Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
The process of obtaining an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step towards managing symptoms that could be debilitating in relationships and work. A doctor can assess the mood of a person, their medical history, and the presence of comorbid conditions that trigger similar symptoms such as depression or anxiety.
An evaluation includes a structured interview with the person being assessed. Interviews with family members, coworkers and friends are possible to gain a better understanding of the person's past.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD are likely to experience many of these symptoms, but they could affect more aspects of our lives. They may have difficulty keeping their jobs, manage relationships and perform well in schools, for instance. Symptoms include difficulty paying attention to the present, frequent interruptions or blurting out answers or not following through on work tasks and repeatedly ignoring appointments. This condition can also cause financial issues because people are more likely to make mistakes or spend too much.
A professional may evaluate adults for ADHD by using a variety of methods. They can interview parents and ask them to talk about their childhood experiences. They may review reports and make note of teacher remarks. They may also assess the performance of an individual by interviewing co-workers, friends and family members. They can also use online ratings or self-tests.
The diagnosis of ADHD as an adult typically has a higher threshold than for children--5 out of 9 symptoms over the past 6 months. Symptoms should be present in a variety of settings and are not better explained by another mental health issue like anxiety or mood disorders, or by other physical issues such as visual or hearing loss.
It's normal to experience an array of emotions after receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. It can be a relief when you finally get an explanation for the difficulties you've struggled with for a long time. It can be very upsetting to realize you have mental health issues even if you've had success in other areas of your life.
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is usually treated with medication, psychotherapy or other therapies. In certain cases the doctor may recommend accommodations at work or in everyday activities. Accommodations are modifications or devices that can be added to the environment around a person to assist them succeed. A step stool can be used by those who are taller than average or a computer program that can help someone with visual impairments concentrate on their screen. Adult ADHD is often treated with behavioral therapy.
Diagnosis
The first step to determining if you have ADHD is to get an accurate diagnosis. Ask your primary care doctor or a mental health professional to refer you to a specialist who performs ADHD evaluations. Your doctor will conduct an interview and examine your family, personal and medical background. They will also ask you about the effects of your health issues on your daily life at home, at school and at work.
Your doctor will use the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines included 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 tasks and activities for long periods of time. It is difficult to finish tasks, chores or schoolwork. Many times, they make mistakes when doing schoolwork, at work or during leisure activities. Gets 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. Sometimes interrupts others or speaks out of turn. Often, they get bored quickly and seeks out excitement or a new experience. In many cases, they get into 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 individuals and may make it difficult to diagnose.
A physical exam is typically conducted to rule out medical conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Some medical problems, like seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, can cause ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are serious, you may need to undergo additional testing for psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can provide important details about the ways how your ADHD affects your functioning and relationships. They can also help identify any other underlying issues that require to be addressed.
Treatment
Adults are able to benefit from the same treatments as children who have ADHD such as treatment and behavioral strategies, life-skills training, and therapy. Adults may require different drugs but the ones used as children may not be the best fit for them today.
The person suffering from ADHD should see a specialist who is knowledgeable about the disorder. This could be a primary doctor who treats ADHD regularly or a mental health professional like psychologists or psychiatrists. Many insurance plans offer online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a specialist doctor who specializes in mood disorders can also recommend the services of a specialist.
After the examination the doctor will determine a diagnosis and recommend treatment. They will want to talk with the patient about their history, especially how the symptoms affected them during childhood. If the person is having difficulty in their job or relationships, a therapist may suggest couples' or family therapy to help them learn to deal with their problems better.
Medication is the most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These are generally small, fast-acting medicines that reduce the chemical imbalance in the brain that causes ADHD. Many doctors prescribe other medication for the same condition like anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can improve issues in time management, impulse control and emotional self-regulation. adhd in adults diagnosis with specialized expertise in working with individuals suffering from ADHD can offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with other individualized interventions.
Some adults with ADHD are relieved when they finally are diagnosed. A good treatment plan can drastically alter their lives for the better. They can become more productive at work, succeed in school or develop more satisfying and healthier relationships. For certain people, diagnosis brings closure to years of regrets about mistakes they've made in the past because their symptoms went undiagnosed or not treated. It is possible that the patient's behavior is affected by their gender identity, race and socioeconomic status.
Support
It's not too early to get an assessment and treatment if you were not diagnosed with ADHD when you were 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 health issues physical conditions, stress as the cause of your symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complex emotions, such as grief over missed opportunities or feelings of relief knowing that you have an reason for your problems. Adults who suffer from ADHD might feel judged for actions they aren't responsible for, such as the inability to organize their work. They might also face financial problems, such as the late payment deadlines or a debt due to impulsive purchases.
It's not uncommon for adults with ADHD to exhibit self-destructive behaviors such as drug or alcohol abuse, inadequate nutrition, chronic stress and tension, low self-esteem, or problems with their relationships with family members and friends. They might also be struggling with physical well-being, such as neglecting important medical checkups and medication or unable to follow medical instructions and procedures. They have difficulty managing their finances and maintaining jobs because they are not organized, fail to meet corporate expectations and cannot stick to an established routine or schedule.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may benefit from therapy and support groups that teach coping skills and strategies to live with their disorder. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can help them manage their symptoms, find ways to improve their weaknesses, and enhance their life functioning. They are also able to work with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationship and devise strategies to support their loved one.
Support from peers and online communities can be extremely beneficial. Sites such as Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, seminars and webinars on organizing skills, emotional regulation, and social interaction. Other online resources include ADHD accommodating establishments, workplace accommodations, and classes to improve communication.
Certain people with ADHD also find it useful to join support groups for those with ADHD, which can be a source of ideas and inspiration, and also provide an opportunity to discuss issues and finding solutions. There are also teachers and coaches that can help you create an action plan to improve your functioning and reduce the effects of your symptoms.