Adult ADHD: Assessment and management

Feeling like your mind is in constant traffic, juggling thoughts and tasks without ever quite reaching the intersection of completion? Difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, and impulsivity are common challenges faced by many adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While often diagnosed in childhood, ADHD can persist well into adulthood, leaving individuals feeling frustrated and questioning their abilities.

Here, Dr Shyamal Mashru, leading consultant psychiatrist at the renowned ADHD Health Clinic, offers his expert insight into the assessment and management of adult ADHD.

Identifying the signs:

Adult ADHD typically manifests in two ways: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

• Inattention: This can involve difficulty focusing on tasks, frequent forgetfulness, getting easily distracted, and struggling to follow instructions or complete tasks on time.
• Hyperactivity-impulsivity: This can show up as excessive energy, restlessness, difficulty waiting your turn, blurting out responses, or acting impulsively without considering the consequences.

It's important to remember that everyone experiences ADHD differently. You might have a dominant combination of both sets of symptoms, or one may be more prominent than the other. Recognising your individual challenges plays an important role in effectively managing your ADHD.

Charting your course:

If you suspect you might have ADHD, seeking a comprehensive assessment by a qualified mental health professional is the first step. This comprehensive evaluation typically involves:

• An in-depth interview: Discussing your personal history, current experiences, and challenges faced in various aspects of life.
• Clinical observation: Analysing your behaviour and how ADHD symptoms manifest in the consultation setting.
• A review of your medical history: Assessing any co-existing conditions that might contribute to similar symptoms.
• Optional assessments: In some cases, additional testing may be conducted to evaluate specific cognitive functions like attention or memory.

The goal of this assessment is to gather comprehensive information for an accurate diagnosis and to tailor a personalised treatment plan specifically for you. I offer online and face-to-face ADHD assessments through my ADHD clinic based in London.

Finding the support you need:

Managing adult ADHD often involves a combination of various approaches:

• Therapy: Techniques like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help identify and modify negative thought patterns, promoting better coping mechanisms for managing ADHD symptoms.
• Psychoeducation: Learning about ADHD, its impact, and effective strategies for managing it empowers you to navigate challenges and develop tailored solutions.
• Relaxation techniques: Practices like mindfulness and deep breathing can enhance self-awareness and improve attention and emotional regulation.
• Medication: In some cases, stimulant or non-stimulant medications can be effective in managing symptoms, especially when combined with other therapies.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. With the right diagnosis, personalised treatment, and a strong support network, you can learn to effectively manage your ADHD and build a fulfilling path forward.

Dr Shyamal Mashru, a leading consultant psychiatrist at the renowned ADHD Health Clinic, offers expert assessment and management services for adults with ADHD. You can reach out to Dr Mashru through his Top Doctors profile for further guidance and support.