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 detrimental to relationships and at work. A doctor can examine the mood of a person, their medical history and the presence of comorbid conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
More is an essential part of an evaluation. Interviews with family members, colleagues and friends may be conducted to get more information about the person's past.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD can experience many of these symptoms, but they could affect more aspects of our lives. They may struggle to keep their jobs, manage relationships and perform well at school, for example. Signs of trouble include inattention, impulsively interrupting or uttering answers in a blur and not being able to follow through on work tasks and repeatedly ignoring appointments. This can lead to financial problems because people are more likely to commit mistakes or overspend.
Professionals 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. Interviewing friends, family and coworkers can be used to determine the performance of an individual. They can even utilize self-tests or online ratings.
The diagnosis of ADHD as an adult typically requires a higher threshold than that of children - 5 out of 9 symptoms in the last 6 months. The symptoms must be present at multiple times and not better explained by other mental health conditions like a mood disorder or anxiety disorder, as well as physical conditions such as hearing loss or a vision problem.
It's normal to feel various emotions when you receive an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. It's a feeling of relief when you finally have an answer to the difficulties you've struggled with for a long time. It can be a bit frustrating to learn that you have a condition of mental health even if you've been successful 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 may recommend accommodations for work or daily activities. Accommodations are modifications or devices that can be incorporated into the environment around a person to assist them succeed. Examples include the use of a step stool for those who is shorter than average or computer programs that allow people with vision limitations to focus on the screen. The use of behavioral therapy is also an effective treatment for adults with ADHD.
Diagnosis
The first step to determine whether you suffer from ADHD is to get an accurate diagnosis. Ask your primary care doctor or a mental healthcare professional to refer you to a specialist who conducts ADHD assessments. Your doctor will conduct an interview with you and will review all of your medical personal, family and medical history. Your doctor will also ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life at work, school and at home.
Your doctor will apply the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines published in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to determine if you meet 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 or tasks for long periods of time. Trouble finishing chores, tasks or schoolwork. Makes frequent mistakes at work, school or during leisure activities. Is easily distracted by others or their daily activities. Daydreams a lot, 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. Most often, he is bored and seeks excitement or novelty. Frequently gets into fights, arguments or even acts without considering 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 effects on a person, and may make it difficult to diagnose.
A physical exam is generally conducted to rule out medical conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Certain medical issues, like seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, can cause ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe you may need to undergo additional tests for psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can provide vital details about the ways which your ADHD affects your functioning and relationships. These tests can also help identify any other underlying problems that require attention.
Treatment
The same methods that children with ADHD receive -- medication, behavior strategies life skills training, medication and therapy -- usually are effective for adults too. Adults may need to try other treatments because the ones they were prescribed as children might not be appropriate for them at the moment.
A specialist in ADHD should be an individual who suffers from ADHD. This could be a primary-care doctor who regularly treats ADHD or an expert in mental health, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Many insurance plans have online directories of specialists. Additionally there is a local support group for those suffering from ADHD or an expert in mood disorders might be able to recommend an expert.
After the evaluation the doctor will determine a diagnosis and recommend treatment. adult adhd diagnosis may also want to discuss the background of the patient, including how problems affected them in childhood. Therapists may suggest couples' or even family therapy if the person is struggling in their career or in their relationships.
Medication is the most effective treatment for the majority of adults suffering from 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 treatments for similar conditions like depression or anxiousness.
Behavioral therapy can help improve problems with time management, organization, impulse control, and emotional self-regulation. Therapists who specialize in working with those suffering from ADHD can provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other customized interventions.
When adults with ADHD are finally diagnosed, they experience relief. The right treatment plan can drastically alter their lives to the better. They can be more productive at work, be successful in school, or build healthier and more fulfilling relationships. For some, the diagnosis brings closure to years of regrets about mistakes they made in the past due to their symptoms going undiagnosed or treated poorly. It is possible that a person's behavior was influenced by their gender identity, race and socioeconomic circumstances.
Support
It's not too early to get an assessment and treatment if you weren't diagnosed with ADHD when you were in your early years. 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 conditions and stress out as the cause of symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD could trigger a variety of complex emotions, such as regret over missed opportunities or relief that you now have a solid explanation for your issues. Adults who suffer from ADHD might feel judged for behavior they aren't responsible for, such as forgetfulness and difficulty organizing their work. They may also be facing financial issues, like late payment deadlines or debt resulting from impulsive purchases.
Adults suffering from ADHD are not often found engaging in self-destructive behavior, which includes drug and alcohol abuse. Other self-destructive behavior includes poor nutrition and stress, chronic tension as well as low self-esteem and issues in their relationships with family and friends. They may also have issues with their physical health by ignoring vital medical checkups and medication or unable to follow the medical guidelines and procedures. They are often struggling to sustain their jobs and managing their finances due to their difficulty with organization and meeting corporate requirements and adhering to a schedule or routine.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from support groups or therapy that provide strategies and coping skills to live with the disorder. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can assist them in managing their symptoms, figure out ways to overcome their weaknesses, and enhance their life functioning. They can also collaborate with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationships and develop strategies to support the person they love.
Online community and peer support can also be beneficial. Sites such as Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, seminars and webinars on organizing skills as well as emotional regulation and social interaction. Other online sources include ADHD friendly workplace accommodations, restaurants, and classes to improve communication.
Some people who suffer from ADHD are also able to join support groups for those with ADHD that can provide ideas and inspiration, as well as an opportunity to discuss issues and finding solutions. In addition to support groups, there are coaches and teachers who can help you develop a plan for improving your performance and reducing the impact of your symptoms.