Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
Finding an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step in managing symptoms that can be debilitating in relationships and at work. A doctor will assess the person's mood and medical background, and also whether there are any co-morbid conditions, such as anxiety or depression, that can cause similar symptoms.
An organized interview is a part of an evaluation. Family members, friends and colleagues can also be interviewed to gain insight into the history of the person being evaluated.
Signs and symptoms
Adults who suffer from ADHD may suffer from many of the same symptoms as children, however the behaviors they exhibit can affect different areas of their lives. They may struggle to keep their jobs, coordinating relationships, and do well in school, for example. Signs of trouble include inattention to the present, frequent interruptions or blurting out answers or not following the instructions of work and frequently missing appointments. This can lead to financial problems because people are more likely to make careless mistakes or spend too much.
adhd diagnosing may evaluate adults for ADHD using a variety methods. They may interview a person's parents and ask them about their childhood experiences. They might also look over reports and make note of teacher remarks. They can also evaluate the current performance of a person through interviews with co-workers, friends and family. They can also utilize self-tests or online ratings.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD if they have experienced 5 out of 9 symptoms in the past 6 months. The symptoms must be present multiple times and not better explained by other mental health disorders, such anxiety or mood disorder, or physical conditions such as hearing loss or a visual impairment.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it's normal to experience a range of emotions. It can be a relief to finally have an explanation for difficulties you've had to face for so long. It can also be a bit upsetting to realize that you have mental health issues, especially when you've had successes in other areas of your life.
Someone diagnosed with ADHD will typically receive medication, psychotherapy or other treatments. In some cases doctors will suggest accommodations at work or in everyday activities. Accommodations are tools or changes to a person's environment that help them succeed and minimize the effects of their impairment. Examples include the use of a step stool for those who is less than average, or computer programs that allow those with visual limitations to concentrate on the screen. Behavioral therapy is a common treatment for adult ADHD.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD, the first step is to get an accurate diagnosis. You can begin by asking your primary care physician or a mental health professional to refer you to a specialist that can perform ADHD evaluations. Your doctor will conduct an interview with you and go over all of your medical, family and personal background. They will also inquire about the effects of your symptoms on your daily life at home, at school and at work.
Your doctor will apply the American Psychiatric Society's diagnostic guidelines, included 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: Have trouble staying focused on activities and tasks for a long period of time. Trouble finishing chores, assignments, or schoolwork. Many times, they make mistakes at work, school or during leisure activities. Can easily be distracted by other people or daily activities. It is often a daydreamer, and 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, they get bored quickly and seeks excitement or a sense of novelty. Sometimes, he gets involved in arguments 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 conditions can have impacts on a person and can complicate the diagnosis.
A physical exam is typically conducted to rule out medical issues that could cause similar symptoms. Certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid disorders, can mimic ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe, additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or testing for learning disabilities could be performed to aid in making the diagnosis. These tests can give you crucial information on how ADHD affects your relationships and functioning. They can also assist in identifying any other underlying issues that need to be addressed.
Treatment
Adults can benefit from the same treatment that children who suffer from ADHD such as medication, behavioral strategies, life-skills training and therapy. Adults may need to test other medications because the ones they were prescribed as children might not be suitable for them today.
The person suffering from ADHD must see an expert who is trained in the disorder. This can be a primary doctor who treats ADHD regularly or a mental health professional such as psychologists or psychiatrists. Many insurance companies offer online directories of specialists. In addition, a local support group for people with ADHD or a specialist in mood disorders might be in a position to recommend an expert.
After the exam the doctor will identify the cause and prescribe treatment. They may also want to discuss the background of the patient as well as how the symptoms affected him or her in the early years of their life. If the person is experiencing difficulties in their work or relationships, a therapist might suggest couples' or family therapy to help them learn to manage their issues better.
The most effective treatment is medication. treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These are typically small, fast-acting medications that reduce the chemical imbalance within the brain that causes ADHD. In many instances, a doctor may also prescribe other medications to treat related conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Behavioral therapy can help solve issues with time management, organization, impulse control and emotional self-regulation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as other specific interventions, can be offered by therapists who have particular expertise working with individuals suffering from ADHD.
When people suffering from ADHD are finally diagnosed, they feel relief. Having the right treatment plan can drastically alter their lives to the better. They can be more productive at work or school, or develop healthier and more fulfilling relationship. Some people are relieved to finally get an appointment after years of regrets over the mistakes they made due to their symptoms being not properly diagnosed or treated. It is also possible that the individual's behavior is affected by his or her 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 when you were a child. Many professionals are trained in ADHD and can tell you if your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. They can also rule other mental disorders, physical conditions and stress out as the reason for 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 difficulties. Adults with ADHD may feel judged for behavior they aren't responsible for, such as the inability to organize their work. They may also be facing financial problems, such as late payment deadlines or debt resulting from impulsive purchases.
Adults with ADHD are not typically involved in self-destructive behaviors, such as drug and alcohol abuse. Other self-destructive behaviors include poor nutrition and stress, chronic tension, low self-esteem or difficulties in their relationships with friends and family. Additionally, they could be struggling with their physical health. They might not attend important medical checkups or medication or struggle to follow the medical guidelines. They have difficulty managing their finances and sustaining jobs because they are not organized, don't conform to corporate standards and do not stick to a routine or schedule.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may benefit from therapy or support groups which offer strategies and techniques to manage the disorder. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can help them manage their symptoms, figure out ways to overcome their weaknesses, and improve their lives. They can also collaborate with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationships and come up with strategies to support their loved ones.
Online communities and peer support are also helpful. Sites such as Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, workshops, and webinars on organizational skills as well as emotional regulation and social interaction. Other online resources include ADHD friendly workplace accommodations, restaurants, and classes to improve communication.
Many people suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from join support groups. These groups can be a great source of ideas and inspiration and also provide a platform for discussing issues and finding a solution. There are teachers and coaches who can assist you in developing an action plan to improve your performance and reduce the impact of your symptoms.