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ADHD in Adults – Characterisation, Diagnosis and Treatment Finding a professional who is able to assess you is the first step towards getting treatment for ADHD. They will ask you about your symptoms along with your family history, as well as other factors like stress, work or school problems. They will use standardized behavior rating scales and checklists for assessing your symptoms. They can also conduct neuropsychological, psychological, or learning disability tests. Diagnosis Adults suffering from ADHD have trouble concentrating and staying focused, as well as organizing their tasks. People suffering from ADHD tend to avoid tasks that require a lot attention and tend to put off tasks for a long time. This can make it difficult to stay on top of everyday tasks like finishing chores, paying bills or making plans for future events. Adults with ADHD are also prone to anxiety and stress. This can cause mood swings and issues with relationships. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you should first consult your primary care provider. You may be referred to psychiatrists for an assessment. During the examination, they will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect you at school, work, or your home. They will also check to find out if you suffer from other mental health problems and also consider your family or whanau history. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and decide if you suffer from any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. The doctor will then suggest an approach to treat the problem that may 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 forward your prescription to your GP so they can monitor your progress and prescribe any modifications to your medication. If you have been prescribed medication for ADHD You must see your psychiatrist regularly in order to make sure that you are adhering to the correct treatment plan. It is recommended to be seen within 30 days of initiation of medication, and then every month until your symptoms improve and your functioning improves. People with ADHD are more likely to suffer from job losses and transfers, academic failure or drops, poor financial stability as well as strained relationships and addictions. With the right treatment, people with ADHD are able to live life that is full of happiness, with fulfilling relationships and careers. 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 have and also discuss your symptoms and concerns with your colleagues and teachers. Medicines A person with ADHD is most likely to be treated with a mix of psychotherapy and drugs. The right medication can reduce or eliminate symptoms that interfere with the quality of life of an adult and hinder them from achieving their full potential. Talk therapy can help people discover better ways to cope with their symptoms. The first step to evaluate ADHD is for the individual to consult with their primary care physician or mental health professional. They may refer you to specialists in your area. Asking a local ADHD group for a professional recommendation is a good idea. Many insurance companies offer an inventory of professionals classified by specialties that can be used to locate one who can conduct an evaluation. A thorough evaluation will include a description of the symptoms of the patient, a review of the medical and psychiatric history and a comprehensive interview with the patient. The evaluator can use behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists and may request feedback from friends or family members. Sometimes, additional testing is used to determine if an individual has ADHD. For example tests for cognitive and neuropsychological testing. Certain medical conditions may cause symptoms similar to ADHD It's crucial to rule them out prior to making a diagnosis. This includes anxiety disorders, learning disorders issues, and thyroid issues. The evaluator carefully considers these possible explanations for the patient's complaints, before making an assessment. Medications used to treat ADHD for adults include stimulants as well as non-stimulant medications. The most frequently prescribed medication is stimulants. They can increase concentration and focus. They can enhance work and school performance. They can also reduce depression and anxiety. The effects of stimulants may vary from person to individual and it may take some time to reach 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. They aren't as potent as stimulants and may cause an “crash effect” for some people. They also interact with other medications and cause negative effects on some medical conditions. Treatments The primary treatment options for ADHD in adults are medications and psychotherapy. Medications help people focus better and less impulsive, which can enhance their lives. Psychotherapy helps people build strategies for coping and manage their issues. It can also include strategies for managing behaviour that are based on reward systems. Researchers are currently exploring new ways to treat ADHD, such as using brain imaging and measures of 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. Many people with ADHD will be afflicted with the same issues throughout their entire life. To determine the presence of ADHD in adults, a health care provider must gather information regarding the person's childhood behavior and school experiences. They will usually ask the patient to rate their own and other people's behavior using scales that are standardized or ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also perform an exam to rule out any other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example, seizures or thyroid disorders. The health care provider will then recommend treatment options based on outcomes of the assessment. If the symptoms are mild, then he or she may prescribe stimulants. These drugs are designed to aid people in focusing better and be less impatient, which will improve their performance in the workplace, at home and with their relationships. Patients with moderate to severe symptoms will be given a combination medicine and psychotherapy. If adult adhd diagnostic assessment and treatment 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 also more likely to be diagnosed if they're male. Researchers aren't sure why certain individuals have a higher risk of developing ADHD. There may be an underlying genetic cause, or the condition can be caused by environmental factors. People who smoke, drink excessively or have food allergies are at a higher chance of being diagnosed as having ADHD. Support Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD struggle with daily tasks, such as getting up and out of bed, getting ready for work, and showing up at their appointments on time. A few people with undiagnosed ADHD might also have trouble managing their personal relationships, or keeping up with the demands of work and family. Some people can benefit from long-term treatment using stimulant drugs and psychotherapy. Getting diagnosed with ADHD is often an emotional experience. People who suffer from ADHD are often content knowing that they're not lazy or unwilling or 'unorganized', and that the root of their problems is an underlying condition. They may also feel angered or disappointed for not being diagnosed and treated earlier. There are numerous organizations and services that are able to assist people suffering from the condition, such as coaching, psychotherapy self-help tools as well as peer support groups and electronic learning. People whose symptoms cause problems at work might be eligible for support under the disability provisions of the employment act or Access to Work, depending on their circumstances. The NIMH website has a list of useful organisations and resources for adults with ADHD. Some of these organisations offer low-cost or free psychotherapy for those with ADHD as well as education about the condition and offer strategies to manage it. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other talk therapies can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. It involves identifying and resolving unhelpful thought patterns and developing techniques to improve attention and impulse control. It is best done by a trained mental health professional. Individuals should find a practitioner who has worked with those suffering from ADHD or is willing to learn. In the UK, the NHS provides information about treatments for ADHD on its website. The site also has an inventory of local mental health services and helplines including those specifically designed to assist people with disabilities. Support groups can assist families and individuals to find advice and a community. These can be found online or through local support groups and charities. Support groups for adults with ADHD are run by a number of organisations.