Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
Getting an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step towards managing symptoms that could be debilitating in relationships and work. A doctor can assess the person's mood, medical history and the presence of comorbid conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
A structured interview is part of an evaluation. Family members, friends and coworkers can also be interviewed to get perspective on the person's history.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD may experience a variety of these symptoms, but they can affect more areas of life. They may have difficulty keeping their jobs, manage their relationships, or do well in school, for instance. diagnosis for adhd in adults of trouble include inattention to the present, frequent interruptions or blurting out answers or not following through on work tasks and repeatedly missing appointments. The condition can also cause financial difficulties because people are more likely to make mistakes that are not considered prudent or overspend.
A professional may evaluate adults for ADHD by using a variety of methods. They can speak with the parents of an individual and ask about their childhood. They might also look over reports and make note of comments from teachers. Interviewing friends, family and coworkers can be used to evaluate the current performance of an individual. They can also conduct online rating or self-tests.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD if they have had 5 of nine symptoms in the past 6 months. The symptoms should be present in a variety of contexts and cannot be explained by a mental health issue such as an anxiety or mood disorder or by any other physical issues, such as a hearing loss or a vision issue.
It's normal to experience a range of emotions after receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. It can be a relief to finally get an explanation for the issues you've been struggling with for so long. It can also be upsetting to discover that you suffer from a mental health condition even if you've had success in other areas of your life.
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is usually treated with medication, psychotherapy or other treatments. In some cases doctors may suggest adjustments for work or daily activities. Accommodations are the tools or modifications to the environment of a person that help them succeed and lessen the effects of their impairment. Examples include a step stool for someone who is less than average, or an application for computers that allows people with vision difficulties to concentrate on the screen. Behavioral therapy is also a popular treatment for adults with ADHD.
Diagnosis
The first step to determine if you have ADHD is to receive an accurate diagnosis. You can begin by asking your primary care physician or a mental health professional for a referral to a specialist that can perform ADHD assessments. Your doctor will conduct an interview with you and will review your medical, family and personal information. Your doctor will also ask about your health issues and how they affect your life at work, school and at home.
Your doctor will refer to the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines, published 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 and tasks for long periods of time. Sometimes, they forget things, or has difficulty completing schoolwork, chores and/or work tasks. It is prone to making mistakes at work, school or during leisure activities. is easily distracted by others or everyday activities. Daydreams a lot, appears to be on autopilot, or loses 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 out of turn. Often gets bored easily and seeks 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 conditions can have effects on an individual and may make it difficult to diagnose.
A physical exam is generally done to rule out any medical issues that could cause similar symptoms. Certain medical issues, like thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, can cause ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe and severe, additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or learning disabilities tests could be performed to aid in making the diagnosis. These tests can provide crucial information on the ways in the way that your ADHD affects your functioning and relationships. These tests can also reveal any other underlying problems that need to be addressed.
Treatment
Adults may benefit from the same therapies as children who have ADHD which includes medication, behavioral strategies, life-skills training and therapy. Adults may need to test different medications but the ones used as children may not be the most appropriate for them at the moment.
A specialist in ADHD should be consulted by the person with ADHD. This could be a primary-care doctor who routinely treats ADHD or an expert in mental health, like psychiatrist or psychologist. Many insurance companies provide online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a doctor with expertise in mood disorders can also recommend an expert.
After the examination, the doctor will come up with a diagnosis and prescribe a treatment. The doctor may wish to discuss the history of the patient and how the problems affected them in the early years of their life. Therapists might suggest couples' or even family therapy if a person is struggling in their career or in relationships.
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD can be effectively treated through medication. These are typically small, fast-acting medications that can reduce the imbalance of chemicals in the brain that triggers ADHD. In many instances, a doctor may also prescribe other medication to treat the underlying condition like anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can help improve problems with time management and control of impulses, organization and emotional self-regulation. Therapists with specific expertise in working with individuals suffering from ADHD can provide cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and other customized interventions.
Some adults with ADHD feel a great relief when they are finally diagnosed. The right treatment plan can dramatically change their lives for the better. They can be more productive at work or school, or establish a healthier and more satisfying relationships. For certain people, diagnosis brings closure to the years of regrets over mistakes they've made in the past due to their symptoms going undiagnosed or treated poorly. It is possible that a person's behavior was influenced by their gender identity, race, and socioeconomic status.
Support
It's not too late to seek an assessment and treatment even if you weren't diagnosed with ADHD when you were an infant. Many professionals are trained in ADHD and can tell whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. They can also rule out other mental health issues physical conditions, stress as the reason for your symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD could trigger a variety of complicated emotions, like grief over missed chances or relief that you have a reason for your difficulties. Adults suffering from ADHD often feel like they're being criticized by others for their actions that aren't really their fault, like forgetfulness or difficulty keeping their work schedules. They might also have financial issues, such as missing payment deadlines or accruing debt from the impulsive spending.
Adults suffering from ADHD are not uncommon to engage in self-destructive behavior, including alcohol and drug abuse. Other self-destructive behaviors include poor nutrition and stress, chronic tension as well as low self-esteem and issues in their relationships with friends and family. They might also be struggling with physical well-being, such as neglecting important medical checkups and medication, or having difficulty following medical guidelines and procedures. They are often struggling to sustain their jobs and managing their finances, because they struggle with organization, meeting corporate expectations, and sticking to a schedule or routine.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from support groups and therapy which teach coping skills and strategies for living with their disorder. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can help them manage their symptoms, discover ways to compensate for their weaknesses, and enhance their overall functioning. They can also collaborate with family members, discussing how the disorder impacts their relationship and coming up with strategies to support their loved ones.
Peer support and online communities can be extremely 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-friendly restaurants, workplace accommodations, and classes on improving communication.
Some people with ADHD also find it useful to join support groups for those with ADHD, which can provide ideas and inspiration, as well as a platform for discussing challenges and finding solutions. There are also coaches and teachers that can assist you in developing an action plan to improve your performance and reduce the impact of your symptoms.