A Comprehensive Guide to ADHD Treatment as an Adult

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders occurring in children. It can be detected early on, which is why a lot of the cases are diagnosed in childhood. However, despite seeking treatment many people suffer from ADHD even in their adulthood.

Another reason why so many adults have it may be because they never got tested for the symptoms until they were well into adulthood. So, why do people ignore the symptoms of ADHD? You see, it is easy for its symptoms to go unnoticed because children have a schedule to follow, where it is easy to miss out on the signs. So, when you have a less strict routine later on in life, you may start to notice the symptoms as an adult.

Let’s take a better look at its symptoms and how ADHD treatment for adults can help you work through them.

Also read: The Downside of Undiagnosed Adult ADHD

Table of Contents

Understanding ADHD Symptoms

Poor time management
Having a hard time setting priorities
Impulsiveness and unorganized behavioral patterns
Problems with paying attention to one task
Inability to multitask
Short temper and mood swings
Inability to deal with stress

ADHD can have an impact on a person’s quality of life. People with ADHD often struggle to maintain relationships or hold down a job. If their condition went undiagnosed and untreated as a child, they might have even struggled in school.

A lifetime of dealing with this behavioral disorder can lead to low self-esteem. To cope with their feelings, some people with ADHD experiment with drugs or alcohol. They are more likely to suffer from personality disorders as well as other psychological issues such as anxiety or mood disorders.

Interestingly, being ‘neuro-atypical’ can have some advantages. Adults with well-managed ADHD frequently exhibit a strong imagination and creative flair. New ways of working are leading to the creation of work environments that are better suited to people with ADHD.

Remember that running late or being unable to focus on tasks once in a while may not be ADHD. However, if you experience any of these symptoms regularly, you should get in touch with a doctor. Regardless of how old you are, it is never too late to seek treatment and improve the quality of your life.

Did you know that adults with well-managed ADHD frequently exhibit a strong imagination and creative flair? New ways of working are leading to the creation of work environments that are better suited to people with ADHD. Therefore, getting a diagnosis will help understand what works for you and how to overcome certain challenges that come with the disorder.

Many adults fear the process of getting diagnosed; however, as long as you are honest with your doctor, it should be pretty smooth sailing. Let’s look at how an ADHD diagnosis usually goes.

Getting Diagnosed for ADHD As an Adult?

It is critical to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis, as its symptoms can often mimic those of depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses. What you need to keep in mind is that there is no single test for the disorder, a qualified professional will instead use a string of evaluations and tests to determine ADHD.

ADHD cannot be diagnosed based on a single observation or a brief conversation. Adult diagnosis can be tough since many adults learn how to hide or mask many of their symptoms over the years. Other conditions, such as learning disabilities or mood disorders, must also be ruled out in some cases.

The following may be included in the diagnoses:

Excluding other psychological problems with similar symptoms
Excluding the possibility of alcohol or drug abuse as the root of the symptoms. However, an adult with ADHD may also have alcohol/ drug issues.
Evaluating the individual’s current behavior and lifestyle
Understanding whether the person had ADHD symptoms as a child

So, after you get a diagnosis, what follows? Keep reading to find out about ADHD treatment in adults.

Methods to Treat ADHD in Adults

Before we get started, it is important to understand that the treatment will vary depending upon the severity of your disorder. It may also be influenced by what you expect from the treatment and whether you are undergoing treatment for something else too, at the same time.

Common treatments for adults with ADHD include:

Changes to Lifestyle – You may be told to follow a routine and monitor your overall health, in order to keep the symptoms under control. Some common examples include maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle, getting proper sleep every night, and dealing with stress, to make a noticeable difference.
Medication – The medication for ADHD in children and adults is the same. They are available in stimulating and non-stimulating variants, which will be based on your tailored treatment plan. You could also be put on medicine for anxiety and depression if you show symptoms of them during your evaluation.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – ADHD patients commonly suffer from stress and mood swings. CBT helps them learn new ways and techniques to manage most of the symptoms.
Physical Exercises – Most people are unaware of this but you can manage ADHD symptoms with physical exercise. Healthcare specialists come up with unique exercise plans that are right for the individual. Yoga is particularly helpful in managing ADHD.

These are some of the treatment options available for adults with ADHD. To ensure that you get the desirable outcome, it is important to choose the right treatment center.

How to Pick the Ideal Treatment Center for ADHD?

Dealing with ADHD as an adult can have a significant impact on your lifestyle. Therefore, it is important to seek ADHD treatment for adults from a reputed clinic. For instance, Steady Care Medical is one of the best places to get treated for ADHD, for adults and children.

You can visit us for a thorough evaluation, or even have a consultation from the comfort of your home. We offer telemedicine services for patients who cannot physically visit health specialists. So, get in touch with us today to receive the treatment you deserve.