Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
The process of obtaining an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step in managing symptoms that could be detrimental to relationships and at work. A doctor can evaluate the mood of a person, their medical history and the presence of any comorbidities that can cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
A structured interview is part of an evaluation. Family members, friends and colleagues may also be interviewed to get insight into the history of the person being evaluated.
Symptoms
Adults who suffer from ADHD may suffer from many of the same symptoms as children, but the behaviors they exhibit can affect different aspects of their lives. They may struggle to keep their jobs, manage their relationships, or do well in school, for example. Some signs of this include attention issues to their surroundings, fumbling or mumbling answers in a hurry, failing to complete work tasks, and frequently missing appointments. The condition can also cause financial problems since people are more likely to make careless mistakes or overspend.
A professional can test adults for ADHD by using a variety of methods. They can interview the parents of a person and inquire about their childhood. They can also review their the report cards and take note of comments from teachers. Interviewing family members, friends and coworkers can be used to assess the performance of an individual. They can also take advantage of online ratings or self-tests.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD if they have had 5 of 9 symptoms over the last six months. The symptoms must be present multiple times and are not explained by other mental health conditions like a mood disorder or anxiety disorder, or physical ailments like hearing loss or a visual impairment.
It's normal to feel various emotions when you receive an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. It can be a great relief to finally have a concrete explanation for the issues that you've struggled with for a long time. adhd undiagnosed in adults can be difficult to find out that you suffer from mental health issues even when you've been successful in other areas of your life.
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD will typically receive psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In some cases doctors may recommend adjustments for work or daily activities. Accommodations are modifications or devices that can be added to a person's surroundings to help them achieve their goals. Examples include an incline step for someone who is smaller than average, or computer programs that allow those with visual impairments to concentrate on the screen. Adult ADHD is usually treated with behavioral therapy.
Diagnosis
The first step in determining whether you suffer from ADHD is to receive an accurate diagnosis. You can start by asking your primary care physician or mental health professional for a referral to a specialist who can conduct ADHD assessments. The doctor will interview you and examine your family, personal and medical background. They will also inquire about the effects of your medical conditions on your daily life at home, school and work.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5, is utilized by your doctor to determine if 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. Sometimes, they forget things, or has trouble finishing chores, schoolwork and/or work tasks. Makes frequent errors at work, school or in leisure activities. Is easily distracted, either by other people or daily activities. The person often daydreams, 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. Sometimes interrupts others or speaks off-topic. Often gets bored easily and seeks excitement or a new experience. Sometimes, he gets involved in fights, arguments or even 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 may complicate diagnosis.
A physical exam is typically performed to rule out any medical problems that might cause similar symptoms. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders and seizures, could be similar to ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe, you may require additional testing for learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders or psychological disorders. These tests can provide important details about the ways how your ADHD affects your behavior and relationships. They can also help you identify any other underlying issues that need to be addressed.
Treatment
The same treatment that children with ADHD receive - medications, behavior strategies training in life skills, and therapy -usually work for adults as well. Adults might need to try different medications, however, because those taken as a child may not be the best fit for them today.
A specialist in ADHD should be sought out by those suffering from ADHD. This can be a primary doctor who treats ADHD regularly or a mental health specialist such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Many insurance companies offer online directories of specialists. Additionally, a local support group for those suffering from ADHD or an expert in mood disorders may be able to recommend an expert.
After the examination, the doctor will make a diagnosis and prescribe a treatment. They will be looking to speak with the patient about their history, especially how their symptoms affected them in childhood. Therapists may suggest couples' or even family therapy if the individual is struggling in their career or in relationships.
Medication is the most effective treatment for the majority of adults suffering from ADHD. These are generally small, fast-acting medications that can reduce the imbalance of chemicals in the brain that causes ADHD. In many instances, a doctor will also prescribe other treatments for related disorders such as depression or anxiety.
Behavioral therapy can help solve issues with time management and organization, impulse control and emotional self-regulation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other individualized interventions, can be delivered by therapists with particular expertise working with those suffering from ADHD.
When adults with ADHD are finally diagnosed, they experience an immense relief. The right treatment plan can dramatically change their lives for the better. They can be more productive at work or school, or develop healthy and satisfying relationships. For some, the diagnosis brings closure to the years of regrets about mistakes they made in their past because their symptoms went undiagnosed or not treated. It is possible that the patient's behavior is influenced by his or her gender identity, race, and socioeconomic status.
Support
It's not too early to get an assessment and treatment if you were not diagnosed with ADHD as a child. A lot of professionals specialize in ADHD and can determine whether you have mild or moderate symptoms. They can also rule out other mental disorders, physical issues and stress out as the 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 struggles. Adults with ADHD may feel criticized for actions they aren't responsible for, such as inattention and difficulty organising their work. They may also struggle with financial issues, such as missing payment deadlines or accruing debt as a result of the impulsive spending.
Adults suffering from ADHD are not uncommon to engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as drinking and using drugs. Other self-destructive behavior includes poor nutrition as well as stress and tension that is constant, low self-esteem or difficulties with their relationships with friends and family. Additionally, they could be struggling with their physical well-being. They may neglect vital health checks or medications or struggle to follow the medical guidelines. They may have difficulty maintaining jobs and managing their finances, because they have trouble with organization and meeting corporate standards and adhering to a schedule or routine.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from support groups or therapy that provide strategies and techniques for living with the disorder. Specialist ADHD therapy can help adults manage their symptoms, improve their shortcomings and improve their performance in everyday life. They can also collaborate with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationship and come up with strategies for supporting their loved ones.
Online communities and peer support can be useful. Sites such as Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, workshops, and webinars on organizational skills emotional regulation, social interaction. Other online sources include ADHD accommodating establishments, workplace accommodations, and classes to improve communication.
Some people who suffer from ADHD are also able to join support groups for people with ADHD that can be a source of ideas and inspiration, and also provide an opportunity to discuss issues and finding solutions. In addition to support groups there are coaches and teachers who can help you create a plan to improve your functioning and reducing the impact of your symptoms.