ADHD in Adults - Characterisation, Diagnosis and Treatment
Finding a professional who is able to evaluate you is the first step in getting treatment for ADHD. They will ask about your symptoms, your family history, and any other factors like stress, workplace or school issues.
Your symptoms will be assessed using checklists and behavior rating scales. They may also conduct psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing.
Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD struggle with concentration and staying focused, as well as organizing their tasks. People with ADHD tend to avoid tasks that require lots of attention and tend to delay. This can make it hard to stay on top of the daily tasks, such as finishing chores, paying bills or planning for future events. It is also typical for people with ADHD to become easily frustrated and struggle with regulating their emotions. This can cause mood swings and relationships problems.
The first step in getting an assessment of ADHD is to consult with your primary care physician. You could be referred to psychiatrists for an assessment. During the examination, they will ask about your symptoms and how they impact your life at home, school or work. They will also inquire if you have other mental health issues and take into account your family history.
Your psychiatrist will review your symptoms and determine if you have other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. The psychiatrist will then recommend the best treatment plan, which may include medication. You'll need to speak with your psychiatrist about whether medication could lessen the severity of ADHD symptoms. Your psychiatrist will also be able send your prescription to your GP to monitor your progress and prescribe any adjustments to your medication.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, you must see your psychiatrist regularly to make sure that you are on the right path with your treatment. It is recommended that you be examined within 30 days of beginning treatment and continue to see them monthly until your symptoms improve and your functioning improves.
People who suffer from ADHD are more at risk of experiencing job loss as well as academic failure, transfer financial instability, strained relationships, and addictions. But, with the right treatment people suffering from ADHD can live rewarding lives, with satisfying careers and relationships. The key to success is finding the appropriate treatment program for you. This is why it is crucial to speak with your doctor about any concerns you have and discuss your symptoms and problems with your co-workers and teachers.
Medicines
Someone who suffers from ADHD is most likely to be treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medications. The right medication can help reduce symptoms that affect the quality of life of an adult and prevent him from reaching his full potential. Talk therapy can help people deal better with their ailments.
To start evaluating ADHD, the individual must consult with their primary care physician or a mental health professional. They can recommend specialists in the area. It's also an excellent idea to contact a local ADHD support group for a recommendation on a specialist. Many insurance plans offer an inventory of professionals according to specialty and can help individuals find someone who will perform an assessment.
A thorough evaluation includes a description of symptoms, a review medical and psychiatric histories and a thorough interview with the patient. The evaluator will use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists and may seek feedback from family and friends. Sometimes, additional tests are used to determine whether the person has ADHD. For instance neuropsychological and cognitive tests.
It's important to rule out other medical conditions that may be similar to ADHD symptoms prior to making a final diagnosis. This includes learning disorders, anxiety issues and thyroid disorders. The evaluator will carefully consider these possible explanations for the patient's complaints, before determining a diagnosis.
Nonstimulant and stimulant medications are used to treat ADHD among adults. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications. They can help people focus and pay attention. They can boost the performance of students and at work. They can also decrease anxiety and depression. However the effectiveness of stimulants differs for different people and it may take time to reach the desired level of improvement.
Nonstimulant medicines are used to treat ADHD in adults. They tend to be less expensive and have less side effects than stimulants. They are not as powerful as stimulants and may cause the potential for a "crash effect" in some people. They also interact with other medications and affect some medical conditions.
Treatments
The most effective treatment options for ADHD in adults are medications and psychotherapy. Medications help people focus better and less impulsive which can improve their quality of life. Psychotherapy helps people learn coping skills and manage their issues. It can include family therapy as well as techniques for managing behavior, such as reward systems. Researchers are looking at new methods to treat ADHD including brain imaging and measuring how the brain solves issues.
As we age, we typically experience various symptoms. For example, inattentive symptoms become more pronounced in adulthood, while hyperactive-impulsive symptoms may decrease or disappear entirely. However, a lot of people who have ADHD continue to suffer from the same issues throughout their lives.
A health care provider will require information about the person's school and childhood experiences in order to diagnose ADHD. They will ask the person to rate both their own behavior and that of others on the standardized rating system or ADHD symptoms checklists. They may also conduct an examination to rule out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, thyroid disorders or seizures.
The doctor will then suggest treatment options based on the results of the evaluation. If the symptoms are mild then he or she may prescribe stimulants. These medications are designed to help people concentrate more effectively and be less irritable and improve their ability to function in the workplace as well as at home, and in their relationships. People with moderate-to-severe symptoms are prescribed a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
People with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed in the case of family members with 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're male. Researchers don't know the reason why certain people have a higher risk of ADHD. The condition could be triggered by genetic or environmental factors. People who smoke, drink excessively or have food allergies are at a greater chance of being diagnosed with ADHD.
Support
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD struggle to handle daily tasks like getting up and out of bed, getting ready for work, and arriving at appointments on time. They might also have difficulty to manage their relationships or keep up with family and job obligations. Some people can benefit from long-term treatment using stimulant medications, as well as psychotherapy.
Being diagnosed with ADHD is often a stressful experience. People who suffer from the disorder often feel relief at knowing that they're not 'lazy', 'unwilling', or'messy and that their problems are caused by an underlying condition. They may also feel angered or disappointed that they weren't diagnosed and treated earlier.
There are many organisations and services that are able to assist those suffering from the condition, including psychotherapy, coaching, self-help resources and peer support groups and online learning. People whose symptoms cause problems at work may qualify for assistance under the disability components of the employment law or Access to Work, depending on their specific situation.
The NIMH website provides an extensive list of organizations and resources for adults who have ADHD. Some of these organizations provide low-cost or free psychotherapy for people with ADHD and some offer information on the condition and provide strategies to manage it.
Talking therapies, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful for people with ADHD. It involves identifying and resolving unhelpful thoughts and developing strategies to increase focus and control of impulses. It is best to work with 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.
In adhd treatment for adults medication offers information on treatments for ADHD on its website. The website also contains a list of local mental health services and helplines including those specialized in supporting people with disabilities. Support groups can also help individuals and families find assistance and a network. They can be found on the internet or through local support groups and charities. Some organizations run support groups specifically for adults who suffer from ADHD.