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 a problem for relationships and at work. A doctor can evaluate the mood of a person, their medical history and the presence of any comorbidities that trigger similar symptoms such as depression or anxiety.
A formal evaluation involves an interview with the person being assessed. Interviews with family members, coworkers and friends may be conducted to gain more information about the person's past.
Symptoms
Adults who suffer from ADHD might experience many of the same symptoms as children, but those behaviors can affect more aspects of their lives. They may struggle to keep their jobs, coordinating relationships and perform well at school, for example. Signs of trouble include inattention and impulsively interrupting or uttering answers in a blur, failing to follow the instructions of work and repeatedly missing appointments. This can lead to financial issues as people are more likely to make errors or overspend.
A specialist can evaluate adults for ADHD by using a variety of methods. They may interview a person's parents and ask them about their childhood experiences. They might also review report cards and note teacher remarks. Interviewing family members, friends and coworkers can be used to determine the current performance of an individual. They may also utilize online rating or self-tests.
The diagnosis of ADHD as an adult typically requires a higher level of suspicion than that of children - 5 out of 9 symptoms over the past 6 months. The symptoms must manifest at multiple times and not better explained by other mental health disorders such as a mood disorder or anxiety disorder, as well as physical conditions such as hearing loss or a vision issue.
It's normal to feel a range of emotions when you receive an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. It's a feeling of relief when you finally discover a concrete reason for the issues you've been struggling with for so many years. It can be very upsetting to realize that you have mental health issues particularly when you've experienced success in other areas of your life.
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In some cases doctors may suggest accommodations for work or everyday activities. Accommodations are the tools or modifications to an individual's environment that help them succeed and lessen the impact of their impairment. Examples include an incline step for someone who is shorter than average or a computer program that allows someone with vision limitations to focus on the screen. Adult ADHD is usually treated with behavioral therapy.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you have ADHD the first step is to make an accurate diagnosis. Consult your primary care physician or a mental healthcare professional to refer you to a specialist who performs ADHD assessments. The doctor will interview you and review your family, personal and medical background. They will also ask you about the impact of your medical conditions on your daily routine at school, home and at work.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (also known as 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: Has difficulty staying focused on activities and tasks for a long time. Many times, people forget or lose things or has difficulty finishing schoolwork, chores and/or work tasks. Many times, they make mistakes when doing school, at work, or during leisure activities. Can easily be distracted by other people or daily activities. The person often daydreams, 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. Talks frequently to others or interrupts them off-topic. Often gets bored quickly and is in search of excitement or a new experience. In many cases, they get into disputes 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 effects on an individual and complicate diagnosis.
A physical exam is typically conducted to rule out medical issues that could cause similar symptoms. Certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid disorders, can mimic ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe, you may need to undergo additional testing for learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can provide important information about the ways in the way that your ADHD affects your behavior and relationships. These tests can also identify any other underlying problems that require attention.
Treatment
Adults are able to benefit from the same therapies as children with ADHD which includes treatment as well as behavioral strategies, life skills training, and therapy. Adults may have to consider other medications because the ones they took as children might not be right for them at the moment.
A specialist in ADHD should be sought out by those suffering from ADHD. This could be a primary care doctor who is regularly treating ADHD or a mental health professional, such as psychiatrists or psychologists. A lot of insurance plans have online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a doctor specializing in mood disorders could recommend a specialist.
After the exam, the doctor will come up with an assessment and prescribe a treatment. They may also want to discuss the history of the patient, including how symptoms affected him or her during childhood. If the person is experiencing difficulties in their work or relationships, a therapist might suggest couples' or family therapy to help them learn to cope better.
Medication is the most effective treatment for most adults with ADHD. These are typically small, fast-acting medications that reduce the chemical imbalance in the brain that causes ADHD. adhd undiagnosed in adults prescribe additional medication for the same condition such as anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can help improve problems with time management, control of impulses, organization and emotional self-regulation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as other specific interventions, can be offered by therapists who have particular expertise in working with those suffering from ADHD.
When people with ADHD are finally diagnosed, they experience a sense of relief. A proper treatment plan can transform their lives in a dramatic way. They will be more productive at work or in school, or develop healthy and satisfying relationships. Many people are pleased to finally get a diagnosis after years of regrets over mistakes they made due to their symptoms being not properly diagnosed or treated. 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 were not diagnosed with ADHD as in your early years. Many professionals are certified in ADHD and can tell whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. They can also rule out other mental disorders, physical issues and stress out as the root cause of 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 who suffer from ADHD often feel like they're being criticized by others for actions that aren't their fault, like inattention or having difficulty keeping their work schedules. They may also be struggling with financial issues, like late payment deadlines or the accumulation of debt due to impulsive spending.
Adults suffering from ADHD are not uncommon to engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as drinking and using drugs. Other self-destructive behaviors include poor nutrition as well as stress and tension that is constant, low self-esteem or difficulties in their relationships with family and friends. They might also be struggling with their physical health and health, for example, ignoring important health checks and medications, or having difficulty following medical instructions and procedures. They are often struggling to sustain their jobs and managing their finances, because they struggle with organization, meeting corporate expectations, and adhering to a plan or routine.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from support groups and therapy that teach coping skills and strategies for living with their condition. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can assist them in managing their symptoms, figure out ways to overcome their weaknesses, and improve their overall functioning. They can also collaborate with family members in discussing how the disorder affects their relationship, and come up with strategies to support the person they love dearly.
Online community and peer support can also be beneficial. Websites like Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, workshops and webinars on organizing skills as well as emotional regulation and social interaction. Other online resources include ADHD friendly restaurants, workplace accommodations and classes to improve communication.
Some people who suffer from ADHD are also able to join support groups for those with ADHD, which can provide ideas and inspiration, and provide an opportunity to discuss issues and finding solutions. There are teachers and coaches who can help you develop an action plan to improve your functioning and lessen the impact of your symptoms.