Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
Finding an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step in managing symptoms that could be detrimental to relationships and at work. A doctor can examine a person's mood, medical history and the presence of any comorbid conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
A formal evaluation involves an interview with the person being assessed. Interviews with family members, colleagues and friends may be conducted to gain more information about the person's past.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD can experience many of these symptoms, but they could affect more areas of life. They may have trouble keeping their jobs, managing relationships and perform well at school, for instance. Some signs of this include difficulty paying attention and snorting or blurting out answers at random, not being able to complete tasks, and missing appointments repeatedly. This condition can also cause financial problems as people are more likely to make careless mistakes or spend too much.
Professionals can assess adults for ADHD by employing a variety of methods. undiagnosed adhd in adults may interview a person's parents and ask them to talk about their childhood experiences. They may review reports and make note of teacher remarks. They can also evaluate an individual's current functioning by interviewing friends, coworkers and family members. They can also take advantage of online ratings or self-tests.
The diagnosis of ADHD as an adult typically requires a higher threshold than that of children - 5 out of 9 signs over the past six months. Symptoms must be present in multiple settings and are not better explained by a mental health issue like anxiety or mood disorders, or by other physical ailments, such as a visual or hearing loss.
It's normal to experience an array of emotions when you receive an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. It can be a relief to finally get an reason for the difficulties that you've struggled with for so long. It can also be a bit upsetting to realize that 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 typically receives treatment with psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In certain cases the doctor may recommend accommodations at work or in everyday activities. Accommodations are adjustments or devices that can be added to the environment around a person to assist them achieve their goals. A step stool may be used by people who are taller than average or a computer program that can help someone who is visually impaired focus on the screen. Adult ADHD is usually treated with behavioral therapy.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD the first step is to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Start by asking your primary care physician or a mental health professional to refer you to a specialist who performs ADHD evaluations. Your doctor will interview you and examine your personal, family and medical background. They will also inquire about the impact of your medical conditions on your life at home, at school and at work.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5, is utilized 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 tasks or activities for long periods of time. Many times, people forget or lose things or has trouble finishing schoolwork, chores and/or work tasks. It is prone to making mistakes at school, work or during leisure activities. is easily distracted by other people or by 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. Interrupts others frequently or talks off-topic. Most often, he is bored and is looking for 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 impact on a person and can make diagnosis more difficult.
Physical examinations are conducted to determine if there are medical conditions that might cause similar symptoms. Some medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid disorders may be similar to ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe you may need to undergo additional testing for neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders. These tests can provide crucial information on how ADHD affects your relationships and functioning. These tests can also reveal any other underlying issues that need to be addressed.
Treatment
Adults are able to benefit from the same therapies as children with ADHD which includes medications, behavioral strategies, life-skills training and therapy. Adults might need to try different drugs but the ones used as children may not be the best fit for them today.
The person with ADHD should see an expert who is trained in the disorder. This could be a primary physician who treats ADHD regularly or a mental health professional like psychologists or psychiatrists. Many insurance plans have online directories of specialists. In addition there is a local support group for those suffering from ADHD or a specialist in mood disorders may be able to recommend the services of a specialist.
After the examination the doctor should then make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. They will be looking to speak with the person about their personal history, and particularly how the symptoms affected them during childhood. If the person is having issues with their job or relationships, a therapist might suggest family or couples' therapy to help them develop the skills to deal with their problems better.
Most people suffering from ADHD can be effectively treated by medication. These are usually small, fast-acting medications that help to reduce the chemical imbalance that causes ADHD. In many cases, a doctor may also prescribe other treatments for related disorders like anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can address issues with time management, impulse control and emotional self-regulation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other individualized interventions, can be offered by therapists who have particular expertise in working with individuals suffering from ADHD.
When adults with ADHD are finally diagnosed, they experience a sense of relief. A good treatment plan can transform their lives to the better. They can be more productive at work or school, or develop healthy and satisfying relationships. Some people are happy to finally receive a diagnosis after years regrets over mistakes made because their symptoms were misdiagnosed or not treated. It is possible that an individual's behavior was influenced by gender identity, race, and socioeconomic status.
Support
It's not too early to seek an assessment and treatment even if you weren't diagnosed with ADHD as an infant. Many specialists specialize in ADHD and can determine if you suffer from mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. They can also rule out other mental health issues physical conditions, stress as the reason for your symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complicated emotions, including sadness over missed opportunities or feelings of relief that you finally have a concrete reason for your problems. Adults suffering from ADHD often feel that they are being judged by others for their actions that aren't really their fault, like forgetfulness or difficulty keeping their work organized. They might also face financial issues, like late payment deadlines or the burden of debt from impulse purchases.
It's not uncommon for people with ADHD to exhibit self-destructive behaviors, such as drug and alcohol abuse, inadequate nutrition, constant stress and tension as well as low self-esteem or problems with their relationships with family and friends. Also, they may have problems with their physical well-being. They might not attend important health checks or medications or are unable to follow medical advice. They have difficulty managing their finances and sustaining jobs due to the fact that they aren't organized, fail to meet corporate expectations and cannot follow the same routine or schedule.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may benefit from therapy or support groups that provide strategies and coping skills to manage the disorder. Specialized ADHD therapists can help adults manage their symptoms, overcome their shortcomings and improve their performance in life. They can also collaborate with family members to discuss how the disorder impacts their relationship and coming up with strategies for supporting their loved ones.
Online communities and peer support can be useful. Websites like Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, workshops and webinars on organizing skills emotional regulation, social interaction. Other online resources include ADHD friendly restaurants, workplace accommodations and classes to improve communication.
Some people with ADHD may also find it beneficial to join support groups for people with ADHD, which can provide ideas and inspiration, and provide an opportunity for discussion of issues and finding solutions. In addition to support groups, there are coaches and teachers who can help you develop a plan for improving your performance and lessening the impact of your symptoms.