ADHD in Adults - Characterisation, Diagnosis and Treatment
The first step towards seeking treatment for ADHD is to find an expert in health care who can evaluate you. They will ask about your symptoms along with your family history, as well as other factors such as stress and school or work-related issues.
Your symptoms will be evaluated with the help of checklists and behavior rating scales. They may also do psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities.
Diagnosis
The signs of ADHD in adults are characterized by difficulties in concentrating, staying on task and organizing tasks. People with ADHD tend to avoid tasks that demand a lot attention and procrastinate. This can make it difficult to stay on top of the daily tasks, such as completing chores, paying bills, or making plans for future events. Adults with ADHD are also prone to frustration and emotional instability. This can cause mood swings and relationship problems.
The first step to get an assessment of ADHD is to talk to your primary care doctor. You may be referred a psychiatrist for an evaluation. During the assessment they will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect you at school, home or at work. 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 determine if there are any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. They will then suggest a treatment plan, which is likely to include medication. You'll need to speak with your psychiatrist about whether medication can lessen the severity of ADHD symptoms. Your psychiatrist will also be able to pass your prescription to your GP so they can keep track of your progress or make any changes to the medication.
If you've been prescribed medication for ADHD, you need to visit your psychiatrist regularly to make sure that you are adhering to the correct treatment plan. It is recommended to be examined within 30 days of initiation of medication, and then every month until your symptoms and functioning improve.
People who suffer from ADHD are more at risk of losing their jobs and transfers, academic failure financial instability, difficult relationships and addictions. With the right treatment people suffering from ADHD can lead fulfilling lives, with satisfying careers and relationships. The most important factor to success is finding the right treatment program for you. This is why it is crucial to speak with your doctor about any concerns you may have and discuss your symptoms and problems with your teachers and coworkers.
Medicines
A person with ADHD will likely be treated using a combination of psychotherapy and medication. The right medication can lessen or eliminate symptoms that hinder the quality of an adult's life and hinder them from achieving their full potential. Talk therapy can help people discover how to better manage their symptoms.
To determine if they have ADHD, the individual must consult with their primary care doctor or a mental health professional. They may refer you to specialists in your area. Contacting a local ADHD group for a professional recommendation is a good idea. A lot of insurance companies provide a list of professionals categorized by specialties that can be used to find someone who will conduct an assessment.
A thorough evaluation will include a description of the patient's symptoms, a review of medical and psychiatric history, and a thorough discussion with the patient. The evaluator can use behavioral rating scales or ADHD checklists for symptoms and may request feedback from friends or family members. Additional testing is sometimes used to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD, for example, neuropsychological or cognitive tests.
It's important to rule out any other medical conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms before making a definitive diagnosis. These include mood disorders, learning disorders, head injuries, anxiety disorders thyroid issues, and the use of certain medications like steroids. The evaluator will carefully weigh these possible explanations for the patient's symptoms before making a diagnosis.
Medications used to treat ADHD for adults include stimulants as well as nonstimulant drugs. The most frequently prescribed medication is stimulants. They can improve concentration and focus. They can improve work and school performance. They can also reduce anxiety and depression. However the effectiveness of stimulants can vary for different people and it can take time to achieve the desired degree of improvement.
Nonstimulant medicines can be used to treat ADHD in adults. They tend to be less expensive and have fewer side effects than stimulants. They aren't as effective as stimulants, and can cause an "crash effect" in some people. They also can have negative effects on certain medical conditions and may interact with other medications.
Treatments
The most effective treatment options for ADHD in adults are medications and psychotherapy. The use of medication helps people focus better and less impulsive and enhance their lives. Psychotherapy helps people develop the ability to cope and manage their problems. It can also include strategies for managing behaviour like reward-based systems. Researchers are looking at new methods to treat ADHD. They may use brain imaging or other measures to determine how the brain works in problem solving.
People with ADHD often experience different symptoms as they grow older. For example, inattentive symptoms become more pronounced in adulthood, while hyperactive-impulsive symptoms may decrease or disappear entirely. Many people who suffer from ADHD will be afflicted with the same issues throughout their entire lives.
To diagnose ADHD in adults, a doctor will need to gather information about the person's childhood behavior and school experiences. They usually ask the patient to rate their own and other people's behavior on scales of rating that are standardised or ADHD symptom checklists. They may also conduct an examination to rule out other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid disorders.
Depending on the findings of the test the health professional will suggest 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 increases their ability to perform at work, at home and in their relationships. People with moderate to severe symptoms are likely to be prescribed a mix of psychotherapy and medication.
People suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed if they have family members with the disorder, or in the case of premature births or had other birth defects, like low birth weight or head trauma. They are more likely to be recognized when they're male. Researchers don't know why some people are more likely to develop ADHD. The condition may be triggered by environmental factors or genetic factors. Smokers, who drink a lot, or have food allergies are also at higher chance of being diagnosed with ADHD.
Support
Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for adults to accomplish routine tasks like getting out of bed in the morning, preparing for work and attending appointments on time. Certain adults with ADHD that are not diagnosed might also have trouble managing their relationships with others, or keeping up with obligations at home and at work. For certain individuals, long-term treatment with psychotherapy and stimulant drugs (talk therapy) can make a major difference in their lives.
Diagnosed with ADHD can be a very emotional experience. People with ADHD typically feel at peace knowing that they aren't 'lazy or unwilling or'messy,' and that the reason for their issues is a root condition. They may also feel frustration or anger over the lack of being diagnosed and treated earlier.
There are a variety of services and organizations that can help people suffering from the condition. They include psychotherapy, coaching and self-help resources. People who have issues that affect their work might be eligible for help under the disability provisions of the employment law, or Access to Work depending on their circumstances.
Read the Full Article contains a list of useful organisations and resources for adults with ADHD. Some of these organizations provide low or no cost psychotherapy for people suffering from ADHD. Some offer education and teach strategies to manage the condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other talk therapies can be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD. It involves identifying and resolving unhelpful thinking patterns and devising strategies to improve focus and impulse control. It is best to work with a mental health professional who has been trained in this field. Individuals should find a practitioner who has worked with people with ADHD or is willing to learn.
In the UK The NHS provides information about treatments for ADHD on its website. The site also has the list of local mental health services and helplines, including those that are specially designed to help people with disabilities. There are support groups that help individuals and their families to find advice and an understanding of the community. You can find these online or through local support groups and charitable organizations. Some organizations run support groups specifically for adults suffering from ADHD.