ADHD in Adults - Characterisation, Diagnosis and Treatment
The first step in getting treatment for ADHD is to find an expert in health care who will evaluate your situation. They will ask about your symptoms, family history and other factors such as stress and work or school problems.
Your symptoms will be assessed by using checklists and behavioral rating scales. They may also perform psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities.
Diagnosis
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are characterized by difficulties in concentration in a focused manner, focusing on the task at hand and organizing responsibilities. People suffering from ADHD tend to avoid tasks that require a lot attention and tend to procrastinate. This can make it difficult to keep track of the daily tasks, such as doing chores, paying off bills, or making plans for future events. Adults with ADHD are also susceptible to frustration and emotional instability. This can lead to mood swings and relationships problems.
The first step in getting an assessment of ADHD is to speak with your primary care doctor. They could refer you to a psychiatrist or any other mental health professional for an evaluation. During the evaluation they will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life at work, school or at home. They will also determine whether you suffer from 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 illnesses that could cause similar issues. The doctor will then suggest the best treatment plan, which may include medication. You'll need to discuss with your psychiatrist about whether medication can reduce the severity ADHD symptoms. Your psychiatrist will also be able to forward your prescription to your GP to monitor your progress and prescribe any changes to your medication.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD You should see your psychiatrist on a regular basis to ensure that you are on the right course with your treatment. You should be seen within 30 days of beginning your medication, and then every month until you are feeling better.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from job loss and transfers, academic failure or drops in financial stability, strained relationships and addictions. With the right treatment those with ADHD are able to live happy lives, with satisfying careers and relationships. The right treatment program is essential to your success. This is why it is essential to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have and discuss your symptoms and problems with your co-workers and teachers.
Medications
An individual who has ADHD is most likely to be treated with a combination of psychotherapy and drugs. The right medication can help reduce or eliminate symptoms that hinder the quality of life for adults and prevent them from reaching their potential. Talk therapy can help people manage better with their issues.
To start evaluating ADHD individuals should speak with their primary care doctor or 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. This can be used to find one who can conduct an evaluation.
A thorough evaluation will consist of a description of the patient's symptoms, a review of the medical and mental background, and a thorough interview with the patient. The evaluator will use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists and will solicit feedback from family and friends. Other tests are sometimes utilized to determine if the individual has ADHD, for example, cognitive or neuropsychological tests.
It is essential to rule out any other medical conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms before making a definitive diagnosis. This includes anxiety disorders, learning disorders issues, and thyroid issues. adhd treatment for older adults will carefully weigh these alternative explanations for the patient's symptoms, before making the diagnosis.
Stimulants and nonstimulant medications are used to treat ADHD among adults. The most commonly prescribed medication is stimulants. They can assist people to focus and pay attention. They can improve academic and work performance. They can also lower depression and anxiety. The effects of stimulants may differ from person to person and it can take time to reach the desired level.
Nonstimulant medications are used to treat ADHD in adults. They are usually less expensive and have fewer adverse effects than stimulants. They are not as powerful as stimulants, and can cause an "crash effect" for some people. They also can affect certain medical conditions and interact with other medications.
Treatments
Psychotherapy and medication are the primary treatment options for ADHD in adults. The medication helps people focus better and become less impatient. This can improve the quality of their life. Psychotherapy helps people learn how to cope and manage their problems. It could also include strategies for behaviour management that are based on reward systems. Researchers are looking at new ways to treat ADHD by using brain imaging and measuring how the brain solves problems.
People with 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, a lot of people with ADHD remain with the same problems throughout their lives.
A health care provider will require details about the person's education and childhood experiences to determine if they suffer from ADHD. They will ask the person to rate both their own behavior and that of others using the standardized rating system or ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also conduct an examination to rule out other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or seizures.
Based on the results of the examination, the health care provider will suggest treatment options. If the symptoms are not severe, he or she will likely prescribe stimulants. These drugs are designed to aid people in focusing more effectively and be less irritable and improve their ability to function in the workplace as well as at home, and in their relationships. Patients with moderate to severe symptoms may be prescribed a combination of psychotherapy and medication.
If they have a parent with ADHD or if they have other birth defects like the birth weight being low or head trauma and head injuries, they are more likely to be diagnosed. They are more likely to be diagnosed when they are male. Researchers don't yet know the reason why certain people have a higher risk of ADHD. There may be a genetic factor or the condition may 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
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to handle everyday tasks, like getting up and out of bed, getting ready for work, and arriving at appointments on time. Certain adults with ADHD that are not diagnosed might also have trouble managing their personal relationships, or juggling obligations at home and at work. For certain people, long-term treatment using stimulant medications and psychotherapy (talk therapy) can make a major impact on their lives.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD is often a stressful experience. People with ADHD typically feel at peace knowing that they aren't 'lazy or 'unwilling' or 'unorganized', and that the cause of their issues is a root condition. They also often feel frustration or anger at the lack of being diagnosed and treated earlier.
There are a variety of organisations and services that are able to aid people suffering from the condition. These include psychotherapy, coaching, and self-help resources. People who have issues that affect their work might be eligible for assistance under the disability component of the employment act, or access to Work depending on their situation.
The NIMH website includes a list of organizations and resources for adults with ADHD. Some of these organizations provide low-cost or free psychotherapy for people suffering from ADHD. Some offer education and help with strategies to manage the condition.
Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD. It involves identifying and challenging unhelpful thinking patterns, and also developing strategies to improve concentration and impulse control. It is best to work with an expert in mental health who has been trained in this field. People should seek out someone who has dealt with people with ADHD before or is able to learn.
The NHS website in the UK provides information on ADHD treatments. The website also includes the list of local mental health services and helplines which include those specially designed to help disabled people. Support groups can assist families and individuals to find guidance and a sense of community. They can be found on the internet or through local charities and support groups. Support groups for adults with ADHD are run by various organizations.