Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
Getting an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step in managing symptoms that can be a hindrance in relationships and work. A doctor can evaluate a person's mood, medical history and the presence of any comorbidities that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
An evaluation includes a structured interview with the person being assessed. Family members, friends and coworkers could also be interviewed to get insight into the history of the person being evaluated.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD are likely to experience many of these symptoms, but they may affect more areas of life. They may have difficulty keeping their jobs, manage their relationships, or perform well at school, for example. Symptoms include difficulty paying attention to the present, frequent interruptions or uttering answers in a blur and not being able to follow up on work assignments and frequently missing appointments. The condition can also result in financial difficulties since people are more likely to make mistakes that are not considered prudent or overspend.
A professional may evaluate adults for ADHD using a variety of methods. They may interview parents of a person and inquire about their childhood. They might also look over reports and make note of teacher remarks. Interviewing family, friends, and colleagues can be used to assess the current performance of an individual. They can even use online ratings or self-tests.
The diagnosis of ADHD as an adult usually requires a higher level of suspicion than that of children - 5 out of 9 symptoms in the past six months. The symptoms must be present at multiple times and are not explained by mental health disorders like a mood disorder or anxiety disorder, as well as physical ailments like hearing loss or a visual impairment.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it's normal to experience a range of emotions. It can be a great relief to finally have a concrete reason for the difficulties that you've struggled with for so long. It can be a bit frustrating to learn that you have mental health issues, especially if you've been successful in other areas of your life.
A person diagnosed with ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In some instances, doctors will recommend adjustments for work or daily activities. Accommodations are changes or tools that can be added to a person's surroundings to help them achieve their goals. A step stool can be used by someone who is taller than average or a computer program that can aid those who is visually impaired concentrate on their screen. Adult ADHD is often treated with behavioral therapy.
Diagnosis
The first step in determining whether you suffer from ADHD is to receive an accurate diagnosis. Contact your primary care physician or a mental healthcare professional to refer you to a specialist that conducts ADHD assessments. Your doctor will interview you and review your family, personal and medical history. Your doctor will also inquire about your health issues and how they affect your school, at work and at home.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5, is used 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: Have trouble staying focused on tasks and activities for long periods of time. Trouble finishing tasks, chores or schoolwork. Sometimes, they make mistakes that are not their fault in the classroom, at work or during leisure activities. Is easily distracted by others or by everyday activities. Often, they daydream, appear 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. Often interrupts other people or talks out of turn. Often gets bored quickly and seeks excitement or a sense of novelty. Frequently gets into adhd diagnosis in adult 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 other conditions can have their own effects on a person, and may make it difficult to diagnose.
A physical exam is typically conducted to rule out medical problems that might cause similar symptoms. Certain medical issues, like seizures and thyroid disorders, can mimic ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are serious, additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or testing for learning disabilities could be performed to aid in making the diagnosis. These tests can provide vital information on the ways in how your ADHD affects your behavior and relationships. They can also help you identify any other issues that need to be addressed.
Treatment
Adults are able to benefit from the same therapies that children who suffer from ADHD which includes medication and behavioral strategies, life-skills training, and therapy. Adults may require different drugs but the ones used as children may not be the most appropriate for them today.
A specialist in ADHD should be consulted by the person with ADHD. This can be a primary doctor who treats ADHD regularly or a mental healthcare professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist. Many insurance plans have online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a doctor specializing in mood disorders may recommend a specialist.
After the examination the doctor should then determine a diagnosis and recommend treatment. They may also want to talk about the past of the person, including how problems affected them in childhood. Therapists might suggest couples' or family therapy if the individual is struggling in their career or in relationships.
Most people suffering from ADHD are treated effectively with medication. These are usually small, quick-acting medicines that reduce the chemical imbalance that causes ADHD. Many doctors prescribe additional medications for related conditions like anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can help with issues with time management, organization, impulse control and emotional self-regulation. Therapists with specific expertise in working with individuals suffering from ADHD can provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with other interventions that are individualized.
Many adults suffering from ADHD feel a great relief when they are finally diagnosed. A proper treatment plan can alter their lives drastically. They can become more productive at work, succeed at school or develop healthier and more fulfilling relationships. Some people are relieved to finally receive an appointment after years of regrets over mistakes they made because their symptoms were misdiagnosed or untreated. It is possible that the person's behavior is affected by their gender identity, race, and socioeconomic status.
Support
It's not too late to get an assessment and treatment if you were not diagnosed with ADHD when you were an infant. Many professionals are trained in ADHD and can tell you if your symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. They can also rule out other mental health disorders physical conditions, stress as a cause of your symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD could trigger a variety of complicated emotions, like sadness over missed opportunities or relief that you now have a clear explanation for your issues. Adults with ADHD may feel criticized for actions they aren't accountable for, like forgetfulness and difficulty organizing their work. They may also have financial issues, like missed payment deadlines or debt resulting from impulsive purchases.
Adults suffering from ADHD are not uncommon to engage in self-destructive behavior, including alcohol and drug abuse. Other self-destructive behaviors include a poor diet as well as stress and tension that is constant and low self-esteem, or issues in their relationships with family and friends. They may also have issues with their physical health by ignoring vital checkups and medications or having trouble following medical guidelines and procedures. They are often struggling to sustain their jobs and managing their finances, because they have trouble organizing and meeting corporate standards and adhering to a plan or routine.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may benefit from therapy or support groups that offer strategies and techniques to live with the disorder. Specialist ADHD therapists can assist adults manage their symptoms, improve their shortcomings and improve their performance in everyday life. They are also able to work with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationships and come up with strategies for supporting their loved one.
Online communities and peer support can be beneficial. Sites like Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, seminars, and webinars on organizational skills as well as emotional regulation and social interaction. Other online resources include ADHD accommodating establishments, workplace accommodations, and classes to improve communication.
Some people with ADHD find it beneficial to join support groups. These groups can be a great source of ideas and inspiration, and they provide a forum to discuss issues and find a solution. There are also teachers and coaches who can help you create an action plan to improve your performance and lessen the effects of your symptoms.