Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
Getting an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step towards managing symptoms that can be detrimental to relationships and work. A doctor will assess the person's mood and medical background, and also whether there are any co-morbid conditions, such anxiety or depression, that can cause similar symptoms.
An evaluation includes a structured interview with the person being evaluated. Family members, friends and colleagues can also be interviewed to get insight into the history of the person being evaluated.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD may experience a variety of these symptoms, but they can affect more aspects of our lives. They may struggle to keep their jobs, manage their relationships, or perform well at school, for example. Symptoms include difficulty paying attention and impulsively interrupting or uttering answers in a blur or not following the instructions of work and frequently missing appointments. This condition can also lead to financial issues because people are more likely to make errors or overspend.
Professionals can assess adults for ADHD by employing a variety of methods. They can interview parents of a person and inquire about their childhood. They can also review their the report cards and take note of teacher remarks. Interviewing family, friends, and colleagues can be used to evaluate the current performance of an individual. They can also take advantage of online ratings or self-tests.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD when they have had 5 of 9 symptoms in the last six months. The symptoms must be present at multiple times and cannot be better explained by other mental health conditions like anxiety or mood 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 when you finally discover a concrete reason for the challenges you've faced for so many years. It can be a bit frustrating to discover that you suffer from mental health issues even if you've been successful in other areas of your life.
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD will typically receive medication, psychotherapy or other treatments. In some instances, a doctor will recommend accommodations at work or in everyday activities. Accommodations are the tools or modifications to an individual's environment that allow them to succeed and minimize the effects of their impairment. Examples include a step stool for someone who is less than average, or a computer program that allows someone with vision limitations to concentrate on the screen. Adult ADHD is often treated with behavioral therapy.
Diagnosis
The first step in determining whether you suffer from ADHD is to get an accurate diagnosis. You can begin by asking your primary care physician or mental health professional for a referral to a specialist who performs ADHD assessments. Your doctor will conduct an interview with you and go over your medical and family information. adult adhd diagnoses will also ask about your health issues and how they affect your life at school, work and home.
Your doctor will refer to the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines, that are 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: Have trouble staying focused on tasks and activities for a long period of time. Often forgets, loses things or has trouble finishing chores, schoolwork and/or work tasks. Many times, they make mistakes at school, work or in leisure activities. is easily distracted by other people or by everyday activities. Daydreams a lot, 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. Interrupts others frequently or talks out of turn. Most often, he is bored and is looking for excitement or novelty. Sometimes, he gets involved in fights or arguments or acts 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 effects on an individual and may make it difficult to diagnose.
A physical exam is typically performed to rule out any medical conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Certain medical issues, like seizures and thyroid disorders, can cause ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are extreme, additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to help determine the diagnosis. These tests can provide important details about the ways the way that your ADHD affects your behavior and relationships. They can also help you identify any other issues that require to be addressed.
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 require different drugs but the ones that were used as children might not be the most appropriate for them at the moment.
A specialist in ADHD should be sought out by those suffering from ADHD. This could be a primary physician who treats ADHD regularly or a mental healthcare professional like psychologists or psychiatrists. Many insurance plans offer online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a doctor specializing in mood disorders may recommend the services of a specialist.
After the evaluation the specialist will determine the diagnosis and prescribe treatment. He or she will likely be looking to speak with the patient about their past, particularly how their symptoms affected them in the early years of their life. If the person is having difficulties in their work or relationships, a therapist could suggest couples' or family therapy to help them understand how to cope better.
Most people suffering from ADHD are treated effectively by medication. They are typically small, fast-acting medicines that can reduce the imbalance of chemicals in the brain that triggers ADHD. In many instances, doctors may also prescribe other medications to treat related conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Behavioral therapy can help with problems with time management and organization, impulse control and emotional self-regulation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other individualized interventions, can be delivered by therapists with particular expertise working with those suffering from ADHD.
Many adults suffering from ADHD are relieved when they are finally diagnosed. A good treatment plan can dramatically change their lives for the better. They can be more productive at work or school, or establish a healthier and more fulfilling relationship. For certain people, diagnosis brings closure to years of regrets about mistakes they made in the past because their symptoms went undiagnosed or not treated. It is possible that the person's behavior is influenced by his or her gender identity, race, and socioeconomic status.
Support
If you weren't diagnosed with ADHD as when you were a child, it's too late to seek an evaluation and treatment. Many professionals are certified in ADHD and can tell if your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. They can also rule out other mental health disorders physical conditions, stress as the reason for your symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of complex emotions, such as grief over missed opportunities or feelings of relief that you finally have a concrete explanation for your struggles. Adults suffering from ADHD may feel judged for behavior they aren't responsible for, such as the inability to organize their work. They might also face financial issues, like late payment deadlines or the burden of debt from impulse purchases.
It's not unusual for adults with ADHD to experience self-destructive behaviors, such as drug and alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, constant tension and stress, low self-esteem, or problems with their relationships with family and friends. They also may have trouble with physical well-being, such as neglecting important checkups and medications, or having difficulty following the medical guidelines and procedures. They are having trouble managing their finances and sustaining jobs due to the fact that they aren't organized, fail to meet corporate expectations and cannot stick to a routine or schedule.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from support groups or therapy that provide strategies and coping skills for living with the disorder. Specialized ADHD therapists can assist adults manage their symptoms, improve their weaknesses and improve their functioning in daily life. They can also work with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationships and come up with strategies for helping the person they love.
Support from peers and online communities can also be helpful. Websites like Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, workshops, and webinars on organizational skills emotional regulation, social interaction. Other online sources include ADHD-friendly restaurants, workplace accommodations, and classes for improving communication.
Many people suffering from 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 solutions. There are coaches and teachers that can help you develop an action plan to improve your performance and lessen the impact of your symptoms.