Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
Finding an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step towards managing symptoms that could be debilitating in relationships and at work. A doctor can examine a person's mood, medical history, and the presence of any comorbidities that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
A structured interview is part of an evaluation. Family members, friends and coworkers may be questioned to gain insight into the history of the person being evaluated.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD may experience a variety of these symptoms, but they can affect more aspects of our lives. They may struggle to keep their jobs, manage their relationships, or perform well in school, for example. Symptoms can include attention issues to their surroundings, fumbling or mumbling answers at random, not being able to complete work tasks, and a tendency to miss appointments frequently. The condition can also result in financial challenges because people are more likely to make careless mistakes or overspend.
A professional can test adults for ADHD using a variety methods. They may interview a person's parents and ask them to talk about their childhood experiences. They may review reports and make note of teacher comments. They can also evaluate the current performance of a person through interviews with co-workers, friends and family members. They may also use self-tests or online ratings.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD when they have experienced 5 out of nine symptoms in the last 6 months. The symptoms are present in multiple settings and are not better than a mental health disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders, or by other physical ailments, such as a hearing loss or vision problem.
It's normal to feel various emotions when you get an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. It can be a relief when you finally have an explanation for the challenges you've faced for so many years. It can also be upsetting to discover that you suffer from a mental health condition particularly when you've experienced success in other areas of your life.
click hyperlink diagnosed with ADHD is typically treated with psychotherapy, medication, or other treatments. In some cases doctors may suggest adjustments for work or daily activities. Accommodations are modifications or tools that can be incorporated into the environment of a person to help them achieve their goals. Examples include an incline step for someone who is smaller than average, or an application for computers that allows someone with vision impairments to focus on the screen. The use of behavioral therapy is also a common treatment for adult ADHD.
Diagnosis
The first step in determining if you have ADHD is to receive an accurate diagnosis. You can begin 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 review your medical, family and personal history. They will also ask you about the effects of your health issues on your daily routine 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 if you meet the criteria for ADHD. The following are some of the DSM-5 criteria for inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD:
Inattention: Having trouble staying focused on activities or tasks for long periods of time. It is difficult to finish chores, assignments, or schoolwork. It is prone to making mistakes at work, school or in leisure activities. Gets easily distracted by others or by everyday activities. Sometimes, they seem to be on autopilot, or loses the track of what they are doing.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity: Often restless, fidgets or can't sit still in class or at work. Frequently interrupts others or talks off-topic. Sometimes, they get bored and seeks excitement or novelty. In many cases, they get into fights, arguments or even acts without thinking about 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 impacts on a person and can complicate the diagnosis.
A physical exam is conducted to rule out medical conditions that might cause similar symptoms. Certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid disorders, could be similar to ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are extreme and severe, additional neuropsychological, psychosocial and/or testing for learning disabilities could be performed to aid in making the diagnosis. These tests can provide vital details about the ways which your ADHD affects your functioning and relationships. These tests can also identify any other underlying problems that need to be addressed.
Treatment
Adults may benefit from the same treatment as children with ADHD such as medications and behavioral strategies, life-skills training and therapy. Adults may need to try different medications since the ones they were prescribed as children may not be right for them at the moment.
getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult in ADHD should be consulted by the person with ADHD. This can be a primary doctor who treats ADHD regularly or a mental healthcare professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Many insurance plans have online directories of specialists. Additionally there is a local support group for people suffering from ADHD or an expert in mood disorders may be able to recommend an expert.
After the evaluation the specialist will make a diagnosis and prescribe a treatment. He or she may want to discuss the history of the person and how the symptoms affected him or her in childhood. Therapists might suggest couples' or even family therapy if a person struggles with their career or in their relationships.
Medication is the most effective treatment for the majority of adults suffering from ADHD. They are typically small, fast-acting drugs that can reduce the chemical imbalance that causes ADHD. Many doctors will 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. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with other specific interventions, can be delivered by therapists with particular expertise working with those suffering from ADHD.
A few adults suffering from ADHD feel a great relief when they are finally diagnosed. Having the right treatment plan can drastically alter their lives to the better. They will be more productive at work, be successful in school or develop more satisfying and healthier relationships. For some, the diagnosis brings closure to the years of regrets over mistakes they've made in the past due to their symptoms going undiagnosed or mistreated. It is also possible that the individual's behavior has been affected by his or her gender identity, race, and socioeconomic status.
Support
It's not too early to get an assessment and treatment even if you were not diagnosed with ADHD as a child. Many professionals are trained in ADHD and can tell you if your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. They can also rule out other mental health disorders or physical ailments, as well as stress as the reason for your symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complicated emotions, including sadness over missed opportunities or feelings of relief knowing that you now have a clear reason for your problems. Adults who suffer from ADHD often feel as if they're being judged by other people for their actions that aren't really their fault, like forgetfulness or difficulty keeping their work in order. They may also be struggling with financial issues, such as not paying on time or accumulating debt from impulsive spending.
It's not unusual for adults with ADHD to experience self-destructive behaviors, such as drug and alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, constant tension and stress as well as low self-esteem or problems in their relationships with family members and friends. They might also be struggling with their physical health and health, for example, ignoring important checkups and medications or having trouble following medical instructions and procedures. They are often struggling to sustain their jobs and managing their finances, due to their difficulty with organization and meeting corporate requirements and adhering to a plan or routine.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from therapy and support groups that teach coping skills and strategies to live with their disorder. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can assist them in managing their symptoms, find ways to overcome their weaknesses, and improve their lives. They can also collaborate with family members in discussing how the disorder impacts their relationship, and come up with strategies for supporting their loved one.
Online communities and peer support are also beneficial. Sites such as Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, workshops, and webinars on organizational skills as well as emotional regulation and social interaction. Other online sources include ADHD accommodating restaurants, workplace accommodations and classes to improve communication.
Many people suffering from ADHD find it helpful to join support groups. These groups can be an excellent source of ideas and inspiration and they can be a place for discussing challenges and finding solution. There are coaches and teachers that can help you create an action plan to improve your performance and reduce the impact of your symptoms.