Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
Getting an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step in managing symptoms that can be debilitating in relationships and work. A doctor can assess a person's mood, medical history, and the presence of any comorbidities that cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
A formal evaluation involves an interview with the person being assessed. Family members, friends and colleagues can be questioned to gain an understanding of the person's past.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD can experience many of these symptoms, but they can affect more aspects of our lives. They may have difficulty keeping their jobs, manage their relationships, or do well at school, for instance. The signs include difficulty paying attention to their surroundings, fumbling or mumbling answers in a hurry, failing to complete tasks, and missing appointments repeatedly. This condition can also cause financial issues because people are more likely to make errors or overspend.
A specialist can evaluate adults for ADHD using a variety of methods. They can speak with the parents of an individual and ask about their childhood. They can also review their report cards and take note of teacher comments. They can also evaluate an individual's current functioning by interviewing co-workers, friends and family. They may also utilize self-tests or online ratings.
adhd in adults undiagnosed of ADHD as an adult usually has a higher threshold than children, requiring 5 out of 9 signs over the last 6 months. The symptoms must be present at multiple times and not better explained by other mental health conditions, such a mood disorder or anxiety disorder, or physical conditions such as hearing loss or a vision problem.
It's normal to experience various emotions when you get an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. It's a feeling of relief when you finally have an answer to the issues you've been struggling with for so many years. It can also be a bit upsetting to realize that you have a mental health condition, especially when you've had success in other aspects of your life.
A person diagnosed with ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In some cases doctors may suggest accommodations for work or everyday activities. Accommodations are tools or changes to an individual's environment that help them succeed and lessen the impact of their disability. A step stool could be used by people who are taller than average, or a computer program that 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 receive an accurate diagnosis. Contact your primary care physician or a mental healthcare professional to refer you to a specialist who conducts ADHD assessments. The doctor will interview you and go over your family, personal and medical history. Your doctor will also inquire about your health issues and how they impact your work, school and at home.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (also known as 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 period of time. Sometimes, they forget things, or has difficulty completing schoolwork, chores and/or work tasks. It is prone to making mistakes at school, work or in leisure activities. is easily distracted by people around them or their daily activities. It is often a daydreamer, and appears to be on autopilot or loses track what they are doing.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity: Often restless, fidgets or can't sit still in class or at work. Disrupts others often or talks out-of-turn. Often gets bored quickly and seeks out excitement or a new experience. Sometimes, he gets involved 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 impacts on a person and can complicate the diagnosis.
Physical examinations are conducted to rule out medical conditions that might cause similar symptoms. Certain medical issues, like seizures and thyroid disorders, can cause ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe you may need to undergo additional tests for neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders. These tests can provide important details about the ways which your ADHD affects your behavior and relationships. They can also help identify any other underlying issues that need to be addressed.
Treatment
Adults can benefit from the same treatments that children who suffer from ADHD, including treatment, behavioral strategies, life-skills training and therapy. Adults may have to consider other medications because the ones they took as children might not be suitable for them now.
The person with ADHD must see an expert who is trained in the disorder. This could be a primary physician who treats ADHD regularly or a mental health professional such as psychologists or psychiatrists. Many insurance companies have online directories of specialists. Additionally there is a local support group for people with ADHD or an expert in mood disorders may be capable of recommending a specialist.
After the examination, the doctor will make an assessment and prescribe a treatment. The doctor may wish to discuss the background of the patient, including how issues affected them during childhood. If someone is having issues with their job or relationships, a therapist might suggest couples' or family therapy to help them develop the skills to cope better.
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD can be treated effectively by medication. These are generally small, fast-acting medicines that reduce the chemical imbalance in the brain that triggers ADHD. In many instances, doctors may also prescribe other medication to treat the underlying condition like anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can help solve issues with time management, organization, impulse control, and emotional self-regulation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as other individualized interventions, are delivered by therapists with particular expertise working with people with ADHD.
Many adults suffering from ADHD feel a great relief when they finally are diagnosed. A good treatment plan can drastically alter their lives for the better. They will be more productive at work or school, or develop healthy and satisfying relationships. Some people are happy to finally get an appointment after years of regrets over mistakes made because their symptoms were not properly diagnosed or treated. It is possible that an individual's behavior was influenced by gender identity, race and socioeconomic situation.
Support
It's not too early to get an assessment and treatment if you were not diagnosed with ADHD as in your early years. Many professionals are trained in ADHD and can tell if your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. They can also rule out other mental disorders, physical ailments and stress out as the root cause of symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complex emotions, including grief over missed opportunities or feelings of relief that you finally have a concrete reason for your problems. Adults who suffer from ADHD might feel judged for behaviors they are not accountable for, like forgetfulness and difficulty organizing their work. They may also be struggling with financial issues, such as missing payment deadlines or accruing debt from impulsive spending.
It's not uncommon for adults with ADHD to engage in self-destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol abuse, inadequate nutrition, constant stress and tension and low self-esteem. They may also experience problems in their relationships with family and friends. Also, they may have problems with their physical well-being. They may neglect vital health checks or medications, or have difficulty following medical advice. They are having trouble managing their finances and sustaining jobs because they are not organized, do not meet the corporate standards and are unable to follow a routine or schedule.
Adults who suffer from ADHD might benefit from therapy or support groups that offer strategies and coping skills for living with the disorder. Specialist ADHD therapists can help adults manage their symptoms, overcome their weaknesses and improve their performance in life. They also can work closely with family members in discussing how the disorder affects their relationship and coming up with strategies for supporting their loved one.
Support from peers and online communities can also be helpful. Sites like Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, seminars and webinars on organizing skills emotional regulation, social interaction. Other online resources include ADHD-friendly restaurants workplace accommodations, and classes on improving communication.
Certain people with ADHD also find it useful to join support groups for those with ADHD, which can provide ideas and inspiration, as well as an opportunity for discussion of 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.