ADHD in Adults - Characterisation, Diagnosis and Treatment
The first step to receiving treatment for ADHD is to find a health care professional who will assess you. They will ask you about your symptoms along with your family history, as well as other factors like stress, school or work issues.
Your symptoms will be assessed with the help of checklists and behavior rating scales. They may also do tests for neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities.
Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD struggle with concentration and staying focused as well as organising their tasks. People with ADHD typically avoid tasks that require a lot of attention and tend to procrastinate. This makes it difficult to keep up with daily activities such as finishing chores, paying your bills or planning your future events. It is also normal for adults suffering from ADHD to become easily frustrated and struggle with regulating their emotions. This can lead to mood swings and relationships problems.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD it is best to talk to your primary care provider. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or any other mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. During the evaluation they will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life at home, school or at work. They will also check if you have other mental health issues. They'll also take into consideration your family history.
Your psychiatrist will assess your symptoms and consider whether there are any other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. The psychiatrist will then recommend a plan of treatment, which may include medication. The use of medication can lessen the severity of ADHD symptoms, and you will need to talk with your psychiatrist before you begin taking medication. Your psychiatrist may also forward your prescription to your GP, so they can track your progress and prescribe any changes to the medication.
If you have been prescribed medication for ADHD it is important to consult your psychiatrist regularly to make sure that you are adhering to the correct treatment plan. You should see your psychiatrist within 30 days of the day you start your medication, and then every month until you feel better.
People who suffer from ADHD are more at risk of losing their jobs and transfers, academic failure, financial instability, troubled relationships, and addictions. With the right treatment those with ADHD can live rewarding lives, with satisfying careers and relationships. The key to success is identifying the right treatment program for you. This is why it is important to talk with your doctor regarding any concerns you might have and also discuss your symptoms and concerns with your co-workers and teachers.
Medicines
A person with ADHD is likely to be treated with a mix of psychotherapy and medication. The right medication can reduce symptoms that affect the quality of life for adults and prevent him from reaching his potential. Talk therapy helps people learn how to better manage their symptoms.
The first step in evaluating ADHD is for the person to consult with their primary physician or mental health specialist. They can refer you to specialists in your area. It's also a good idea to ask a local ADHD support group for recommendations on an expert. Many insurance companies offer a list of professionals categorized by specialties that can be used to locate someone who will conduct an evaluation.
A thorough assessment includes a description of symptoms as well as a review of medical and psychiatric records, and a thorough patient interview. The examiner may employ behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists and will seek feedback from friends or family members. Sometimes, additional tests are used to determine if an person has ADHD. For example tests for cognitive and neuropsychological testing.
Certain medical conditions may be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD It's crucial to rule out these conditions prior to making a diagnosis. This includes anxiety disorders, learning issues, and thyroid issues. The evaluator will carefully consider these possible explanations for the patient's complaints, before determining the diagnosis.
Nonstimulant and stimulant medications 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 improve work and school performance. They can also reduce depression and anxiety. The effectiveness of stimulants will vary from person to person and it may take some time to reach the desired level.
Nonstimulant drugs are used to treat ADHD in adults. They tend to be more affordable and have less side effects than stimulants. However, they aren't as efficient as stimulants and could cause an "crash" effect in some people. They can also have negative effects on certain medical conditions and interact with other medications.
Treatments
Psychotherapy and medication are the primary treatment options for ADHD among adults. The use of medication helps people focus better and be less impulsive and enhance their lives. Psychotherapy assists people in developing strategies for coping and manage their problems. It could also include strategies for behaviour management like reward-based systems. Researchers are looking at new ways to treat ADHD by using brain imaging and measuring how the brain solves problems.
People suffering from ADHD often experience different symptoms as they age. For example, inattentive symptoms become more pronounced in adulthood, while hyperactive-impulsive symptoms may decrease or disappear entirely. However, non medication treatment for adhd adults of people with ADHD continue to have the same problems throughout their lives.
A healthcare professional will need to gather information on the person's school and childhood experiences to determine if they suffer from ADHD. They usually request the patient to rate their own and other people's behavior on scales of rating that are standardised or ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also perform an examination to rule out medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid disorders that may cause similar symptoms.
The doctor will then suggest treatment options based on outcomes of the assessment. If the symptoms are mild, then the doctor might prescribe stimulants. These medications are designed to help people concentrate better and be less impatient which improves their ability to function in the workplace as well as at home, and in their relationships. People with moderate-to-severe symptoms are given a combination medicine and psychotherapy.
People with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed if they have family members with the disorder, or when they were born prematurely or suffered from other birth defects, like the low birth weight or head trauma. They are more likely to be identified when they're male. Researchers aren't sure why certain individuals have a higher risk of developing ADHD. The condition could be caused by genetic or environmental factors. People who are smokers, drink heavily or suffer from food allergies are also at greater risk of being diagnosed with ADHD.
Support
Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for adults to complete daily tasks such as getting out of bed in the morning, getting ready for work and making appointments on time. They may also find it difficult to manage their personal relationships or manage family and job responsibilities. For certain individuals, long-term treatment with psychotherapy and stimulant drugs (talk therapy) can make a major impact on their lives.
Diagnosed with ADHD can be a very emotional experience. People with the disorder frequently feel relief at knowing that they are not 'lazy', 'unwilling' or 'tidy and that their problems are due to an underlying issue. They also commonly experience frustration or anger over the fact that they were not diagnosed and treated sooner.
There are many organizations and services that can help people suffering from the condition. These include psychotherapy, coaching, and self-help resources. 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 provides a list of useful organisations and resources for adults with ADHD. Some of these organizations provide low-cost or free psychotherapy to those suffering from ADHD. Some offer education and help with strategies for managing the condition.
Talking therapies, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be beneficial for people with ADHD. It involves identifying and challenging harmful thinking patterns and devising strategies to increase focus and control of impulses. It is best to work by 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 offers details on ADHD treatments. The website also contains a list of local mental health services and helplines, including those that are specialized in supporting disabled people. Support groups can also aid families and individuals in finding guidance and a sense of community. They can be found on the internet or through local support groups and charities. Support groups for adults suffering from ADHD are run by a number of organisations.