ADHD in Adults - Characterisation, Diagnosis and Treatment
The first step towards seeking treatment for ADHD is to find a health professional who will evaluate you. They will inquire about your symptoms along with your family history, as well as other factors such as stress and work or school problems.
The symptoms you are experiencing will be evaluated by using checklists and behavioral rating scales. They can also conduct psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disability testing.
Diagnosis
Adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty concentrating, staying focused and organizing their responsibilities. People with ADHD tend to avoid tasks that require a lot attention and tend to put off tasks for a long time. This can make it hard to keep track of everyday tasks like doing chores, paying off bills, or making plans for future events. Adults with ADHD are also prone to anxiety and stress. This can lead to mood swings and issues with relationships.
To be diagnosed with ADHD you must first speak to your primary care physician. You may be referred psychiatrists for an assessment. During the evaluation they will inquire about your symptoms, and how they affect you at work, school or at home. They will also determine whether you have any other mental health issues and take into consideration your family history.
Your psychiatrist will review your symptoms and determine if you suffer from any other medical conditions that can cause similar issues. The psychiatrist will then recommend a plan of treatment which could include medication. The use of medication can lessen the severity of ADHD symptoms, and you will need to discuss this with your psychiatrist prior to when you begin taking the medication. Your psychiatrist will also be able to send your prescription to your GP so they can monitor your progress and prescribe any changes to your medication.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD You should be seen by your psychiatrist regularly to make sure that you are on the right path with your treatment. You should be seen within 30days of starting your medication and then every month until you feel better.
People who suffer from ADHD have a higher chance of losing their jobs as well as academic failure, transfer financial instability, strained relationships, and addictions. However, with proper care people suffering from 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 issues and symptoms with your doctor as well as with your colleagues and teachers.
adhd treatment in adults with ADHD is likely to be treated using a combination of medication and psychotherapy. The right medication can reduce symptoms that hinder an adult's quality of life and prevent him from reaching his potential. Talk therapy helps people find more effective ways to manage their symptoms.
To start evaluating ADHD to determine if it is ADHD, the person must consult with their primary care physician or mental health specialist. They could 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 plans offer an inventory of professionals according to specialization and can help people to find someone who can conduct an evaluation.
A thorough assessment will include a description of the symptoms of the patient, a thorough review of the medical and mental history, and a thorough discussion with the patient. The evaluator can use scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and will request feedback from family members or friends. Additional testing is sometimes used to determine if a person has ADHD, for example, neuropsychological or cognitive tests.
It is essential to rule out other medical conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms before making a definitive diagnosis. This includes learning disorders, anxiety issues and thyroid disorders. The evaluator will carefully weigh these alternative explanations for the patient's symptoms, before determining the diagnosis.
The medications used to treat ADHD in adults include stimulants as well as nonstimulant drugs. The most frequently prescribed medication is stimulants. They can help people focus and pay attention. They can improve the performance of students and at work. They can also reduce anxiety and depression. The effectiveness of stimulants will vary from person to person and it could take time to achieve the desired level.
Nonstimulant medications can be used to treat ADHD in adults. They are usually less expensive and have fewer adverse effects than stimulants. However, they're not as efficient as stimulants and could cause a "crash" effect in some people. They can also interact with other medications and can cause negative effects on some medical conditions.
Treatments
Psychotherapy and medication are the primary treatments for ADHD for adults. The medication helps people focus better and be less dependent. This can improve the quality of their life. Psychotherapy helps people build the ability to cope and manage their issues. It may include family therapy as well as techniques for managing behavior, such as reward systems. Researchers are currently exploring new methods to treat ADHD, such as using brain imaging and measuring how the brain solves problems.
As they age, people often experience different 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 remain with the same problems throughout their lives.
A doctor will need to gather information on the person's school and childhood experiences to diagnose ADHD. They will ask the person to rate both their own behavior and the behavior of others on standardized rating systems or ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also conduct an examination to rule out other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example, thyroid disorders or seizures.
The health care provider will then recommend treatments based on the outcomes of the assessment. If the symptoms are mild and not severe, the doctor will likely prescribe stimulants. These medications are intended to help people focus more effectively and less impulsive, which enhances their ability to perform at work, home and in their relationships. Patients with moderate to severe symptoms will be prescribed a combination medication and psychotherapy.
People suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed in the case of family members who suffer from the disorder or if 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 more likely to be diagnosed if they are male. Researchers aren't sure the reason why certain people are more likely to suffer from ADHD than others. It could be due to a genetic factor or the condition could result from environmental factors. Smokers, who drink a lot, or have food allergies are also at a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with ADHD.
Support
Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for adults to perform daily tasks such as getting up in the morning, getting ready for work, and arranging appointments on time. Some adults with undiagnosed ADHD may also have difficulty managing their relationships with others, or juggling obligations at home and at work. Some people can benefit from long-term treatment with stimulant medications, as well as psychotherapy.
Being diagnosed with ADHD is often a stressful experience. People who suffer from the disorder often feel relieved knowing that they're not 'lazy', 'unwilling', or'messy and that their problems stem from an underlying condition. They may also feel angry or frustrated for not being diagnosed and treated earlier.
There are many organisations and services that can help individuals with the condition, such as psychotherapy, coaching, self-help resources as well as peer support groups and e-learning. People who have conditions 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 helpful organizations and resources for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of these organisations offer low or no cost psychotherapy to people with ADHD. Others provide education and help with strategies to manage the condition.
Talking therapies, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for people who suffer from ADHD. It involves identifying and resolving unhelpful thinking patterns and devising strategies to improve focus and impulse control. It is recommended to work with an expert in mental health who has been educated in this area. Patients should seek out a professional who has experience working with individuals with ADHD or is willing to learn.
In the UK The NHS provides information about treatments for ADHD on its website. It also offers a directory of helplines and local mental health services, which include services that are specifically designed to help disabled people. There are support groups that aid families and individuals to seek advice and build a sense of community. These are available online or through local charities and support groups. Support groups for adults suffering from ADHD are managed by a variety of organizations.