ADHD in Adults - Characterisation, Diagnosis and Treatment
Finding a professional to assess you is the initial step to receiving treatment for ADHD. They will inquire about your symptoms, family history, as well as other factors like stress and issues at work or school.
They will use standard behavior rating scales and checklists to assess your symptoms. They may also conduct tests for neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities.
Diagnosis
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are marked by difficulties in concentrating on a single task, staying focused and organizing tasks. People suffering from ADHD tend to avoid tasks that demand a lot attention and procrastinate. This can make it difficult to keep on top of daily activities like doing chores, paying off bills, or planning for future events. Adults with ADHD are also prone to anxiety and stress. This can lead to mood swings and relationship problems.
The first step in getting an assessment of ADHD is to consult with your primary care physician. You may be referred to psychiatrists for an assessment. During the examination, they will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life at school, work or at home. They will also inquire whether you suffer from any other mental health issues. They'll also consider your family history.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and consider whether you have any other illnesses that could cause similar symptoms. They will then recommend the best treatment plan that will likely include medication. You will need to talk with your psychiatrist regarding whether medication will reduce the severity ADHD symptoms. Your psychiatrist will also be able to pass the prescription to your GP, so they can track your progress or prescribe any changes to the medication.
If you've been prescribed medication for ADHD it is important to see your psychiatrist on a regular basis to ensure that you are following the right treatment plan. You should see your psychiatrist within 30days of starting your medication and continue to see them every month until you are feeling better.
People suffering from ADHD have a higher chance of losing their jobs, transfers, academic failure and financial instability, as well as difficult relationships, and addictions. But, with the right treatment those with ADHD can enjoy fulfilling lives with fulfilling careers and relationships. Finding the right treatment plan is key to your success. It is important to discuss your symptoms and problems with your physician and your coworkers and teachers.
Medicines
An individual who has ADHD will most likely be treated with a mix of psychotherapy and medications. The right medication can help reduce or eliminate symptoms that hinder the quality of life of an adult and prevent them from reaching their full potential. Talk therapy can help people deal better with their issues.
To start evaluating ADHD to determine if it is ADHD, the person should consult their primary care physician or a mental health professional. They can refer them to specialists in the area. It's also recommended to ask members of a local ADHD support group for a recommendation of an expert. A lot of insurance companies provide a list of professionals categorized by specialties that can be used to find the right person to conduct an evaluation.
A thorough evaluation will include an explanation of the symptoms of the patient, a thorough review of the medical and mental history, and a thorough discussion with the patient. The examiner will use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists and will solicit feedback from friends and family members. Sometimes, additional tests are used to determine if the person has ADHD. For example neuropsychological and cognitive tests.
It is important to rule out any other medical conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms before making a definitive diagnosis. This includes learning disorders, anxiety issues, and thyroid issues. The evaluator will carefully weigh these possible explanations for the patient's symptoms, before making a diagnosis.
The medications used to treat ADHD for adults include stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications. They can assist people to focus and pay attention. They can boost work and school performance. They can also reduce depression and anxiety. However adhd in adult women treatment of stimulants differs in different individuals and it may take time to achieve the desired degree of improvement.
Nonstimulant medications can be beneficial in treating ADHD in adults. They tend to be more affordable and have less side effects than stimulants. They aren't as potent as stimulants, and may have the potential for a "crash effect" for some people. They also interact with other medications and can cause negative effects on some medical conditions.
Treatments
The main treatments for ADHD for adults include medication and psychotherapy. These medications help people concentrate better and be less impulsive which can improve their quality of life. Psychotherapy helps people develop how to cope and manage their issues. It may include family therapy as well as methods for managing behaviour that include reward systems. Researchers are looking at new methods to treat ADHD. They may employ brain imaging or measures of how the brain solves problem solving.
As we age, we generally have various symptoms. 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.
A healthcare professional will require details about the person's education and childhood experiences in order to determine if they suffer from ADHD. They will ask the patient to rate both their own behavior and the behavior of other people on the standardized rating system or ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also perform an examination to rule out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like seizures or thyroid disorders.
Depending on the results of the test, the doctor will recommend treatment options. If the symptoms are mild then he or she may prescribe stimulants. These medications are designed to help people focus more effectively and less impulsive, which improves their ability to perform at home, work and in their relationships. People with moderate to severe symptoms will likely be prescribed a mix of psychotherapy and medication.
If they have a family member with ADHD or if they have other birth defects like being overweight at birth or suffering from head trauma and head injuries, they are more likely to get diagnosed. They are also more likely to be diagnosed if they are male. Researchers aren't sure why some people are more likely to suffer from ADHD than others. There may be an underlying genetic cause or the condition may result from environmental factors. People who smoke, drink heavily or suffer from food allergies are at a greater risk of being diagnosed with ADHD.
Support
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to handle everyday tasks, like getting up and out of bed, making preparations for work, and showing up at appointments on time. Certain adults with ADHD that are not diagnosed may also have difficulty managing their relationships with others, or keeping up with obligations at home and at work. For certain people, long-term treatment using psychotherapy and stimulant drugs (talk therapy) can make a major impact on their lives.
Being diagnosed with ADHD is often an emotional experience. People with ADHD typically feel at peace knowing that they're not 'lazy or 'unwilling' or 'unorganized', and that the cause of their difficulties is a underlying condition. They might also be angry or frustrated that they weren't diagnosed and treated earlier.
There are numerous 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. Individuals with 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 situation.
The NIMH website contains a list of useful organisations and resources for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of these organizations provide low-cost or free psychotherapy for those with ADHD, and others provide information on the condition and offer strategies to manage it.
Talking therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be helpful for people with ADHD. It involves identifying and resolving unhelpful thinking patterns and devising strategies for improving focus and impulse control. It is best to work by an experienced mental health professional. It is recommended to find a doctor who has worked with those suffering from ADHD or is willing to learn.
The NHS website in the UK offers details about ADHD treatments. The site also has a list of local mental health services and helplines, including those that are specially designed to help people with disabilities. There are also support groups that assist families and individuals to find advice and an understanding of community. These are available online or through local charities and support groups. Some organizations have support groups specifically for adults suffering from ADHD.