain with the same issues throughout their lives.
To diagnose ADHD in adults, a medical professional must collect information regarding the person's childhood behavior and school experiences. They typically request the patient to rate their own behavior and other people's behavior using scales of rating that are standardised or ADHD symptom checklists. They will also conduct an exam to rule out any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like seizures or thyroid disorders.
The health professional will then recommend treatments based on the results of an evaluation. If the symptoms are not severe, then he or she may prescribe stimulants. These drugs are designed to help people focus better and be less impulsive, which enhances their ability to perform at work, at home and in their relationships. People with moderate-to-severe symptoms are prescribed a combination medication and psychotherapy.
People with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed in the case of family members who have the disorder or when they were born prematurely or had other birth defects, such as low birth weight or head trauma. They are more likely to be recognized if they are male. Researchers aren't sure why certain individuals have a higher risk of ADHD. It could be due to an underlying genetic cause, or the condition can result from environmental factors. Smokers, who drink excessively or have food allergies are also at higher chance of being diagnosed with ADHD.
Support
Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for adults to complete daily tasks such as getting up in the morning, getting ready for work and attending appointments on time. They may also struggle to manage their personal relationships or keep up with family or work obligations. For certain people, long-term treatment using psychotherapy and stimulant drugs (talk therapy) can make a major difference in their lives.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be an extremely emotional experience. People with ADHD often feel content knowing that they aren't 'lazy or unwilling or 'unorganized', and that the cause of their problems is an underlying condition. They might also be angry or frustrated for not being diagnosed and treated earlier.
There are a variety of organizations and services that are able to assist people suffering from the condition, including coaching, psychotherapy self-help resources and peer support groups and e-learning. People with symptoms that cause problems at work could be eligible for help under the disability provisions of the employment law, or access to Work depending on their situation.
The NIMH website has a list of organizations and resources for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of these organisations offer low or no cost psychotherapy to those suffering from ADHD. Some offer education and teach strategies to manage the condition.
Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for people who suffer from ADHD. It involves identifying and challenging harmful thinking patterns, and also developing strategies to improve concentration and impulse control. It is recommended to consult an expert in mental health who has been trained in this field. It is recommended to seek out someone who has dealt with people with ADHD before or is willing and able to learn.
In the UK, the NHS offers information on treatments for ADHD on its website. It also has a directory of helplines and local mental health services, including services that are specifically designed to help disabled people. Support groups can assist families and individuals to find assistance and a network. They can be found on the internet or through local charities and support groups. Some organizations offer support groups specifically designed for adults with ADHD.