Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
Finding an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step in managing symptoms that can be a hindrance in relationships and at work. A doctor can evaluate the person's mood and medical history, and whether there are any co-morbid conditions, such as anxiety or depression, that could cause similar symptoms.
An evaluation includes a structured interview with the person being evaluated. Interviews with family members, colleagues and friends are possible to get more information about the person's past.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD can experience many of these symptoms, but they may affect more areas of life. They may struggle to maintain their jobs, manage their relationships, or perform well in school, for example. Some signs of this include difficulty paying attention to their surroundings, fumbling or mumbling answers in a hurry, failing to complete work tasks, and a tendency to miss appointments frequently. This condition can also cause financial problems as people are more likely to commit mistakes or overspend.
Professionals can evaluate adults for ADHD using a variety of methods. They can interview the parents of an individual and ask about their childhood. They might also review reports and record teacher remarks. Interviewing family, friends, and coworkers can be used to assess an individual's current functioning. They can also take advantage of online ratings or self-tests.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD if they have experienced 5 out of 9 symptoms in the last six months. The symptoms must manifest at multiple times and are not explained by other mental health conditions, such anxiety or mood disorder, as well as physical ailments like hearing loss or a visual impairment.
It's normal to experience a range of emotions after receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. It can be a great relief to finally get an reason for the difficulties you've been struggling with for so long. It can also be a bit upsetting to realize you have an illness of the mind, especially when you've had success in other areas of your life.
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is typically treated with psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In some cases doctors may recommend accommodations for work or daily activities. Accommodations are tools or changes to an individual's environment that help them succeed and minimize the impact of their impairment. Examples include an incline step for someone who is smaller than average or a computer program that allows someone with vision limitations to concentrate on the screen. Adult ADHD is often treated with behavioral therapy.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD, the first step is to get an accurate diagnosis. Consult your primary care physician or a mental health professional to refer you to a specialist that does ADHD assessments. Your doctor will conduct an interview with you and will review your medical personal, family and medical background. They will also inquire about the effects of your symptoms on your life at home, school and work.
Your doctor will use the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines that are 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: Has difficulty staying focused on activities and tasks for long periods of time. Often forgets, loses things or has difficulty completing chores, schoolwork or other tasks. Many times, they make mistakes at work, school or in leisure activities. Gets easily distracted by others or the daily activities. It is often a daydreamer, and appears to be on autopilot, or loses track 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. Frequently gets bored quickly and seeks out excitement or a sense of novelty. Frequently engages in fights or arguments 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 their effects on an individual, and complicate the diagnosis.
A physical exam is conducted to rule out medical conditions that might cause similar symptoms. Certain medical conditions, like seizures and thyroid disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe and severe, additional neuropsychological, psychosocial and/or learning disabilities testing may be used to help make the diagnosis. These tests can provide crucial information on the ways in the way that your ADHD affects your behavior and relationships. These tests can also reveal any other underlying problems that need to addressed.
Treatment
Adults are able to benefit from the same therapies that children who suffer from ADHD which includes treatment and behavioral strategies, life-skills training and therapy. Adults may need to test different medications, however, because those taken as a child may not be the most appropriate for them today.
The person suffering from ADHD should consult a specialist who is knowledgeable about the disorder. This could be a primary doctor who treats ADHD regularly or a mental healthcare specialist such as psychologists or psychiatrists. Many insurance companies offer online directories of specialists. In addition local support groups for people suffering from ADHD or an expert in mood disorders might be capable of recommending the services of a specialist.
After the examination, the doctor will determine an assessment and prescribe a treatment. He or she will likely want to talk with the individual about their history, especially how their symptoms affected them in childhood. Therapists may suggest couples' or even family therapy if a person struggles with their career or in their relationships.
The most effective treatment is medication. treatment for most adults with ADHD. These are generally small, fast-acting medications that can reduce the imbalance of chemicals within the brain that causes ADHD. Many doctors prescribe other medication for the same condition such as anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can help in time management, impulse control, and emotional self-regulation. Therapists with specialized expertise in working with individuals suffering from ADHD can offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with other customized interventions.
A few adults suffering from ADHD feel great relief when they finally are diagnosed. The right treatment plan can drastically alter their lives to the better. They can be more productive at work or in school, or establish a healthy and satisfying relationships. For some, the diagnosis can bring closure to years of regrets about mistakes they made in the past because their issues went undiagnosed or treated poorly. It is possible that the person's behavior has been influenced by his or her gender identity, race, and socioeconomic status.
Support
If you weren't diagnosed with ADHD as an infant, it's not too late to seek an evaluation and treatment. Many specialists specialize in ADHD and can determine whether you have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. They can also rule out other mental health issues or physical ailments, as well as stress as a cause of your symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can bring up complicated emotions, including sadness over missed opportunities or feelings of relief knowing that you finally have a concrete explanation for your difficulties. Adults suffering from ADHD often feel that they are being judged by others for behaviors that aren't their fault, such as the inability to keep their work schedules. They may also struggle with financial issues, like late payment deadlines or the accumulation of debt due to the impulsive spending.
It's not unusual for adults with ADHD to engage in self-destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, chronic stress and tension as well as low self-esteem or problems with their relationships with family members and friends. adhd diagnosis in adults might also be struggling with physical well-being and health, for example, ignoring important checkups and medications, or having difficulty following medical guidelines and procedures. They are having trouble managing their finances and keeping their jobs because they aren't organized, fail to meet corporate expectations and cannot stick to a routine or schedule.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from support groups and therapy that teach coping skills and strategies for dealing with their condition. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can help them manage their symptoms, figure out ways to overcome their weaknesses, and improve their overall functioning. They also can work closely with family members, discussing how the disorder impacts their relationship and coming up with strategies to support their loved one.
Online communities and peer support are also useful. Sites like 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 resources include ADHD-friendly restaurants workplace accommodations, and classes for improving communication.
Certain people with ADHD are also able to join support groups for people with ADHD which can provide ideas and inspiration, and provide a platform for discussing challenges and finding solutions. There are also coaches and teachers that can help you create an action plan to improve your functioning and lessen the effects of your symptoms.