adult adhd diagnosis uk and Treatment
If you suspect you suffer from ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, ask your primary physician for an appointment. You can also ask your family and friends for recommendations or go online to find professionals competent to assess ADHD.
Professionals will ask about your symptoms now however, according to current guidelines, it is impossible to diagnose without considering your past experiences as a child. Your doctor may request to speak to your parents, teachers or any other adult who knew you as when you were a child.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people with ADHD do not know they suffer from the condition until they reach the age of adulthood. They may not have been diagnosed until they were children and have difficulty coping with problems in school, at work or at home. A diagnosis and treatment plan can help people restore their lives to order.
Adults with ADHD typically have trouble staying focused, planning or paying attention to details. They tend to make decisions on impulse and are easily distracted. They may be unable to sit through activities that are boring and often shift their attention from one task to another. This could result in them not being able to attend important events or deadlines, as well as frequent mistakes at school or at work.
Adult adhd symptoms are different for each person. They tend to appear in the early years, but can also appear in adolescence or adulthood. The symptoms are required to be present for at least six months and cause significant difficulty in multiple settings to be diagnosed.
In some cases the doctor may review school report cards to look for comments regarding behavior issues or a lack of effort or inadequacy compared to your potential. The doctor may also request that the person being evaluated speak to their parents. Adults being evaluated by a clinician for ADHD must be honest and open about their concerns. They shouldn't hide their feelings from fear of embarrassment or shame.
Women with ADHD are often overlooked or misdiagnosed because their symptoms are less apparent than those of men. Their struggles can be hidden because of the responsibilities of caring for children, or working in more traditionally gender-specific roles. Symptoms of ADHD in women include forgetting or being unable to focus on important tasks, not being able to complete work on time, making frequent mistakes and lacking focus at work or at school. They are more likely to be fidgety such as tapping their feet or jumping their legs.
Adults with ADHD can still be successful in their professional and personal lives. They just need to learn how to handle their challenges and take advantage of the help that is available. They can also use strategies that can assist them in their goals, such as an organizer or a calendar, as well as phone apps that have reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
It is often difficult to discern the difference between adult ADHD and other problems that are commonplace such as forgetting to complete tasks or appointments. However, the distinction is important since, if left untreated, neglected or treated poorly the disorder may result in serious work and social problems such as financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
In the majority of cases, a diagnosis of ADHD should be determined by a mental health professional who has special knowledge and experience in treating the condition. This includes clinical psychologists, therapists and doctors (such as psychiatrists, neurologists or family doctors) who specialize in psychiatry or neurology. They also have a deep understanding of co-existing disorders, like depression and anxiety, that are frequently associated with ADHD.
A thorough evaluation to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD will require an extensive interview to look over the patient's medical, personal and family background. The interview will include questions regarding the effects of ADHD symptoms on one's job and relationships. It is essential to be honest and not conceal any details.
It is also a good idea to bring up any problems that the person has experienced in their home or work life since childhood. In many cases, these issues can reveal patterns that suggest that the person has ADHD. For instance, many people with ADHD shift jobs frequently and have trouble forming close relationships. Adults with ADHD often struggle with managing their finances and often spend more than they need to.
In some cases an assessment of adult ADHD might include additional tests, including neuropsychological or psychological tests, to rule out any other reasons for the difficulty. For example, a person suffering from ADHD could also be suffering from an impairment in learning, such as dyslexia or dyscalculia. In these situations, accommodations--tools or changes in the environment that help manage a disability--may be helpful.
Certain people with ADHD may benefit from cognitive behavior and/or psychotherapy in addition to lifestyle changes and treatment strategies. These therapies can help people recognize their own behavior and thoughts as well as formulate coping strategies for managing them.
Get Treatment
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from the same problems similar to those they faced when they were kids: problems with relationships and at work, issues completing their schoolwork or finding employment. Many times, these issues result in medical referrals for diagnosis and treatment. For many, the first step is talking to a primary care provider. He or she will probably refer you to an expert in mental health who is experienced in diagnosing adult ADHD.
Your doctor will conduct a thorough exam to determine if you have ADHD or a different condition that causes symptoms that mimic ADHD. The doctor will interview you, review your behavior and history, ask about family and medical background, and employ the psychiatric rating scales as well as questionnaires. The doctor will also examine your physical health, including blood pressure and heartbeat. Other conditions that can cause similar symptoms are stress, anxiety, depression as well as certain medications and addiction to substances.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may be unable to recognize the disorder. They might have learned to conceal their symptoms or compensate for them, but have low self-esteem and confidence. Many women are better at hiding their symptoms than men, and may be labeled as a goof-off, slacker or a troublemaker.
During an ADHD evaluation, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also conduct interviews with your family members and you, as well as colleagues at work. He or she may utilize old report cards to record childhood ADHD symptoms.
Adult ADHD is treatable with both pharmacological and behavioral (behavioral) treatments. The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication that assists in balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They include stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate as well as the nonstimulant Atomoxetine.
Some behavioral treatments can also help, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and education on ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from lifestyle modifications by establishing routines and keeping a planner or journal. Marriage and family counseling or a life coach who can help with time management and organizational skills, are effective for other people. Certain people with ADHD may also benefit from accommodations at work or in school. This includes extended deadlines and flexible hours.
Find Support
A diagnosis of ADHD can be stressful. It can be the first step towards getting control of the symptoms that have been affecting your life for many years. Symptoms of adult ADHD could include having trouble keeping up with school or work obligations, misplacing important personal items, missing appointments, spending money impulsively not following medical instructions and more. These problems can cause chronic stress, low confidence and feelings of inadequate. Following the best techniques and having a solid support network can make a significant impact on how you deal with your symptoms.
In the past, a lot of people suffering from ADHD were not diagnosed or misdiagnosed. They may have had difficulty finding a job that was suitable or failed in their academic pursuits, and struggled to find long-term relationships. They may have a lot of regrets about missed opportunities and lost time.
An extensive interview with a mental healthcare professional is typically required to diagnose adult ADHD. If possible, family members are also included in the interview. In addition, the person will be asked to fill out scales and questionnaires, as well as to discuss their past. In order to be diagnosed, the person must have experienced at least five symptoms of inattention and/or five symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity before age 12.
Depending on the individual and their symptoms, additional tests in neuropsychology or psychotherapy could be required. This test can provide more details on how ADHD affects the individual and can help determine if there are co-existing conditions.
Treatment options for adult ADHD typically involve counseling for psychological issues (psychotherapy), education, and sometimes medication. Psychotherapy assists people to understand and manage their ADHD and develop skills to manage it. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches people to change their negative thinking patterns and behavior. Family and marriage counseling can be beneficial for those with ADHD who are having difficulty maintaining relationships.
A doctor or specialist for a recommendation is the first step in finding a qualified counselor. You can also call the local hospital that is affiliated with a university or graduate school in psychology to get recommendations. Choose a psychologist who you are comfortable with and who has experience working with adults.