ADHD in Adults - Characterisation, Diagnosis and Treatment
The first step to getting treatment for ADHD is finding an expert in health care who can evaluate you. They will ask about your symptoms, family history and other factors such as stress and school or work issues.
Your symptoms will be evaluated by using checklists and behavioral rating scales. They can also conduct psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities.
Diagnosis
Adults who suffer from ADHD have difficulty concentrating, staying focused and organizing their tasks. People suffering from ADHD tend to avoid tasks that demand a lot attention and procrastinate. This can make it hard to stay on top of daily activities like completing chores, paying bills or planning for future events. It is also typical for adults with ADHD to be easily frustrated and struggle with regulating their emotions. This can lead to mood swings and difficulties with relationships.
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is best to talk to your primary care doctor. You may be referred to psychiatrists for an evaluation. During the examination, they will ask about your symptoms and how they impact you at school, home or at work. They will also find out if you suffer from other mental health conditions and consider your family or whanau history.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and consider whether there are any other illnesses that could cause similar issues. The doctor will then suggest a plan of treatment that may include medication. You'll need to speak with your psychiatrist about whether medication can help reduce the severity of ADHD symptoms. Your psychiatrist can also pass your prescription to your GP so that they can monitor your progress and prescribe any changes to the medication.
If you have been prescribed medication for ADHD it is important to visit your psychiatrist regularly to ensure that you are following the correct treatment plan. You should see your psychiatrist within 30 days of beginning your medication, and then every month until you feel better.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from job losses and transfers dropping or failing in their academics as well as financial instability, strained relationships and addictions. With the right treatment those suffering from ADHD can lead fulfilling lives, with fulfilling relationships and careers. The key to success is finding the right treatment program for you. This is why it is essential to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have, as well as discussing your symptoms and problems with your colleagues and teachers.
The effects of medication
A person with ADHD is likely to be treated with a mix of psychotherapy and medication. The right medication can reduce or completely eliminate symptoms that affect the quality of an adult's life and hinder them from achieving their potential. Talk therapy can help people deal better with their symptoms.
To begin evaluating ADHD to determine if it is ADHD, the person must consult with their primary care physician or mental health professional. They may refer you to specialists in your area. It's also a good idea to ask members of a local ADHD support group for a recommendation on a specialist. Many insurance plans provide a list of professionals categorized by specialties. These can be used to find someone who will conduct an assessment.
A thorough assessment includes a description of symptoms, a review medical and psychiatric histories and a thorough patient interview. The evaluator will employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists and will ask for feedback from friends and family members. Sometimes, additional tests are used to determine if the individual is suffering from ADHD for instance, neuropsychological or cognitive tests.
Certain medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to ADHD It is important to rule these out before making a diagnosis. This includes learning disorders, anxiety disorders and thyroid problems. The evaluator carefully considers the various explanations for the patient's symptoms, before determining the diagnosis.
Medications used to treat ADHD for adults include stimulants and non-stimulant medications. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs. They can increase concentration and attention. They can enhance academic and work performance. They also help reduce depression and anxiety. However the effectiveness of stimulants varies among individuals and it can take time to reach the desired degree of improvement.
Nonstimulant drugs can be helpful in treating ADHD in adults. They are usually more affordable and have less side effects than stimulants. However, they're not as efficient as stimulants and may cause an "crash" effect in some people. They can also interact with other medications and affect some medical conditions.
Treatments
Psychotherapy and medication are the most effective treatments for ADHD among adults. These medications help people concentrate more effectively and reduce their impulsivity and improve their quality of life. Psychotherapy helps people develop strategies for coping and manage their problems. It can also include family therapy and techniques for managing behavior that include reward systems. Researchers are investigating new ways to treat ADHD. They could use brain imaging or measures of how the brain solves problem solving.
As we age, we often have different symptoms. For example, inattentive symptoms become more pronounced in adulthood, while hyperactive-impulsive symptoms may decrease or disappear entirely. Many people with ADHD will experience the same issues throughout their entire life.
To diagnose ADHD in adults, a doctor must collect information about the person's childhood behavior and school experiences. They will ask the person to rate both their own behavior as well as that of others on standard rating systems or ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also perform an exam to rule out any other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example, thyroid disorders or seizures.
The doctor will then suggest treatment options based on the outcomes of the assessment. If the symptoms are not severe, then the doctor may prescribe stimulants. These drugs are designed to help people concentrate better and be less impatient, which will improve their performance in the workplace as well as at home and in their relationships. Patients suffering from moderate to severe symptoms are prescribed a combination medication and psychotherapy.
If they have a parent with ADHD or if they suffer from other birth defects such as being overweight at birth or suffering from head trauma, they are more likely to be diagnosed. They are more likely to be recognized when they are male. Researchers don't yet know why certain individuals are more likely to develop ADHD. adhd treatment for adult women may be triggered by genetic or environmental factors. People who smoke, drink heavily or have food allergies are at a higher risk of being diagnosed as having 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 making appointments on time. A few people with undiagnosed ADHD may also have difficulty managing their personal relationships, or juggling the demands of work and family. Certain people may benefit from long-term treatment using stimulant drugs, as well as psychotherapy.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD is often an emotional experience. People who suffer from the disorder often feel relief at realizing that they aren't "lazy," "unwilling," or 'tidy' and that their difficulties are caused by an underlying disorder. They may also feel frustration or anger at the lack of being diagnosed and treated earlier.
There are many organisations and services that are able to aid people suffering from the condition. They include psychotherapy, coaching and self-help resources. People with symptoms that cause difficulties at work may be eligible for support under the disability provisions of the employment act or Access to Work, depending on their situation.
The NIMH website provides a list of useful organisations and resources for adults with ADHD. Some of these organisations offer low-cost or free psychotherapy to those suffering from ADHD as well as information about the condition and teach strategies to manage it.
Talking therapies, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be beneficial for those with ADHD. It involves identifying and challenging harmful thinking patterns and developing techniques for improving concentration and impulse control. It is best done by an experienced mental health professional. Individuals should find a practitioner who has worked with people with ADHD or is willing to learn.
In the UK The NHS offers information on treatments for ADHD on its website. The website also includes a list of local mental health services and helplines, including those that are specially designed to help disabled people. Support groups can aid families and individuals in finding advice and a community. These are available online or through local charities and support groups. Many organizations also run support groups specifically for adults with ADHD.