In fact, there are many adults who grew up with ADHD symptoms who were never diagnosed and still struggle with the symptom every single day. So if you’ve had lifelong struggles with focus, memory, concentration, here is some information about the diagnosis and treatment of undiagnosed Adult ADHD.
Adult ADHD – Effects
If you have undiagnosed and untreated ADHD, chances are you will have suffered with it for many years because it’s caused problems in almost every aspect of your life. You will most likely have been constantly overwhelmed and stressed due to your disorganization and procrastination, which made you feel like you’d never reach your full potential without having your life under control.
Adult ADHD can also cause additional feelings of frustration, disappointment, embarrassment, hopelessness, and loss of self-confidence, which is why getting diagnosed provides an almost instant feeling of hope and relief. For the first time you’ll not only understand the reason why things have seemed so difficult, but also that you’re certainly not to blame.
Adult ADHD – Diagnosis
There’s currently not a simple physical, medical, or genetic test that shows someone has ADHD, a diagnostic assessment of symptoms needs to be carried out by a psychiatrist or a qualified mental health professional. And diagnosing Adult ADHD can be more difficult because symptoms are different for adults compared to children and teenagers, and often unique for each individual.
In some cases, diagnosis of Adults ADHD may not be confirmed unless symptoms were present during your childhood. So, if you weren’t diagnosed with ADHD during your youth, your psychiatrist may request to see the records from your old school. If they’re not available, they could ask to speak with parents, teachers, or any other adult involved in your life when you were growing up.
Adult ADHD – Treatment
The most common treatments for Adult ADHD involve education, medication, therapy, or counseling, whereas the most effective treatment is actually a combination of these. It’s important to understand that all of these treatments will only help management of your symptoms, as ADHD has no cure. It may also take some time for your specialist to determine which treatment works best for you, and the right medication and dose will vary between each patient. You should always talk to them about any abnormal side effects.
Adult ADHD – Future
The frustrating symptoms of ADHD affects many adults, hindering everything from their relationships, their lifestyles, and their careers. The good news is that no matter how old you are, it’s never too late to get diagnosed with Adult ADHD. With the right treatment and support, you’ll soon learn how to manage your symptoms, which is only going to make your life better.