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ADHD in Adults – Characterisation, Diagnosis and Treatment The first step towards getting treatment for ADHD is to find an expert in health care who can evaluate your situation. They will ask you about your symptoms, family history, and other factors such as stress and school or work problems. They will use standardized behavior rating scales and checklists for assessing your symptoms. They may also do tests for neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing. Diagnosis Symptoms of ADHD in adults are marked by difficulties in concentrating, staying on task and organizing the tasks. People with ADHD tend to avoid tasks that require lots of attention and tend to delay. This can make it difficult for them to keep track of daily tasks like finishing chores, paying your bills, or planning for future events. Adults with ADHD are also prone to anxiety and stress. This can lead to mood swings and issues with relationships. To get a diagnosis of ADHD you must first talk to your primary care doctor. You may be referred to psychiatrists for an assessment. During the assessment, they will ask about your symptoms and how they impact you at home, school or work. They will also see if you have any other mental health problems and also consider whanau or family history. Your psychiatrist will review your symptoms and determine if you suffer from other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. The doctor will then suggest the best treatment plan that may include medication. It can help to lessen the severity of ADHD symptoms and you'll have to talk with your psychiatrist prior to when you start taking medication. Your psychiatrist will also be able to pass the prescription to your GP so they can track your progress and prescribe any modifications to your medication. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, you should be seen by your psychiatrist regularly to ensure that you are on the right path with your treatment. It is recommended that you be seen within 30 days of starting treatment and continue to see them monthly until your symptoms and functioning improve. People who suffer from ADHD have a higher chance of experiencing job loss, transfers, academic failure, financial instability, troubled relationships, and addictions. But, with the right treatment, people with ADHD can enjoy fulfilling lives, with satisfying careers and relationships. Finding the right treatment program is key to your success. This is why it's crucial to speak with your doctor about any concerns you may have and also discuss your symptoms and issues with your teachers and coworkers. Medicines An individual who has ADHD is most likely to be treated with a mix of psychotherapy and drugs. The right medication can help reduce or completely eliminate symptoms that affect the quality of life for adults and hinder them from achieving their full potential. Talk therapy helps people find more effective ways to manage their symptoms. The first step to evaluate ADHD is for the individual to consult with their primary doctor or mental health professional. They can recommend specialists in the area. It's also recommended to ask the local ADHD support group for a recommendation of a specialist. Many insurance companies offer the names of professionals that are categorized by specialties. This can be used to find one who can perform an evaluation. A thorough evaluation includes a description and explanation of symptoms that are accompanied by a review of medical and psychiatric records, and a thorough interview with the patient. The examiner will use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists and will ask for feedback from friends and family members. Sometimes, additional tests are used to determine if the individual has ADHD. For instance neuropsychological and cognitive tests. Some medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to ADHD It is important to rule these out before making a diagnosis. This includes anxiety disorders, learning issues and thyroid disorders. Before determining a diagnosis the evaluator will carefully consider these alternative explanations. Stimulants and nonstimulant medications are used to treat ADHD in adults. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs. They can improve concentration and focus. They can boost work and school performance. They can also decrease anxiety and depression. However the effectiveness of stimulants differs in different individuals and it may take time to achieve the desired level of improvement. Nonstimulant medications can be beneficial in the treatment of ADHD in adults. They are usually more affordable and have fewer side effects than stimulants. They aren't as potent as stimulants, and may have an “crash effect” in certain people. They can also cause negative effects on certain medical conditions and interact with other medications. Treatments Psychotherapy and medication are the primary treatments for ADHD among adults. The medication helps people concentrate better and less impatient. This will enhance the quality of their life. Psychotherapy assists people in developing strategies for coping and manage their problems. It can also include strategies for behaviour management that are based on reward systems. Researchers are looking at new ways to treat ADHD including brain imaging and measures of how the brain solves issues. 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. However, many people who have ADHD remain with the same problems throughout their lives. A doctor will need to collect information on the person's school and childhood experiences in order to diagnose ADHD. They will usually request the patient to rate their own behavior and other people's behavior on scales of rating that are standardised or ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also conduct an exam to rule out any other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example, seizures or thyroid disorders. Depending on the results of the examination the health professional will suggest treatments. If the symptoms are not severe, he or she will likely prescribe stimulants. These drugs are designed to help people focus more effectively and less impulsive, which improves their ability to function at work, home and in their relationships. People suffering from moderate to severe symptoms will likely be prescribed a combination of psychotherapy and medications. If they have a parent with ADHD or if they have other birth defects such as low weight at birth or head trauma and head injuries, they are more likely to be diagnosed. They are more likely to be identified when they are male. However, researchers don't know why some people are more likely to have ADHD than others. The condition could be caused by genetic or environmental factors. People who smoke, drink excessively or have food allergies are also at greater chance of being diagnosed with ADHD. Support Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for adults to accomplish daily tasks such as getting up in the morning, preparing for work and making appointments on time. adhd in adults characterization diagnosis and treatment with undiagnosed ADHD might also have trouble managing their relationships with others, or juggling family and work responsibilities. For certain people, long-term treatment using stimulant medications and psychotherapy (talk therapy) can make a significant difference in their life. Being diagnosed with ADHD can be an extremely emotional experience. People with the disorder frequently feel relief at knowing that they are not “lazy,” “unwilling,”, or'messy and that their issues stem from an underlying condition. They may also feel annoyed or frustrated that they weren't diagnosed or treated sooner. There are numerous services and organizations that can help people suffering from the condition. These include psychotherapy, coaching and self-help resources. People with symptoms that cause difficulties at work may be eligible for assistance under the disability components of the employment act or Access to Work, depending on their situation. The NIMH website includes a list of useful organisations and resources for adults with ADHD. Some of these organizations provide free or low-cost psychotherapy for people with ADHD as well as information on the condition and offer strategies for managing it. Talking therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for those with ADHD. It involves identifying and challenging harmful thinking patterns and devising strategies to improve concentration and impulse control. It is best done with an experienced mental health professional. It is recommended to seek out a professional who has worked with patients with ADHD previously or is able and willing to learn. In the UK The NHS offers information on treatments for ADHD on its website. It also provides a list of helplines and local mental health services, including services that specialize in helping disabled people. There are support groups that assist families and individuals to get advice and an understanding of the community. They can be found on the internet, or through local support groups and other charities. Many organizations also run support groups specifically for adults who suffer from ADHD.