Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
The process of obtaining an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step in managing symptoms that could be detrimental to relationships and at work. A doctor can examine the mood of a person, their medical history and the presence of any comorbid conditions that trigger similar symptoms like depression or anxiety.
A structured interview is an essential part of an evaluation. Family members, friends, and coworkers can be questioned to gain perspective on the person's history.
getting a adhd diagnosis and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD can experience many of these symptoms, but they may affect more aspects of our lives. They may struggle to keep their jobs, manage their relationships, or perform well at school, for example. The signs include difficulty paying attention, interrupting or blurting answers in a hurry, failing to complete tasks, and missing appointments repeatedly. This condition can also lead to financial problems because people are more likely to make mistakes or overspend.
Professionals can evaluate adults for ADHD by employing a variety of methods. They can interview parents and ask them to talk about their childhood experiences. They can also look over reports and record teacher comments. Interviewing friends, family and coworkers can be used to assess the performance of an individual. They can even utilize self-tests or online ratings.
The diagnosis of ADHD as an adult usually requires a higher level of suspicion than children, requiring 5 out of 9 symptoms in the last 6 months. The symptoms should be present in a variety of contexts and cannot be than a mental health disorder like an anxiety or mood disorder or by any other physical issues like visual or hearing loss.
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 get a concrete reason for the challenges you've faced for so many years. It can be a bit frustrating to find out that you suffer from an illness of mental health even when you've been successful in other areas of your life.
A person diagnosed with ADHD typically receives medication, psychotherapy or other treatments. In certain cases the doctor may recommend accommodations at work or in daily activities. Accommodations are the tools or modifications to the environment of a person that can help them achieve their goals and minimize the impact of their impairment. Examples include the use of a step stool for those who is less than average, or computer programs that allow someone with vision impairments to focus on the screen. Adult ADHD is usually treated using behavioral therapy.
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 and examine your personal, family and medical background. They will also ask you about the impact of your symptoms on your life at school, home and at work.
Your doctor will use the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines published 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: Having trouble staying focused on tasks or activities for long periods of time. Has trouble finishing tasks, chores, or schoolwork. Frequently makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work or during leisure activities. is easily distracted by other people 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. Often, they get bored quickly and seeks out excitement or a sense of novelty. In many cases, they get 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 may have their own effects on an individual and make diagnosis more difficult.
A physical exam is performed to determine if there are medical conditions that might cause similar symptoms. Some medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders and seizures, can mimic ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are extreme, additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing may be used to help make the diagnosis. These tests can provide important information about the ways in how your ADHD affects your behavior and relationships. These tests can also help identify any other underlying issues that need to 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 have to consider other medications because the ones they were prescribed as children may not be suitable for them at the moment.
The person with ADHD should consult an expert who is trained in the disorder. This could be a primary doctor who treats ADHD regularly or a mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist. Many insurance companies provide online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a specialist doctor who specializes in mood disorders can also recommend an expert.
After the exam the doctor will determine a diagnosis and recommend treatment. The doctor may wish to discuss the background of the person as well as how the problems affected them in childhood. If the person is experiencing issues with their job or relationships, a therapist may suggest family or couples' therapy to help them learn to deal with their problems better.
Most people suffering from ADHD can be treated effectively with medication. These are usually small, fast-acting medications that help to reduce the chemical imbalance that creates ADHD. Many doctors prescribe other treatments for similar conditions, such as depression or anxiousness.
Behavioral therapy can help improve problems with time management and organization, impulse control, and emotional self-regulation. Therapists with specific expertise in working with those suffering from ADHD can offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other customized interventions.
When people suffering from ADHD are finally diagnosed, they feel an immense relief. The right treatment plan can dramatically change their lives for the better. They will be more efficient at work, achieve success at school or develop healthier and more fulfilling relationships. Some people are happy to finally get a diagnosis after years of regrets over mistakes made because their symptoms were misdiagnosed or untreated. It is possible that an individual's behavior was influenced by their gender identity, race and socioeconomic situation.
Support
It's not too early to seek an assessment and treatment if you weren't diagnosed with ADHD as a child. Many professionals specialize in ADHD and can determine if you have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. They can also rule out other mental health disorders or physical ailments, as well as stress as the cause of your symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complex emotions, including grief over missed opportunities or feelings of relief knowing that you now have a clear explanation for your struggles. Adults suffering from ADHD often feel like they're being criticized by others for their actions that aren't really their own fault, such as inattention or having difficulty keeping their work in order. They might also have financial issues, such as not paying on time or accumulating debt from excessive spending.
Adults suffering from ADHD are not uncommon to engage in self-destructive behavior, which includes drinking and using drugs. Other self-destructive behavior includes poor nutrition and stress, chronic tension and low self-esteem, or issues with their relationships with family and friends. They also may have trouble with physical well-being and health, for example, ignoring important checkups and medications, or having difficulty following medical guidelines and procedures. They are having trouble managing their finances and sustaining jobs due to the fact that they aren't organized, do not conform to corporate standards and do not adhere to a routine or schedule.
Adults who suffer from ADHD can benefit from support groups and therapy that teach coping strategies and strategies for dealing with their condition. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can assist them in managing their symptoms, discover ways to improve their weaknesses, and improve their lives. They can also work with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationships and come up with strategies for helping their loved ones.
Peer support and online communities can also be helpful. Sites such as Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, seminars, and webinars on organizational skills, emotional regulation, and social interaction. Other online sources include ADHD-friendly restaurants, workplace accommodations, and classes for improving communication.
Some people with ADHD may also find it beneficial to join support groups for those with ADHD that can provide ideas and inspiration, as well as a platform for discussing challenges and finding solutions. In addition to support groups there are coaches as well as teachers who can help you create a plan to improve your performance and lessening the impact of your symptoms.