Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
The first step in managing adult ADHD symptoms can be to get a diagnosis. These symptoms can be debilitating for relationships and at work. A doctor can assess a person's mood, medical history and the presence of any comorbidities that cause similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
An evaluation includes a structured interview with the person being assessed. Family members, friends and coworkers may also be interviewed to gain an understanding of the person's past.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD may experience a variety of these symptoms, but they can be affected by more aspects of life. They may struggle to keep their jobs, manage their relationships, or do well in school, for example. The signs include trouble paying attention, impulsively interrupting or blurting out answers and not being able to follow up on work assignments and repeatedly ignoring appointments. The condition can also result in financial challenges as people are often prone to make mistakes that are not considered prudent or overspend.
A specialist can evaluate adults for ADHD using a variety methods. They may interview a person's parents and ask them about their childhood experiences. They may look at reports and take notes of teacher comments. They may also gauge an individual's current functioning by interviewing friends, coworkers and family members. They can also conduct online rating or self-tests.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD when they have experienced 5 out of nine symptoms in the last 6 months. The symptoms are present in multiple settings and are not better than a mental health disorder such as a mood or anxiety disorder or by any other physical ailments such as hearing loss or vision problem.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it's normal to experience a variety of emotions. adhd adult diagnosis can be a great relief to finally have a concrete explanation for difficulties you've been struggling with for so long. It can be a bit frustrating to discover that you suffer from a condition of mental health, especially if you've been successful in other areas of your life.
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD will typically receive medication, psychotherapy or other treatments. In certain cases doctors will suggest accommodations at work or in daily activities. Accommodations are tools or adjustments to an individual's environment that allow them to succeed and lessen the effects of their impairment. A step stool may be used by those who are taller than average, or a computer program can aid those who has visual impairments concentrate on their screen. Adult ADHD is often treated with behavioral therapy.
Diagnosis
The first step to determine if you have ADHD is to receive an accurate diagnosis. Ask your primary care doctor or a mental healthcare professional to refer you to a specialist that conducts ADHD assessments. Your doctor will conduct an interview with you and go over all of your medical, family and personal history. They will also ask you about the impact of your medical conditions on your daily routine at home, at school 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 trouble staying focused on tasks or activities for long periods of time. Often forgets, loses things or has difficulty completing chores, schoolwork or other tasks. It is prone to making errors at work, school or in leisure activities. Can easily be distracted by others or everyday 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. Sometimes interrupts others or speaks out of turn. Sometimes, they get bored and is looking for excitement or novelty. Frequently gets into fights or arguments or acts without considering 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 may have their own effects on a person and can complicate diagnosis.
A physical exam is performed to determine if there are medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Certain medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, may mimic ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe, you may need to undergo additional testing for neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders. These tests can give you important information about how ADHD affects your functioning and relationships. These tests can also identify any other underlying issues that need to addressed.
Treatment
The same methods that children with ADHD receive, such as medications, behavior strategies life skills training, medication and therapy -- typically work for adults as well. Adults may need to test different drugs but the ones used as children may not be the best fit for them at the moment.
The person suffering from ADHD should see a specialist who is knowledgeable about the disorder. This could be a primary care physician who routinely treats ADHD or a mental health professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Many insurance plans have online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a specialist doctor who specializes in mood disorders can also recommend the services of a specialist.
After the examination, the doctor will make an assessment and prescribe a treatment. The doctor will want to talk with the patient about their personal history, and particularly how symptoms affected them in the early years of their life. If someone is having issues with their job or relationships, a therapist might suggest couples' or family therapy to help them develop the skills to cope better.
The most effective treatment is medication. treatment for the majority of adults suffering from ADHD. These are generally small, fast-acting medications that reduce the chemical imbalance in the brain that triggers ADHD. Many doctors prescribe additional treatments for similar conditions such as depression or anxiousness.
Behavioral therapy can help solve issues with time management and control of impulses, organization and emotional self-regulation. Therapists with specific expertise in working with individuals suffering from ADHD can offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other customized interventions.
Some adults with ADHD feel great relief when they finally are diagnosed. A good treatment plan can drastically alter their lives for the better. They will be more productive at work or school, or develop healthier and more satisfying relationships. Some people are relieved to finally receive an appointment after years of regrets over the mistakes they made due to their symptoms being misdiagnosed or not treated. It is possible that an individual's behavior was influenced by gender identity, race, and socioeconomic status.
Support
If you were never diagnosed with ADHD as a child, it's not too late to seek an evaluation and treatment. Many professionals are certified in ADHD and can tell if your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. They can also rule out other mental health disorders physical conditions, stress as the reason for 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 reason for your problems. 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 be struggling with financial issues, such as not paying on time or accumulating debt due to the impulsive spending.
Adults with ADHD are not typically involved in self-destructive behavior, which includes alcohol and drug abuse. Other self-destructive behavior includes poor nutrition as well as stress and tension that is constant and low self-esteem, or issues with their relationships with their family and friends. They also may have trouble 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, due to their difficulty with organization and meeting corporate requirements and sticking to a schedule or routine.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may benefit from therapy and support groups which teach coping skills and strategies to live with the disorder. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can help them manage their symptoms, find ways to compensate for their weaknesses, and enhance their lives. They also can work closely with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationship and coming up with strategies for supporting their loved one.
Online community and peer support can also be beneficial. Sites such as 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 sources include ADHD-friendly restaurants, workplace accommodations, and classes on improving communication.
Many people suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from join support groups. These groups can be a fantastic source of ideas and inspiration, and also provide a platform for discussing issues and finding a 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.