Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
The process of obtaining an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step in managing symptoms that can be debilitating in relationships and at work. A doctor can evaluate the person's mood and medical history, as well as whether there are any comorbid conditions, such anxiety or depression, that can cause similar symptoms.
An evaluation consists of a planned interview with the person being assessed. Interviews with family members, coworkers and friends may be conducted to gain a better understanding of the person's past.
Symptoms
Adults who suffer from ADHD may suffer from many of the same symptoms as children, however those behaviors can affect more aspects of their lives. They may have difficulty keeping their jobs, managing relationships, and do well in school, for example. The signs include a lack of focus and snorting or blurting out answers in a hurry, failing to complete work tasks and missing appointments repeatedly. This condition can also lead to financial issues because people are more likely to make errors or overspend.
Professionals can evaluate adults for ADHD by using different methods. They may speak with a person's parents and ask them about their childhood experiences. They can also review their reports and make note of teacher comments. Interviewing family members, friends and coworkers can be used to determine the current performance of an individual. They can even use online ratings or self-tests.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD if they have had 5 of nine symptoms in the last six months. The symptoms must be present multiple times and are not explained by other mental health disorders, such anxiety or mood disorder, as well as physical ailments like hearing loss or a visual impairment.
It's normal to feel various emotions when you receive an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. It can be a great relief to finally have an reason for the difficulties you've had to face for so long. It can also be upsetting to realize you have an illness of the mind, especially when you've had successes in other areas of your life.
A person diagnosed with ADHD is usually treated with treatment with psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In some cases doctors will suggest accommodations for work or everyday activities. Accommodations are adjustments or tools that can be added to the environment of a person to help them succeed. Examples include an incline step for someone who is shorter than average or computer programs that allow people with vision limitations to focus on the screen. Adult ADHD is usually treated using behavioral therapy.
Diagnosis
The first step to determine if you have ADHD is to receive an accurate diagnosis. Start by asking your primary care physician or mental health professional to refer you to a specialist who performs ADHD assessments. Your doctor will conduct an interview and review your family, personal and medical background. Your doctor will also inquire about your health issues and how they affect your life at work, school and at home.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5, is used by your doctor to determine whether you meet the ADHD criteria. 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. Has trouble finishing chores, assignments or schoolwork. Many times, they make mistakes at school, work or in leisure activities. Gets easily distracted by others or by everyday activities. Frequently daydreams, seems 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. Often interrupts other people or talks off-topic. Often, they get bored quickly and seeks out excitement or a sense of novelty. Sometimes, he gets involved in arguments or fights 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 effects on an individual, and complicate the diagnosis.
Physical examinations are conducted to rule out medical conditions that might cause similar symptoms. Certain medical conditions, like seizures and thyroid disorders, may 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 vital details about the ways which your ADHD affects your functioning and relationships. They can also help you identify any other underlying issues that require to be addressed.
Treatment
The same treatments that children with ADHD receive, such as medication, behavior strategies life skills training, medication and therapy -- typically work for adults, too. Adults might need to try different medications but the ones that were used as children might not be the most appropriate for them at the moment.
A specialist in ADHD should be sought out by those suffering from ADHD. This may be a primary care physician who regularly treats ADHD or an expert in mental health, like a psychologist or psychiatrist. Many insurance companies offer online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a specialist doctor who specializes in mood disorders could recommend the services of a specialist.
After the exam, the doctor will determine an assessment and prescribe a treatment. He or she may want to discuss the history of the patient and how the problems affected them in childhood. Therapists might suggest couples' or even family therapy if the individual is struggling in their career or in relationships.
Medication is the most effective treatment for most adults with ADHD. They are typically small, fast-acting drugs that help to reduce the chemical imbalance in the brain that causes ADHD. Many doctors will prescribe other medication for the same condition like anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can address issues in time management, impulse control and emotional self-regulation. Therapists who specialize in working with people with ADHD can provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with other individualized interventions.
Many adults suffering from ADHD feel a great relief when they finally are diagnosed. The right treatment plan can change their lives dramatically. They will be more efficient at work, achieve success at school or develop healthier and more fulfilling relationships. For some, the diagnosis brings closure to the years of regrets about mistakes they've made in the past because their issues went undiagnosed or not treated. It is possible that an individual's behavior was influenced by their gender identity, race and socioeconomic status.
Support
If you were never diagnosed with ADHD as when you were a child, it's too late to seek an assessment and treatment. Many professionals specialize in ADHD and can determine if you have mild or moderate symptoms. They can also rule out other mental health issues physical conditions, stress as the reason for your symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complicated emotions, like grief over missed chances or relief that you have a solid explanation for your struggles. Adults suffering from ADHD might feel judged for behaviors they are not responsible for, such as inattention and difficulty organising their work. They may also struggle with financial issues, such as missing payment deadlines or accruing debt due to the impulsive spending.
Adults suffering from ADHD are not often found engaging in self-destructive behavior, including alcohol and drug abuse. Other self-destructive behaviors include a poor diet and stress, chronic tension, low self-esteem or difficulties in their relationships with their family and friends. They also may have trouble with their physical health, such as neglecting important health checks and medications or unable to follow the medical guidelines 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 schedule or routine.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from support groups or therapy that provide strategies and techniques to manage the disorder. Specialized ADHD therapists can assist adults manage their symptoms, compensate for their weaknesses and improve their performance in everyday life. They can also work with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationship and come up with strategies for helping the person they love.
Online communities and peer support can be helpful. Sites such as Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, seminars and webinars on organizing skills emotional regulation, social interaction. Other online resources include ADHD friendly establishments, workplace accommodations, and classes to improve communication.
Many people suffering from ADHD find it helpful to join support groups. adults diagnosed with adhd can be an excellent source of ideas and inspiration, and also provide a platform for discussing issues and finding a solution. There are coaches and teachers that can help you create an action plan to improve your performance and lessen the impact of your symptoms.