ADHD in Adults - Characterisation, Diagnosis and Treatment
Finding a professional who can assess you is the first step in getting treatment for ADHD. They will inquire about your symptoms, your family history, as well as other factors such as stress and issues at work or school.
Your symptoms will be evaluated by using checklists and behavioral rating scales. They can also conduct psychological, neuropsychological, or learning disability tests.
Diagnosis
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are marked by difficulties in concentrating, staying on task and organising responsibilities. People suffering from ADHD often avoid tasks that require a lot of focus and tend to put off tasks for a long time. This can make it hard to keep on top of daily activities like finishing chores, paying bills, or planning for future events. It is also typical for adults suffering from ADHD to be easily annoyed and struggle to regulate their emotions. This can lead to mood swings and relationship problems.
The first step in getting the diagnosis of ADHD is to consult with your primary care physician. They might refer you to a psychiatrist or any other mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. During the examination, they will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect you at school, work, or your home. They will also determine if you suffer from any other mental health problems and also consider whanau or family history.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and decide if you have any other illnesses that could cause similar symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment plan, which will likely include medication. The use of medication can reduce the severity of ADHD symptoms and you'll need to discuss this with your psychiatrist prior to deciding to begin taking medication. Your psychiatrist will also be able to pass your prescription on to your GP so they can keep track of your progress or prescribe any changes to the medication.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, you must see your psychiatrist on a regular basis to ensure that you are on the right track with your treatment. It is recommended that you are scheduled for a visit within 30 days of initiation of medication, and then every month until your symptoms and functioning improve.
People who suffer from 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 people suffering from ADHD can live rewarding lives that include fulfilling careers and relationships. The key to success is identifying the right treatment program for you. It is crucial to discuss your symptoms and concerns with your physician and your coworkers and teachers.
Medicines
Someone who suffers from ADHD is most likely to be treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication. The right medication can lessen or eliminate symptoms that interfere with the quality of life for adults and prevent them from reaching their full potential. Talk therapy helps people learn better ways to cope with their symptoms.
The first step to evaluate ADHD is for the person to talk with their primary physician or mental health specialist. They can provide referrals to specialists in the area. A local ADHD group for a specialist recommendation is a good idea. Many insurance plans have a list of professionals by specialization and can help people locate a professional who can perform an evaluation.
A thorough evaluation will consist of a description of the patient's symptoms, a review of medical and psychiatric background, and a thorough interview with the patient. The examiner will use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists and may solicit feedback from family and friends. Other tests are sometimes utilized to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD for instance, neuropsychological or cognitive tests.
Certain medical conditions can mimic the symptoms of ADHD It is important to rule them out prior to making an assessment. This includes anxiety disorders, learning disorders issues and thyroid disorders. Before determining a diagnosis the evaluator will carefully consider these alternative explanations.
Stimulants and nonstimulant medications are used to treat ADHD among adults. The most frequently prescribed medication is stimulants. They can assist people to focus and pay attention. They can improve work and school performance. They can also reduce anxiety and depression. The effectiveness of stimulants can vary from person to person and it may take some time to reach the desired level.
Nonstimulant drugs can be helpful in the treatment of ADHD in adults. They are often more affordable and have fewer adverse effects than stimulants. They are not as powerful as stimulants, and can cause the potential for a "crash effect" for some people. They also interact with other medications and cause negative effects on some medical conditions.
Treatments
Psychotherapy and medication are the most effective treatments for ADHD for adults. The use of medication helps people focus more effectively and reduce their impulsivity which can improve their quality of life. Psychotherapy assists people in developing the ability to cope and manage their problems. It may also include family therapy and behaviour management techniques like reward systems. Researchers are looking at new ways to treat ADHD including brain imaging and measuring how the brain solves problems.
People with ADHD often experience different symptoms as they grow older. For first line treatment for adhd in adults , inattentive symptoms become more pronounced in adulthood, while hyperactive-impulsive symptoms may decrease or disappear entirely. However, many who have ADHD continue to have the same issues throughout their lives.
A health care provider will need to gather information about the person's school and childhood experiences in order to determine if they suffer from ADHD. They will ask the person to rate their own behavior and the behavior of others using standard rating systems or ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also perform an examination of the body to rule out medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders and seizures, that can cause similar symptoms.
The health professional will then recommend treatment options based on results of an evaluation. If the symptoms are not severe, he or she will likely prescribe stimulants. These medications are designed to help people concentrate better and be less impulsive, which increases their ability to function at work, home and in their relationships. People with moderate-to-severe symptoms will be prescribed a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
People with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed when they have relatives with the disorder, or when they were born prematurely or had other birth defects, such as being born with a low birth weight or having a head trauma. They are also more likely to be diagnosed if male. Researchers don't know the reason why certain people are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others. The condition may be caused by environmental factors or genetic factors. People who drink a lot, smoke or have food allergies are at a greater risk of being diagnosed as having ADHD.
Support
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to manage daily tasks, such as getting up and out of bed, making preparations for work, and arriving on time for appointments. Certain adults with ADHD that are not diagnosed may also struggle with managing their personal relationships, or keeping up with family and work responsibilities. For some, long-term treatment with stimulant medications and psychotherapy (talk therapy) can make a major difference in their lives.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD is often a stressful experience. People with ADHD typically feel relieved to know that they aren't 'lazy,' 'unwilling,' or 'unorganized', and that the root of their problems is an underlying condition. They also often feel frustration or anger over the fact that they weren't diagnosed and treated earlier.
There are a variety of organizations and services that can assist those suffering from the condition, including coaching, psychotherapy, self-help resources as well as peer support groups and electronic learning. People whose symptoms cause problems at work might be eligible for assistance under the disability component of the employment law or Access to Work, depending on their situation.
The NIMH website includes an extensive list of helpful organizations and resources for adults with ADHD. Some of these organisations offer low-cost or free psychotherapy for people with ADHD as well as information on the condition and provide strategies to manage it.
Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be beneficial for people with ADHD. It involves identifying and challenging 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 about ADHD treatments. The website also includes an inventory of local mental health services and helplines including those specifically designed to assist people with disabilities. Support groups can aid families and individuals in finding guidance and a sense of community. You can find these online or through local support groups and charitable organizations. A number of organisations also have support groups specifically for adults who suffer from ADHD.