ADHD in Adults - Characterisation, Diagnosis and Treatment
Finding a professional to assess you is the initial step to receiving treatment for ADHD. They will ask you about your symptoms, family history, and other factors like stress and issues at work or school.
The symptoms you are experiencing will be evaluated using checklists and behavior rating scales. They may also do tests for neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities.
Diagnosis
Adults who suffer from ADHD struggle with concentration and staying focused as well as organising their responsibilities. People with ADHD tend to avoid tasks that require a lot attention and tend to put off tasks for a long time. This makes it difficult to stay on top of everyday activities like finishing chores, paying your bills or planning future events. It is also normal for adults with ADHD to be easily annoyed and have trouble regulating their emotions. This can cause mood swings and relationships problems.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis of ADHD is to speak with your primary care doctor. You could be referred to psychiatrists for an evaluation. During the evaluation they will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect you at home, school or work. They will also inquire whether you suffer from any other mental health issues. They'll also consider your family history.
Your psychiatrist will review your symptoms and determine if there are other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. They will then recommend an appropriate treatment plan, which is likely to include medication. It can help to lessen the severity of ADHD symptoms and you'll have to discuss this with your psychiatrist prior to when you start taking the medication. Your psychiatrist may also forward your prescription to your GP, so they can keep track of your progress and prescribe any modifications to the medication.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, you must see your psychiatrist regularly to ensure that you are on the right path with your treatment. It is recommended that you be scheduled for a visit within 30 days of initiation of medication, and then every month until your symptoms and functioning improve.
People with ADHD are more at risk of losing jobs and transfers, academic failure and financial instability, as well as strained relationships, and addictions. With the right treatment those with ADHD are able to live fulfilling lives, with fulfilling relationships and careers. The key to success is finding the right treatment program for you. It is essential to discuss your issues and symptoms, both with your doctor and with your coworkers and teachers.
Medications
A person with ADHD will likely be treated using a combination of psychotherapy and medications. The right medication can lessen symptoms that affect the quality of life of an adult and limit his ability to reach his potential. Talk therapy helps people learn how to better manage their symptoms.
To determine if they have ADHD, the individual must consult with their primary care physician or a mental health specialist. They can provide referrals to specialists in the area. It's also an excellent idea to contact a local ADHD support group for recommendations on an expert. Many insurance companies offer an inventory of professionals classified by specialties. This can be used to locate someone who will conduct an assessment.
A thorough evaluation will consist of an explanation of the symptoms of the patient, a thorough review of medical and psychiatric background, and a thorough interview with the patient. The evaluator may use scales for assessing behavior and ADHD checklists for symptoms, and will request feedback from family members or friends. Additional testing is sometimes used to determine if the individual is suffering from ADHD such as cognitive or neuropsychological tests.
Certain medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to ADHD, and it's important to rule out these conditions prior to making an assessment. These include mood disorders, learning disorders, head injuries, anxiety disorders thyroid problems, and the use of certain medications like steroids. The evaluator will carefully consider the various explanations for the patient's symptoms before determining a diagnosis.
Nonstimulant and stimulant drugs are used to treat ADHD among adults. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs. They can help people focus and pay attention. They can enhance academic and work performance. They also help reduce anxiety and depression. However the effectiveness of stimulants varies for different people and it may take time to reach the desired level of improvement.
Nonstimulant drugs are used to treat ADHD in adults. They are usually less expensive and have fewer adverse effects than stimulants. They aren't as potent as stimulants, and can cause a "crash effect" in some people. They also interact with other medications and cause negative effects on some medical conditions.
Treatments
Psychotherapy and medication are the primary treatment options for ADHD for adults. The medications aid people to focus better and become less impatient. This can improve the quality of their life. Psychotherapy helps people develop strategies for coping and managing their issues. It can also include strategies for managing behaviour like reward-based systems. Researchers are investigating new ways to treat ADHD. They may use brain imaging or other measures to determine how the brain solves problem solving.
As people age, they typically experience various symptoms. For example, inattentive symptoms become more pronounced in adulthood, while hyperactive-impulsive symptoms may decrease or disappear entirely. Many people suffering from ADHD will experience the same problems for their entire lives.
A health care provider will require information about the person's school and childhood experiences in order to diagnose ADHD. They typically ask the person to rate their own and other people's behavior using scales that are standardized or ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also conduct an exam to rule out any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like thyroid disorders or seizures.
Based on adhd treatment for adults medication of the test, the health care provider will recommend treatments. If the symptoms are mild, then the doctor may prescribe stimulants. These drugs are designed to help people focus better and be less impulsive, which improves their ability to perform at home, work and in their relationships. People with moderate to severe symptoms may be prescribed a mix of medications and psychotherapy.
People with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed when they have relatives who suffer from the disorder or in the case of premature births or suffered from other birth defects, such as low birth weight or head trauma. They are also more likely to be diagnosed if they are male. However, researchers don't know the reason why certain people are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others. The condition could be triggered by environmental factors or genetic factors. People who smoke, drink excessively or suffer from food allergies are at a greater risk of being identified as having ADHD.
Support
Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for adults to complete daily tasks such as getting out of bed in the morning, preparing for work and attending appointments on time. They may also find it difficult to manage their relationships with friends or manage family and work obligations. For some, long-term treatment with psychotherapy and stimulant medications (talk therapy) can make a huge difference in their lives.
Being diagnosed with ADHD is an emotional experience. People with the disorder frequently feel relief knowing that they're not 'lazy', 'unwilling' or 'tidy' and that their difficulties stem from an underlying disorder. They might also be angered or disappointed for not being diagnosed and treated sooner.
There are numerous organizations and services that can help people suffering from the condition, including coaching, psychotherapy self-help resources, peer support groups, and electronic learning. People who have symptoms that cause problems at work could be eligible for assistance under the disability components in the employment act, or Access to Work depending on their circumstances.
The NIMH website has a list of useful organisations and resources for adults with ADHD. Some of these organizations offer free or low cost psychotherapy to people with ADHD. Some offer education and provide strategies for managing the condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other talk therapies can be beneficial for people with ADHD. It involves identifying and resolving unhelpful thinking patterns and developing techniques for improving focus and impulse control. It is best done with a trained mental health professional. It is recommended to find a doctor who has worked with people with ADHD or is willing to learn.
The NHS website in the UK provides information on ADHD treatments. It also has a directory of helplines and local mental health services, which include services that specialise in supporting people with disabilities. Support groups can also assist families and individuals to find guidance and a sense of community. These are available online or through local support groups and charities. Some organizations have support groups specifically for adults with ADHD.