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ADHD in Adults – Characterisation, Diagnosis and Treatment Finding a professional who is able to evaluate you is the first step to receiving treatment for ADHD. They will inquire about your symptoms as well as your family history and other factors such as stress and school or work issues. They will employ standardized behavior rating scales and checklists to evaluate 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 concentration, staying on task and organising the tasks. People suffering from ADHD often avoid tasks that require a lot attention and tend to procrastinate. This can make it difficult for them to stay on top of everyday activities such as doing chores, paying bills or planning your future events. Adults with ADHD are also susceptible to anxiety and stress. This can cause mood swings and issues with relationships. To get a diagnosis of ADHD it is best to consult your primary care physician. They might refer you to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. During the assessment, they will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your life at school, work or at home. They will also check to determine if you suffer from any other mental health problems and also consider your family or whanau history. Your psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms and determine if there are other medical conditions that may cause similar problems. The doctor will then suggest an approach to treat the problem that may include medication. Medication can help lessen the severity of ADHD symptoms and you'll need to discuss this with your psychiatrist before you start taking the medication. Your psychiatrist will also be able send your prescription to your GP to track your progress and recommend any adjustments to your medication. If you've been prescribed medication for ADHD it is important to visit your psychiatrist on a regular basis to make sure that you're following the correct treatment plan. It is recommended that you be scheduled for a visit within 30 days of initiation of medication, and then every month until your symptoms improve and your functioning improves. People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience job loss and transfers, academic failure or drops, poor financial stability in relationships, and addictions that are strained. But, with the right treatment those with ADHD can enjoy fulfilling lives, with satisfying careers and relationships. The key to success is finding the appropriate treatment program for you. It is essential to discuss your symptoms and problems with your physician as well as with your colleagues and teachers. The effects of medication A person suffering from ADHD will likely be treated using a combination of medication and psychotherapy. The right medication can help reduce or eliminate symptoms that hinder the quality of an adult's life and hinder them from achieving their full potential. Talk therapy helps people learn how to better manage their symptoms. To determine if they have ADHD individuals must consult with their primary care physician or mental health specialist. They can provide referrals to specialists in the area. Asking a local ADHD group for a professional recommendation is a good idea. A lot of insurance companies provide an inventory of professionals classified by specialties. These can be used to locate someone who will conduct an assessment. A thorough assessment will include a description of the symptoms of the patient, a review of the medical and psychiatric history, and a thorough discussion with the patient. The evaluator may use scales for assessing behavior and ADHD checklists for symptoms and will seek feedback from family members or friends. Additional testing is sometimes used to determine if a person has ADHD, for example, cognitive or neuropsychological tests. It is important to rule out other medical conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms prior to making a final diagnosis. These include mood disorders, learning disorders, anxiety disorders, head injuries thyroid issues, and the taking certain medications such as steroids. The evaluator will carefully consider these alternative explanations for the patient's symptoms, before making a diagnosis. The medications used to treat ADHD in adults include stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs. They can increase concentration and focus. They can help improve work and school performance. They can also reduce depression and anxiety. However the effectiveness of stimulants differs among individuals and it may take a while to achieve the desired degree of improvement. Nonstimulant drugs can be helpful in treating ADHD in adults. They tend to be more affordable and have less side effects than stimulants. They are not as powerful as stimulants and may cause an “crash effect” for some people. They can also interact with other medications and affect some medical conditions. Treatments Psychotherapy and medication are the most effective treatment options for ADHD among adults. These medications help people concentrate more effectively and reduce their impulsivity, which can enhance their lives. Psychotherapy helps people learn how to cope and manage their problems. It may include family therapy as well as techniques for managing behavior that include reward systems. Some researchers are exploring new methods to treat ADHD by using brain imaging and measuring how the brain solves problems. People with ADHD frequently 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 suffer from ADHD continue to have the same issues throughout their lives. To diagnose ADHD in adults, a doctor must gather details about the child's behavior and school experiences. They typically ask the person to rate their own behavior and others' behavior using scales that are standardized or ADHD symptom checklists. They may also conduct an exam to rule out any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, seizures or thyroid disorders. The health care provider will then suggest treatment options based on the results of an evaluation. If the symptoms are not severe they will likely prescribe stimulants. These medications are intended to help people focus better and be less impatient, which will improve their ability to function in the workplace as well as at home and in their relationships. People with moderate-to-severe symptoms will be given a combination medicine and psychotherapy. People suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed in the case of family members who suffer from the disorder or if they were born prematurely or had other birth defects, such as being born with a low birth weight or having a head trauma. They are also more likely to be diagnosed if male. Researchers don't know why some people are more likely to have ADHD than others. The condition could be triggered by environmental factors or genetic factors. People who smoke, drink excessively or suffer from food allergies are at a higher risk of being diagnosed as having ADHD. Support Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for adults to accomplish routine tasks like getting out of bed in the morning, getting ready for work, and arranging appointments on time. Some adults with undiagnosed ADHD may also struggle with managing their personal relationships or juggling the demands of work and family. Certain people may benefit from long-term treatment with stimulant medication and psychotherapy. Diagnosed with ADHD can be a very emotional experience. People who suffer from ADHD are often content knowing that they're not 'lazy or 'unwilling' or 'unorganized' and that the reason for their problems is an underlying condition. They also often feel frustration or anger over the fact that they weren't diagnosed and treated sooner. There are a variety of organisations and services that are able to assist individuals with the condition. They include psychotherapy, coaching and self-help resources. People with symptoms that cause difficulties at work might be eligible to receive assistance under the disability component of the employment act or Access to Work, depending on their circumstances. The NIMH website contains a list of helpful organisations and resources for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of these organisations offer low-cost or free psychotherapy to people with ADHD. treat adhd without medication adults offer education and provide strategies for managing the condition. Talking therapies, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be beneficial for people who suffer from ADHD. It involves identifying and resolving unhelpful thoughts and developing strategies to improve attention and impulse control. It is best done with a trained mental health professional. Individuals should find a practitioner who has experience working with those suffering from ADHD or is willing to learn. In the UK, the NHS offers information on treatments for ADHD on its website. The website also contains the list of local mental health services and helplines including those specifically designed to assist disabled people. Support groups can also assist families and individuals to find assistance and a network. They can be found on the internet or through local support groups and charities. Support groups for adults with ADHD are managed by various organizations.