Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
The first step to manage adult ADHD symptoms can be to obtain a diagnosis. These symptoms can be detrimental to relationships and at work. A doctor can assess the person's mood, medical history and the presence of any comorbidities that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
A structured interview is part of an evaluation. Interviews with family members, coworkers and friends are possible to gain a better understanding of the person's past.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD may experience a variety of these symptoms, but they can affect more areas of life. They may have difficulty keeping their jobs, maintain their relationships, or perform well in school, for example. Signs of trouble include inattention to the present, frequent interruptions or blurting out answers and not being able to follow up on work assignments and repeatedly missing appointments. This condition can also lead to financial issues as people are more likely to commit mistakes or overspend.
Professionals can test adults for ADHD by using different methods. They may interview a person's parents and ask them about their childhood experiences. They may look at report cards and note teacher remarks. Interviewing friends, family and co-workers can also be used to determine the current performance of an individual. They can also take advantage of online ratings or self-tests.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD when they have experienced 5 out of 9 symptoms over the last six months. The symptoms are present in multiple contexts and cannot be explained by a mental health issue such as anxiety or mood disorders, or by other physical ailments, such as a visual or hearing loss.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it's normal to experience a range of emotions. It can be a relief to finally have an explanation for difficulties that you've struggled with for so long. It can be frustrating to find out that you suffer from an illness of mental health, especially when you've had success in other areas of your life.
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is typically treated with medication, psychotherapy or other treatments. In certain cases, a doctor will recommend accommodations at work or in daily activities. diagnosis of adhd are tools or adjustments to an individual's environment that can help them achieve their goals and lessen the effects of their disability. A step stool could be utilized by those who are taller than average or a computer program to assist people with visual impairments concentrate on their screen. Adult ADHD is often treated with behavioral therapy.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you have ADHD the first step is to get an accurate diagnosis. Start by asking your primary care physician or a mental health professional for a referral to a specialist who performs ADHD assessments. Your doctor will conduct an interview with you and will review your medical personal, family and medical history. They will also ask you about the impact of your symptoms on your life at school, home and at work.
Your doctor will refer to the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines, included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to determine if you fulfill 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 and tasks for a long period of time. Sometimes, they forget things, or has difficulty completing chores, schoolwork and/or work tasks. Frequently makes careless mistakes in the classroom, at work or during leisure activities. Is easily distracted, either by other people or daily activities. Sometimes, they seem to be in 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. Talks frequently to others or interrupts them out of turn. Often gets bored easily and seeks excitement or a new experience. Frequently engages in arguments or fights 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 other conditions can have their own impact on an individual and make diagnosis more difficult.
A physical exam is generally conducted to rule out medical issues that could cause similar symptoms. Certain medical issues, like thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, can mimic ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe If your symptoms are severe, additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or testing for learning disabilities could be performed to aid in making the diagnosis. These tests can provide crucial details about the ways how your ADHD affects your behavior and relationships. They can also help identify any other issues that need to be addressed.
Treatment
The same treatments that children with ADHD receive -- medications, behavior strategies life skills training, medication and therapy -- typically work for adults, too. Adults may require different medications however, as the ones taken as a child may not be the right fit for them at the moment.
A specialist in ADHD should be sought out by those suffering from ADHD. This can be a primary doctor who treats ADHD regularly or a mental healthcare specialist such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Many insurance companies have online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a specialist doctor who specializes in mood disorders may recommend an expert.
After the examination the doctor should then identify the cause and prescribe treatment. The doctor will want to talk with the person about their history, especially how the symptoms affected them during childhood. If the person is having issues with their job or relationships, a therapist might suggest family or couples' therapy to help them develop the skills to deal with their problems better.
Medication is the most effective treatment for most adults with ADHD. They are typically small, fast-acting medications that reduce the chemical imbalance in the brain that triggers ADHD. In many instances, a doctor may also prescribe other medications to treat related conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Behavioral therapy can help related to time management, impulse control, and emotional self-regulation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), along with other specific interventions, can be offered by therapists who have specific expertise in working specifically with those suffering from ADHD.
A few adults suffering from ADHD are relieved when they finally get diagnosed. The right treatment plan can transform their lives in a dramatic way. They will be more efficient at work, achieve success in school or develop more satisfying and healthier relationships. Some people are happy to finally get a diagnosis after years regrets over mistakes they made due to their symptoms being misdiagnosed or not treated. It is also possible that the individual's behavior is affected by his or her gender identity, race, and socioeconomic status.
Support
It's not too early to seek an assessment and treatment even if you weren't diagnosed with ADHD when you were an infant. A lot of professionals specialize in ADHD and can determine if you have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. They can also rule out other mental health issues or physical ailments, as well as stress as the cause of your symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complex feelings, such as sadness over missed opportunities or relief that you now have a clear explanation for your issues. Adults suffering from ADHD might feel judged for behavior they aren't accountable for, like the inability to organize their work. They may also be struggling with financial issues, such as not paying on time or accumulating debt from impulsive spending.
It's not uncommon for people with ADHD to engage in self-destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol abuse, inadequate nutrition, constant tension and stress as well as low self-esteem or problems with their relationships with family members and friends. Also, they may suffer from issues with their physical well-being. They might not attend important checkups or medications, or have difficulty following the medical guidelines. They are often struggling to sustain their jobs and managing their finances because they struggle organizing and meeting corporate standards and adhering to a plan or routine.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may benefit from support groups or therapy which offer strategies and techniques to live with the disorder. Specialist ADHD therapists can help adults manage their symptoms, compensate for their weaknesses and improve their performance in life. They also can work closely with family members in discussing how the disorder impacts their relationship, and come up with strategies to support their loved one.
Peer support and online communities can also be beneficial. Sites such as Sheila Henson or Neuroqueer offer workshops, webinars, as well as individual and group coaching on emotional regulation as well as social interaction and organizational skills. Other online sources include ADHD accommodating workplace accommodations, restaurants, and classes to improve communication.
Some people with ADHD find it beneficial to join support groups. These groups can be a great source of ideas and inspiration, and also provide a platform for discussing challenges and finding solutions. There are also teachers and coaches that can assist you in developing an action plan to improve your performance and reduce the effects of your symptoms.