Do I Need ADHD Treatment From a Psychiatrist?

ADHD treatment was once a concern primarily to parents of children with the disorder. However, this has changed over the years as more and more adults are diagnosed with ADHD for the first time. You may have heard about ADHD symptoms and thought, “Hey, that sounds like me some days.” However, just because you are occasionally disorganized or have trouble concentrating sometimes does not mean you have ADHD.

What is ADHD, and why is it diagnosed in adults?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder usually diagnosed in childhood. The disorder is characterized by impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. It can lead a child to have trouble learning and functioning in the classroom. The cause of this disorder is relatively unknown. However, it appears to have a strong hereditary component and involves an imbalance in some brain network structures.

This disorder is usually diagnosed in childhood. It is thought that adults diagnosed with ADHD have had the condition since childhood, but it was missed. This may be due to several factors. Those with ADHD that do not exhibit hyperactivity symptoms are often missed. This is frequently the case with women and girls. In addition, during certain points in history, ADHD was not a recognized disorder and, therefore, not tested for.

Symptoms of ADHD in adults

Those hearing about the symptoms and wondering if they need to consider ADHD treatment should consult a psychiatrist. However, certain symptoms are strong indicators, especially if they seriously interfere with one’s ability to function. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of ADHD in adults may include:

• Impulsiveness
• Difficulty prioritizing tasks
• Disorganization
• Poor time management
• Diminished ability to multitask
• Becoming easily frustrated
• Mood swings
• Problems completing tasks
• Difficulty managing stress

If these symptoms seem to have been plaguing you for as long as you can remember and are causing you trouble in your personal and professional life, an assessment with a psychiatrist is a good place to start.

Requirements for diagnosis

A psychiatrist is a medical professional specializing in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. They have extensive knowledge of ADHD and other mental health issues. This is important because other mental health disorders are often mistaken for ADHD since they share similar symptoms. For example, depression and anxiety can also make one easily frustrated and unable to concentrate. In addition, the psychiatrist will conduct a physical exam and may order tests to rule out possible physical causes of the symptoms.

To determine whether an adult needs ADHD treatment, a psychiatrist may do the following:

• Run psychological tests
• Question you about childhood
• Ask about current symptoms
• Ask about past traumas or current life troubles

In addition to ruling out other psychological or physical causes, the doctor is looking for a long-standing pattern of symptoms. Typically, the patient must display a significant number of symptoms for a long time, beginning in childhood.

How ADHD treatment works

If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the psychiatrist can discuss ways of managing the disorder. Usually, ADHD treatment involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. When following the treatment plan of a medical health care professional, adults with ADHD tend to notice improvements in their personal and professional lives.