Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
Finding an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step towards managing symptoms that can be detrimental to relationships and work. A doctor can examine a person's mood, medical history and the presence of any comorbidities that trigger similar symptoms such as depression or anxiety.
A structured interview is an essential part of an evaluation. Interviews with family members, colleagues and friends may be conducted to gain an understanding of the person's past.
Signs and symptoms
Adults who suffer from ADHD are likely to experience many of these symptoms, but they could affect more aspects of our lives. They may struggle to keep their jobs, maintain their relationships, or perform well in school, for example. Symptoms can include attention issues to their surroundings, fumbling or mumbling answers in a hurry, failing to complete work tasks, and frequently missing appointments. This condition can also lead to financial difficulties as people are more likely to make mistakes or overspend.
A professional can test adults for ADHD using a variety of methods. They can interview parents and ask them to talk about their childhood experiences. They might also look over reports and make note of comments from teachers. Interviewing family, friends, and coworkers can be used to evaluate the current performance of an individual. They may also utilize self-tests or online ratings.
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 at multiple times and not better explained by mental health disorders such as a mood disorder or anxiety disorder, or physical ailments like hearing loss or a vision problem.
It's normal to feel various emotions after receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. It can be a great relief to finally have an explanation for difficulties you've been struggling with for a long time. It can be difficult to learn that you have an illness of mental health even when you've been successful in other areas of your life.
Someone diagnosed with ADHD typically receives medication, psychotherapy or other treatments. In some instances the doctor may recommend accommodations for work or everyday activities. Accommodations are the tools or modifications to the environment of a person that can help them achieve their goals and minimize the negative impact of their disability. Examples include a step stool for someone who is shorter than average or a computer program that allows people with vision limitations to focus on the screen. The use of behavioral therapy is also a popular treatment for adults with ADHD.
Diagnosis
The first step in determining whether you suffer from ADHD is to get 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 evaluations. Your doctor will interview you and examine your personal, family and medical background. They will also inquire about the effects of your medical conditions on your daily routine 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: Having trouble staying focused on activities and tasks for long periods of time. Sometimes, they forget things, or has difficulty completing chores, schoolwork and/or work tasks. Makes frequent errors at work, school or during leisure activities. is easily distracted by other people or by everyday activities. Frequently daydreams, seems 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. Frequently interrupts others or talks in a non-linear manner. Sometimes, they get bored and seeks excitement or a new experience. In most cases, they engage 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 conditions can have effects on individuals and may make it difficult to diagnose.
A physical exam is conducted to determine if there are medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Certain medical conditions, like seizures and thyroid disorders could be similar to ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe, you may need to undergo additional tests for learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders. These tests can give you important information about how ADHD affects your relationships and functioning. They can also help identify any other underlying issues that require to be addressed.
Treatment
The same treatments that children with ADHD receive - medications, behavior strategies, life skills training and therapy -- usually are effective for adults too. Adults might need to try different medications but the ones that were used as children might not be the right fit for them now.
A specialist in ADHD should be an individual who suffers from ADHD. This may be a primary care physician who is regularly treating ADHD or an expert in mental health, such as psychiatrists or psychologists. Many insurance companies provide 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 in a position to recommend an expert.
After the examination, the doctor will determine an assessment and prescribe a treatment. He or she may want to discuss the background of the patient, including how problems affected them in childhood. Therapists might suggest couples' or even family therapy if the person is having difficulty in their work or relationships.
Medication is the most effective treatment for most adults with ADHD. These are generally small, fast-acting drugs that help to reduce the chemical imbalance in the brain that causes ADHD. Many doctors 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. Therapists with specific expertise in working with people with ADHD can offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other individualized interventions.
When people with ADHD are finally diagnosed, they feel an immense relief. adhd diagnoses can transform their lives in a dramatic way. They can be more productive at work or school, or build a healthier and more satisfying relationships. For certain people, diagnosis brings closure to the years of regrets over the mistakes they made in the past because their issues went undiagnosed or treated poorly. It is possible that the person's behavior has been affected by his or her gender identity, race and socioeconomic status.
Support
If you were never diagnosed with ADHD as an infant, it's not enough time to seek an evaluation and treatment. 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 as the reason for symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complex feelings, such as regret over missed opportunities or relief that you now have a solid explanation for your difficulties. Adults who suffer from ADHD often feel that they are being judged by others for behaviors that aren't their fault, like inattention or having difficulty keeping their work in order. They may also have financial problems, such as the late payment deadlines or a debt due to impulsive purchases.
It's not uncommon for adults with ADHD to exhibit self-destructive behaviors, such as drug and alcohol abuse, inadequate nutrition, constant stress and tension and low self-esteem. They may also experience problems in their relationships with family and friends. They may also have issues with physical well-being and health, for example, ignoring important checkups and medications, or having difficulty following the medical guidelines and procedures. They are having trouble managing their finances and maintaining jobs because they aren't organized, don't meet corporate expectations and cannot adhere to the same routine or schedule.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from support and therapy groups that teach coping strategies and strategies for dealing with their disorder. Specialist ADHD therapy can help adults manage their symptoms, compensate for their weaknesses and improve their functioning in life. They can also work closely with family members, discussing how the disorder impacts their relationship and coming up with strategies for supporting the person they love dearly.
Online community and peer support can also be helpful. Sites such as Sheila Henson or Neuroqueer offer workshops, webinars, and 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 for improving communication.
Some people who suffer from ADHD may also find it beneficial to join support groups for people with ADHD that can provide ideas and inspiration, as well as a platform for discussing challenges and finding solutions. There are also teachers and coaches who can help you create an action plan to improve your functioning and reduce the impact of your symptoms.