Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
Getting an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step to managing symptoms that can be debilitating in relationships and work. A doctor can assess a person's mood, medical history, and the presence of comorbid conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
A structured interview is an essential part of an evaluation. Family members, friends, and coworkers could also be interviewed to get perspective on the person's history.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD may suffer from many of the same symptoms as children, but those behaviors can affect more aspects of their lives. They may struggle to keep their jobs, maintain their relationships, or do well in school, for example. The signs include trouble paying attention and impulsively interrupting or uttering answers in a blur or not following through on work tasks and repeatedly ignoring appointments. This condition can also lead to financial difficulties because people are more likely to make errors or overspend.
A professional may evaluate adults for ADHD using a variety methods. They may interview the parents of a person and ask about their childhood. They can also review their report cards and take note of teacher comments. They can also evaluate the performance of an individual through interviews with co-workers, friends and family members. adhd adult diagnosis can also conduct online rating or self-tests.
The diagnosis of ADHD as an adult usually requires a higher threshold than for children--5 out of 9 signs over the last 6 months. The symptoms must manifest at multiple times and cannot be better explained by mental health disorders, such anxiety or mood disorder, as well as physical conditions such as hearing loss or a vision problem.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it's normal to experience a range emotions. It can be a relief to finally have a concrete explanation for the issues you've had to face for so long. It can be difficult to learn that you have mental health issues particularly when you've been successful in other areas of your life.
A person diagnosed with ADHD will typically receive psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In some cases doctors will suggest accommodations for work or everyday activities. Accommodations are changes or tools that can be added to the environment of a person to help them succeed. A step stool can be used by people who are taller than average, or a computer program can help someone who has visual impairments concentrate on their screen. The use of behavioral therapy is also a common treatment for adult ADHD.
Diagnosis
The first step to determine if you have 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 go over your personal, family and medical background. Your doctor will also ask about your health issues and how they affect your life at school, work and home.
Your doctor will apply the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines, included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD. The following are some of the DSM-5 criteria for inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD:
Inattention: Has trouble staying focused on activities or tasks for long periods of time. Trouble finishing chores, tasks or schoolwork. Sometimes, they make mistakes that are not their fault in the classroom, at work or during leisure activities. is easily distracted by other people or the daily activities. Frequently daydreams, seems to be in autopilot, or loses their focus on 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. Frequently gets bored quickly and seeks excitement or a new experience. In most cases, they engage in fights or disputes 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 their impacts on a person and may make it difficult to diagnose.
A physical exam is typically conducted to rule out medical issues that could cause similar symptoms. Certain medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, can cause ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are extreme, additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing may be performed to aid in making the diagnosis. These tests can provide crucial details about the ways how your ADHD affects your functioning and relationships. These tests can also help identify any other issues that need to addressed.
Treatment
Adults are able to benefit from the same treatment as children who have ADHD such as medications, behavioral strategies, life-skills training and therapy. Adults may need to try other medications because the ones they took as children may not be appropriate for them today.
The person suffering from ADHD must see a specialist who is knowledgeable about the disorder. This can be a primary physician who treats ADHD regularly or a mental health professional like psychologists or psychiatrists. Many insurance companies provide online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a specialist doctor who specializes in mood disorders may recommend an expert.
After the evaluation the specialist will determine an assessment and prescribe a treatment. He or she may want to discuss the history of the person and how the issues affected them in childhood. If the person is experiencing difficulties in their work or relationships, a therapist might suggest family or couples' therapy to help them understand how to deal with their problems better.
Medication is the most effective treatment for most adults with ADHD. They are typically small, fast-acting medicines that can reduce the imbalance of chemicals within the brain that causes ADHD. In many instances, doctors will also prescribe other medications to treat related conditions like anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can help related to time management, impulse control and emotional self-regulation. Therapists with specialized expertise in working with those suffering from ADHD can provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other customized interventions.
When people suffering from ADHD are finally diagnosed, they feel a sense of relief. The right treatment plan can transform their lives to the better. how to get diagnosed with adhd can be more efficient at work, achieve success at school or develop healthier and more fulfilling relationships. For some, the diagnosis can bring closure to years of regrets about mistakes they made in the past because their symptoms went undiagnosed or not treated. It is possible that an individual's behavior was influenced by gender identity, race, and socioeconomic situation.
Support
If you've never been diagnosed with ADHD as an infant, it's not enough time to seek an assessment and treatment. 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 root cause of symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD may bring up complicated emotions, like grief over missed chances or relief that you have a reason for your struggles. Adults with ADHD often feel that they are being judged by others for actions that aren't their own fault, such as forgetfulness or difficulty keeping their work in order. They may also be facing financial issues, like the late payment deadlines or a debt due to impulsive purchases.
It's not uncommon for people with ADHD to experience self-destructive behaviors, such as drug and alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, constant tension and stress as well as low self-esteem or issues with their relationships with family members and friends. They may also suffer from issues with their physical well-being. They might not attend important checkups or medications, or have difficulty following the medical guidelines. They are having trouble managing their finances and keeping their jobs because they aren't organized, don't conform to corporate standards and do not adhere to the same routine or schedule.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from support and therapy groups which teach coping skills and strategies for dealing with their disorder. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can help them manage their symptoms, figure out ways to compensate for their weaknesses, and enhance their overall functioning. They can also collaborate with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationship and devise strategies for supporting their loved ones.
Online communities and peer support can be helpful. Sites like Sheila Henson or Neuroqueer offer webinars, workshops, and individual and group coaching on emotional regulation as well as social interaction and organizational skills. Other online resources include ADHD accommodating workplace accommodations, restaurants, and classes to improve communication.
Certain people with ADHD are also able to join support groups for those with ADHD which can be a source of ideas and inspiration, as well as a platform for discussing challenges and finding solutions. There are teachers and coaches who can help you develop an action plan to improve your performance and lessen the impact of your symptoms.