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ADHD in Adults – Characterisation, Diagnosis and Treatment Finding a professional who is able to assess you is the initial step towards getting treatment for ADHD. They will ask about your symptoms as well as your family history and other factors like stress, school or work issues. They will use standardized behavior rating scales and checklists to evaluate your symptoms. They can also conduct psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests. Diagnosis Adults suffering from ADHD struggle with concentration, staying focused and organizing their tasks. People with ADHD tend to avoid tasks that require lots of attention and tend to delay. This can make it hard to stay on top of daily activities like finishing chores, paying bills, or planning for future events. It is also normal for adults with ADHD to be easily annoyed and have trouble regulating their emotions. This can cause mood swings and problems with relationships. The first step to get a diagnosis of ADHD is to talk to your primary care physician. You may be referred a psychiatrist for an evaluation. During the assessment they will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect you at home, school or at work. They will also check to see if you have any other mental health problems and consider your family or whanau history. Your psychiatrist will review your symptoms and consider whether there are any other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. The doctor will then suggest an approach to treat the problem, which may include medication. You will need to talk 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 to help them track your progress and recommend any adjustments to your medication. If you have been prescribed medication for ADHD it is important to consult your psychiatrist on a regular basis to make sure that you are following the right treatment plan. It is recommended that you be scheduled for a visit within 30 days of beginning medication and then monthly until your symptoms and functioning improve. People with ADHD are more likely to experience transfer and job loss dropping or failing in their academics, poor financial stability, strained relationships and addictions. With the right treatment those with ADHD can enjoy fulfilling lives, with satisfying careers and relationships. Finding the right treatment program is essential to your success. It is essential to discuss your symptoms and concerns with your doctor as well as with your colleagues and teachers. Medicines A person with 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 life for adults and prevent them from reaching their potential. Talk therapy can help people manage better with their ailments. The first step in evaluating ADHD is for the person to speak with their primary care physician or mental health professional. They can refer them to specialists in the area. Contacting a local ADHD group for a professional recommendation is also a great idea. Many insurance companies offer a list of professionals categorized by specialties that can be used to find someone who will conduct an assessment. A thorough evaluation will consist of an explanation of the symptoms of the patient, a review of the medical and psychiatric history and a comprehensive interview with the patient. The evaluator will use behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists and may seek feedback from family members and friends. Sometimes, additional tests are used to determine if the individual is suffering from ADHD, for example, neuropsychological or cognitive tests. It's important to rule out other medical conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms before making a final diagnosis. These include mood disorders, learning disorders anxiety disorders, head injuries, thyroid problems and usage of certain medications like steroids. Before determining a diagnosis, the examiner will carefully consider the various explanations. Nonstimulant and stimulant drugs are used to treat ADHD in adults. The most commonly prescribed medication is stimulants. They can help people focus and pay attention. They can boost the performance of students and at work. They also help reduce anxiety and depression. The effectiveness of stimulants can differ from person to person and it may take some time to achieve the desired level. I Am Psychiatry can be useful in treating ADHD in adults. They are generally less expensive and have fewer side effects than stimulants. They are not as powerful as stimulants and may cause an “crash effect” in certain people. They can also interact with other medications and can have a negative impact on some medical conditions. Treatments The main treatment options for ADHD in adults are medications and psychotherapy. The use of medication helps people focus more effectively and reduce their impulsivity, which can improve their quality of life. Psychotherapy helps people learn coping skills and manage their problems. It can also include strategies to manage behaviour like reward-based systems. Some researchers are exploring new methods to treat ADHD including brain imaging and measures of how the brain solves problems. As we age, we often suffer from different symptoms. For example, inattentive symptoms become more pronounced in adulthood, while hyperactive-impulsive symptoms may decrease or disappear entirely. However, a lot of people who suffer from ADHD continue to suffer from the same problems throughout their lives. To determine the presence of ADHD in adults, a doctor will need to gather information regarding the person's childhood behavior and school experiences. They will ask the patient to rate their own behavior as well as that of others using the standardized rating system or ADHD symptoms checklists. They may also conduct a physical examination to rule out medical issues, like seizures and thyroid disorders that may cause similar symptoms. Based on the results of the test, the health care provider will suggest treatments. If the symptoms are mild, then the doctor might prescribe stimulants. These drugs are designed to help people concentrate more effectively and less impulsive, which improves their ability to function at work, at home and in their relationships. Patients with moderate to severe symptoms may be prescribed a mix of psychotherapy and medication. If they have a family member 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 get diagnosed. They are more likely to be recognized when they're male. Researchers aren't sure why certain individuals have a higher risk of ADHD. There may be an underlying genetic cause, or the condition can result from environmental factors. People who smoke, drink excessively, or have food allergies are at greater chance of being diagnosed with ADHD. Support Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD struggle to manage daily tasks, such as getting up and out of bed, making preparations for work, and arriving on time for appointments. A few people with undiagnosed ADHD might also have trouble managing their personal relationships, or keeping up with obligations at home and at work. For certain people, long-term treatment using psychotherapy and stimulant medications (talk therapy) can make a significant difference in their life. Getting diagnosed with ADHD is often an emotional experience. People who suffer from the disorder typically feel relieved knowing that they are not 'lazy', 'unwilling' or 'tidy and that their problems are due to an underlying disorder. They might also be angered or disappointed that they weren't diagnosed and treated sooner. There are numerous organisations and services that are able to aid people suffering from the condition. They include psychotherapy, coaching and self-help resources. People with symptoms that cause difficulties at work may qualify to receive assistance under the disability provisions of the employment act or Access to Work, depending on their situation. The NIMH website has a list of useful organisations and resources for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of these organizations provide free or low-cost psychotherapy for people with ADHD as well as education about the condition and provide strategies to manage it. Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for people who suffer from ADHD. It involves identifying and challenging harmful thinking patterns and developing techniques to improve concentration and impulse control. It is best done by an experienced mental health professional. People should seek out an expert who has worked with people with ADHD before or is able and willing to learn. The NHS website in the UK offers details on ADHD treatments. It also provides a list of helplines and local mental health services, including services that specialise in supporting people with disabilities. Support groups can also assist families and individuals to find assistance and a network. They are available on the internet, or through local support groups and charities. A number of organisations also run support groups specifically for adults with ADHD.