Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
The first step in addressing adult ADHD symptoms is to be diagnosed. These symptoms can be debilitating for relationships and at work. A doctor can assess the person's mood and medical background, and also whether there are any co-morbid conditions, such anxiety or depression, that can cause similar symptoms.
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 suffering from ADHD are likely to experience many of these symptoms, but they could affect more areas of life. They may struggle to keep their jobs, maintain their relationships, or do well in school, for example. Signs of trouble include inattention, impulsively interrupting or blurting out answers or not following through on work tasks and repeatedly ignoring appointments. The condition can also lead to financial challenges as people are often prone to make mistakes that are not considered prudent or overspend.
A professional can test adults for ADHD by using a variety of methods. They may speak with a person's parents and ask them about their childhood experiences. They may look at reports and take notes of teacher remarks. They may also gauge the performance of an individual by interviewing co-workers, friends and family. adhd diagnosing can also use online ratings or self-tests.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD when they've had 5 of 9 symptoms over the past 6 months. The symptoms must be present multiple times and cannot be better explained by other mental health disorders like a mood disorder or anxiety disorder, or physical conditions such as hearing loss or a visual impairment.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it's normal to experience a variety of emotions. It can be a relief to finally get an reason for the difficulties you've had to face for a long time. It can be difficult to find out that you suffer from a condition of mental health particularly when you've had success in other areas of your life.
Someone diagnosed with ADHD is usually treated with treatment with psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In some instances, doctors will recommend accommodations for work or everyday activities. Accommodations are modifications or devices that can be made to the environment of a person to help them succeed. A step stool may be utilized by people who are taller than average, or a computer program that can assist people who is visually impaired focus on the screen. Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for adults with ADHD.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you have ADHD, the first step is to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Contact your primary care physician or a mental healthcare professional to refer you to a specialist that does ADHD assessments. Your doctor will conduct an interview and examine your family, personal and medical history. Your doctor will also ask about your health issues and how they affect your daily life at work, school and at home.
Your doctor will use the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines published in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to determine if you fulfill 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. Trouble finishing chores, assignments or schoolwork. It is prone to making mistakes at school, work or in leisure activities. is easily distracted by other people or their daily activities. Often, they daydream, appear 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. Often interrupts other people or talks out of turn. Often, they get bored quickly and seeks out excitement or a sense of novelty. Sometimes, he gets involved in fights or arguments without weighing 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 it difficult to diagnose.
Physical examinations are conducted to rule out medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Certain medical issues, like thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, may mimic ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe, you may require additional tests for learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders. These tests can provide important information about how ADHD affects your relationships and functioning. These tests can also help identify any other underlying issues that need to be addressed.
Treatment
The same treatments that children with ADHD receive -- medication, behavioral strategies life skills training, medication and therapy -- usually work for adults, too. Adults may need to test different medications however, as the ones used as children may not be the most appropriate for them today.
The person with ADHD should consult a specialist trained in the disorder. This can be a primary doctor who treats ADHD regularly or a mental healthcare professional such as psychologists or psychiatrists. Many insurance companies have online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a specialist doctor who specializes in mood disorders could recommend a specialist.
After the examination, the doctor will make an assessment and prescribe a treatment. He or she may want to talk about the past of the patient, including how issues affected them during childhood. If someone is having difficulty in their job or relationships, a therapist may suggest couples' or family therapy to help them develop the skills to cope better.
Medication is the most effective treatment for most adults with ADHD. These are generally small, fast-acting drugs that can reduce the imbalance of chemicals within the brain that causes ADHD. Many doctors prescribe additional treatments for similar conditions such as depression or anxiousness.
Behavioral therapy can improve issues in time management, 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 people suffering from ADHD are finally diagnosed, they feel an immense relief. A good treatment plan can drastically alter their lives for the better. They will be more productive at work or in school, or develop healthier and more fulfilling relationship. For certain people, diagnosis brings closure to years of regrets over mistakes they've made in the past because their issues went undiagnosed or treated poorly. It is also possible that the individual's behavior has been affected by their gender identity, race, and socioeconomic status.
Support
If you were never diagnosed with ADHD as a child, it's not too late to get an assessment and treatment. Many professionals are certified in ADHD and can tell if your symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. They can also rule other mental disorders, physical ailments and stress out as the cause of symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complex emotions, such as grief over missed opportunities or feelings of relief knowing that you have an explanation for your struggles. Adults with ADHD often feel as if they're being judged by others for their actions that aren't really their own fault, such as the inability to keep their work organized. They may also be struggling with financial issues, such as not paying on time or accumulating debt from impulsive spending.
It's not uncommon for adults with ADHD to exhibit self-destructive behaviors such as drug or alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, chronic tension and stress as well as low self-esteem or problems in their relationships with family and friends. Additionally, they could have problems with their physical well-being. They might not attend important health checks or medications or struggle to follow the medical guidelines. They may have trouble managing their finances and keeping their jobs because they aren't organized, fail to conform to corporate standards and do not adhere to an established routine or schedule.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy or support groups that provide strategies and coping skills to manage the disorder. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can assist them in managing their symptoms, discover ways to compensate for their weaknesses, and enhance their life functioning. They are also able to work with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationships and devise strategies for helping their loved one.
Online community and peer support can also be helpful. Sites like 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 resources include ADHD-friendly restaurants, workplace accommodations, and classes on improving communication.
Some people with ADHD find it helpful to join support groups. These groups can be an excellent source of inspiration and ideas, and they provide a forum for discussing issues and finding a solution. There are also teachers and coaches who can help you create an action plan to improve your performance and lessen the effects of your symptoms.