Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
The first step in addressing adult ADHD symptoms is to obtain a diagnosis. These symptoms can be debilitating for relationships and at work. A doctor can assess the person's mood and medical history, and whether there are any co-morbid conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which could cause similar symptoms.
An evaluation consists of a planned interview with the person being assessed. Family members, friends and coworkers can also be interviewed to gain an understanding of the person's past.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD may experience many of the same symptoms as children, however those behaviors can affect more aspects of their lives. They may have trouble keeping their jobs, manage relationships, and do well in schools, for instance. Some signs of this include a lack of focus to their surroundings, fumbling or mumbling answers impulsively, failing to complete work tasks and missing appointments repeatedly. This condition can also lead to financial problems because people are more likely to make mistakes or overspend.
Professionals can assess adults for ADHD using a variety of methods. They can interview the parents of an individual and ask about their childhood. They can also look over reports and take notes of teacher comments. Interviewing family, friends, and coworkers can be used to assess an individual's current functioning. They may also utilize self-tests or online ratings.
The diagnosis of ADHD as an adult usually requires a higher threshold than for children--5 out of 9 symptoms over the past six months. The symptoms must be present multiple times and not better explained by other mental health disorders such as a mood disorder or anxiety disorder, or physical ailments like hearing loss or a vision problem.
It's normal to feel an array of emotions when you get an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. It can be a great relief to finally have a concrete explanation for the issues that you've struggled with 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 who is diagnosed with ADHD is usually treated with treatment with psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In some instances doctors may suggest accommodations for work or everyday activities. Accommodations are changes or tools that can be made to the environment of a person to help them succeed. A step stool could be utilized by someone who is taller than average or a computer program to help someone who is visually impaired focus on the screen. More Support is usually treated with behavioral therapy.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD the first step is to get an accurate diagnosis. Contact your primary care physician or a mental health professional to refer you to a specialist that performs ADHD assessments. Your doctor will conduct an interview and go over your family, personal and medical history. They will also ask you about the effects of your health issues on your daily life at home, at school and at work.
Your doctor will apply 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 tasks and activities for a long time. Has trouble finishing tasks, chores or schoolwork. It is prone to making mistakes at work, school or in leisure activities. Is easily distracted, either by other people or daily activities. Frequently daydreams, seems 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 in a non-linear manner. Often gets bored quickly and seeks out excitement or a new experience. 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 other conditions can have their own impact on an individual and complicate diagnosis.
A physical examination is usually performed to rule out any medical conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Some medical problems, like thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, may mimic ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe you may require additional testing for neuropsychological disorders or psychological disorders. These tests can provide important information on the ways in how your ADHD affects your behavior and relationships. They can also help you identify any other underlying issues that need to be addressed.
Treatment
The same treatments that children with ADHD receive -- medication, behavioral strategies, life skills training and therapy -- typically work for adults as well. Adults may need to try other treatments because the ones they were prescribed as children may not be suitable for them now.
A specialist in ADHD should be consulted by the person with ADHD. This could be a primary physician who treats ADHD regularly or a mental healthcare professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist. A lot of insurance plans have online directories of specialists. In addition, a local support group for people with ADHD or an expert in mood disorders may be able to recommend the services of a specialist.
After the examination the doctor will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. He or she may want to discuss the background of the person as well as how the issues affected them in the early years of their life. Therapists might suggest couples' or family therapy if a person is having difficulty in their work or relationships.
The most effective treatment is medication. treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These are usually small, fast-acting medications that can reduce the chemical imbalance that is the cause of ADHD. In many instances, a doctor will also prescribe other treatments for related disorders like anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can help in time management, impulse control and emotional self-regulation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other individualized interventions, are offered by therapists who have specific expertise in working specifically with individuals suffering from ADHD.
Some adults with ADHD are relieved when they finally get diagnosed. The right treatment plan can change their lives dramatically. They will be more efficient at work, achieve success in school or develop healthier and more fulfilling relationships. For some, the diagnosis brings closure to the years of regrets over mistakes they've made in the past because their symptoms went undiagnosed or not treated. It is possible that an individual's behavior was influenced by gender identity, race, and socioeconomic status.
Support
If you've never been diagnosed with ADHD as when you were a child, it's enough time to seek an evaluation and treatment. Many specialists specialize in ADHD and can determine if you suffer from mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. They can also rule other mental disorders, physical ailments and stress as the cause of symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can bring up complex emotions, including grief over missed opportunities or feelings of relief that you now have a clear explanation for your difficulties. Adults suffering from ADHD might feel judged for behaviors they are not accountable for, like inattention and difficulty organising their work. They might also have financial issues, such as not paying on time or accumulating debt from the impulsive spending.
Adults suffering from ADHD are not typically involved in self-destructive behaviors, such as drug and alcohol abuse. Other self-destructive behavior includes poor nutrition and stress, chronic tension as well as low self-esteem and issues in their relationships with family and friends. They might also be struggling with physical well-being by ignoring vital health checks and medications, or having difficulty following the medical guidelines and procedures. They may have difficulty maintaining jobs and managing their finances, because they have trouble organizing and meeting corporate standards and adhering to a schedule or routine.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from support groups and therapy that teach coping strategies and strategies for living with their disorder. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can help them manage their symptoms, figure out ways to overcome their weaknesses, and enhance their lives. They can also collaborate with family members, discussing how the disorder impacts their relationship and coming up with strategies to help the person they love dearly.
Online community and peer support can be extremely beneficial. Sites like 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 resources include ADHD-friendly restaurants, workplace accommodations, and classes for improving communication.
Some people with ADHD find it helpful to join support groups. These groups can be an excellent source of inspiration and ideas, and they can be a place to discuss issues and find a solutions. There are teachers and coaches who can assist you in developing an action plan to improve your functioning and reduce the impact of your symptoms.