Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
The process of obtaining an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step towards managing symptoms that can be a hindrance in relationships and work. A doctor can examine the mood of a person, their medical history and the presence of comorbid conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
A formal evaluation involves an interview with the person being evaluated. Family members, friends, and coworkers could also be interviewed to get insight into the history of the person being evaluated.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD may suffer from many of the same symptoms as children, but these behaviors can impact more areas of their lives. They may struggle to keep their jobs, maintain their relationships, or perform well in school, for example. Signs of trouble include inattention to the present, frequent interruptions or uttering answers in a blur, failing to follow through on work tasks and frequently missing appointments. This can lead to financial problems as people are more likely to make mistakes or spend too much.
Professionals can test adults for ADHD using a variety of methods. They can interview parents and ask them about their childhood experiences. They might also look over reports and make note of comments from teachers. They may also gauge the performance of an individual by interviewing co-workers, friends and family. They may even take advantage of online ratings or self-tests.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD when they've experienced 5 out of nine symptoms in the past 6 months. The symptoms must manifest at multiple times and not better explained by other mental health disorders such as an anxiety disorder or mood disorder, as well as physical conditions such as hearing loss or a vision issue.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it's normal to experience a variety of emotions. It can be a relief when you finally have an explanation for the challenges you've faced for so many years. It can be frustrating to learn that you have an illness of mental health particularly if you've been successful in other areas of your life.
A person diagnosed with ADHD is typically treated with medication, psychotherapy or other treatments. In some instances, a doctor will recommend accommodations at work or in daily activities. Accommodations are tools or adjustments to a person's environment that can help them achieve their goals and minimize the negative impact of their disability. Examples include an incline step for someone who is smaller than average or an application for computers that allows someone with vision difficulties to focus on the screen. The use of behavioral therapy is also a popular treatment for adults with ADHD.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you have ADHD, the first step is to make an accurate diagnosis. You can start by asking your primary care physician or mental health professional for a referral to a specialist who performs ADHD assessments. Your doctor will conduct an interview with you and go over all of your medical and family information. They will also ask you about the impact of your symptoms on your daily life at home, school and work.
Your doctor will refer to the American Psychiatric Society's diagnostic guidelines, included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD. The following are some of the DSM-5 criteria for inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD:
Inattention: Have trouble staying focused on activities and tasks for long periods of time. Sometimes, they forget things, or has difficulty finishing chores, schoolwork or other tasks. It is prone to making mistakes at work, school or in leisure activities. is easily distracted by other people or by everyday activities. Often, they daydream, appear to be on autopilot or loses their focus on what they are doing.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity: Often restless, fidgets or can't sit still in class or at work. Sometimes interrupts others or speaks off-topic. Often gets bored quickly and seeks excitement or a sense of novelty. Sometimes, he gets involved in fights or arguments without weighing the consequences.
Often, people with inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive type ADHD have coexisting conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, learning disabilities and other mental illnesses. These conditions can have their effects on individuals, and complicate the diagnosis.
A physical exam is generally done to rule out any medical issues that could cause similar symptoms. Certain medical conditions, like seizures and thyroid disorders could be similar to ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are serious, you may need to undergo additional tests for learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders or psychological disorders. These tests can provide vital information about the ways in how your ADHD affects your functioning and relationships. They can also help identify any other issues that need to be addressed.
Treatment
Adults can benefit from the same therapies as children with ADHD which includes treatment and behavioral strategies, life-skills training and therapy. Adults may need to test other medications because the ones they used to take as children might not be appropriate for them at the moment.
A specialist in ADHD should be consulted by the person with ADHD. This can be a primary doctor who treats ADHD regularly or a mental health specialist such as psychologists or psychiatrists. Many insurance companies offer online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a doctor specializing in mood disorders may recommend an expert.
After the examination the doctor will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. They will be looking to speak with the person about their history, especially how the symptoms affected them during childhood. Therapists may suggest couples' or family therapy if the person is struggling in their career or in relationships.
Medication is the most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They are typically small, fast-acting medications that help to reduce the chemical imbalance within the brain that causes ADHD. Many doctors prescribe other treatments for similar conditions such as depression or anxiousness.
Behavioral therapy can help with problems with time management and organization, impulse control and emotional self-regulation. adhd undiagnosed in adults (CBT) along with other individualized interventions, are delivered by therapists with particular expertise in working with those suffering from ADHD.
When people with ADHD are finally diagnosed, they feel relief. The correct treatment plan could alter their lives drastically. They can be more efficient at work, achieve success at school or develop more satisfying and healthier relationships. For some, the diagnosis brings closure to years of regrets about mistakes they've made in the past because their issues went undiagnosed or mistreated. It is also possible that the individual's behavior has been affected by his or her gender identity, race or socioeconomic status.
Support
It's not too early to seek an assessment and treatment even if you were not diagnosed with ADHD when you were in your early years. Many professionals are trained in ADHD and can tell whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. They can also rule out other mental disorders, physical ailments and stress as the reason for symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complicated emotions, like sadness over missed opportunities or relief that you now have a solid explanation for your issues. Adults suffering from ADHD may feel judged for behaviors they are not responsible for, such as forgetfulness and difficulty organizing their work. They might also have financial issues, like missing payment deadlines or accruing debt due to the impulsive spending.
adults diagnosed with adhd 's not uncommon for people with ADHD to experience self-destructive behaviors such as drug or alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, chronic tension and stress, low self-esteem, or problems in their relationships with family members and friends. Additionally, they could have problems with their physical well-being. They may neglect vital medical checkups or medication or struggle to follow medical advice. They are often struggling to sustain their jobs and managing their finances due to their difficulty with organization and meeting corporate standards and adhering to a schedule or routine.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from support and therapy groups that teach coping strategies and strategies to live with the disorder. Specialized ADHD therapists can help adults manage their symptoms, improve their weaknesses and improve their functioning in everyday life. They can also work with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationship and devise strategies for supporting their loved one.
Online communities and peer support can be helpful. Sites like Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, workshops and webinars on organizing skills as well as emotional regulation and social interaction. Other online resources include ADHD friendly workplace accommodations, restaurants, and classes to improve communication.
Some people with ADHD may also find it beneficial to join support groups for those with ADHD, which can provide ideas and inspiration, as well as a platform for discussing challenges and finding solutions. In addition to support groups there are coaches as well as teachers who can help you create a plan to improve your performance and lessening the impact of your symptoms.