Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
Getting an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step towards managing symptoms that can be debilitating in relationships and at work. adhd diagnosing can assess the person's mood, medical history, and the presence of any comorbid conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
A structured interview is part of an evaluation. Family members, friends and colleagues can be questioned to gain perspective on the person's history.
Symptoms
Adults who suffer from ADHD may experience a variety of these symptoms, but they could be affected by more aspects of life. They may have difficulty keeping their jobs, manage relationships, and do well in school, for example. The signs include difficulty paying attention, interrupting or blurting answers in a hurry, failing to complete work tasks, and frequently missing appointments. This can lead to financial difficulties as people are more likely to make mistakes or spend too much.
Professionals can assess adults for ADHD using a variety of methods. They may speak with a person's parents and ask them about their childhood experiences. They may look at report cards and note teacher remarks. Interviewing family members, friends and colleagues can be used to determine the performance of an individual. They may also use self-tests or online ratings.
The diagnosis of ADHD as an adult typically requires a higher threshold than for children--5 out of 9 symptoms in the past 6 months. Symptoms are present in multiple contexts and cannot be explained by another mental health issue, such as anxiety or mood disorders or other physical conditions such as hearing loss or vision problem.
It's normal to feel an array of emotions after receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. It can be a relief to finally get an explanation for the issues you've been struggling with for so long. It can be a bit frustrating to learn that you have mental health issues, especially when you've had success in other areas of your life.
A person diagnosed with ADHD is usually treated with medication, psychotherapy, or other treatments. In some cases doctors may suggest accommodations for work or daily activities. Accommodations are tools or adjustments to a person's environment that allow them to succeed and lessen the impact of their impairment. A step stool could be utilized by those who are taller than average, or a computer program to help someone who has visual impairments focus on the screen. Adult ADHD is often treated with behavioral therapy.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you have ADHD the first step 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 can conduct ADHD evaluations. Your doctor will conduct an interview and examine your family, personal and medical history. Your doctor will also inquire about your health issues and how they impact your school, work and home.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (also known as DSM-5 is utilized 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: Has difficulty staying focused on tasks and activities for a long period of time. Trouble finishing tasks, chores or schoolwork. Makes frequent errors at work, school or during leisure activities. Is easily distracted, either by other people or daily activities. Sometimes, they seem to be in autopilot, or loses the track of what they are doing.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity: Often restless, fidgets or can't sit still in class or at work. Talks frequently to others or interrupts them out of turn. Sometimes, they get bored and looks for excitement or a new experience. In most cases, they engage in fights or disputes 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 impacts on a person, and complicate the diagnosis.
Physical examinations are conducted to determine if there are medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Certain medical conditions, like seizures and thyroid disorders could mimic ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe, you may require additional testing for neuropsychological disorders or psychological disorders. These tests can provide important information regarding how ADHD affects your functioning and relationships. These tests can also identify any other issues that need to addressed.
Treatment
Adults are able to benefit from the same treatment that children who suffer from ADHD, including medications and behavioral strategies, life-skills training, and therapy. Adults might need to try different medications however, as the ones used as children may not be the right fit for them today.
A specialist in ADHD should be sought out by those suffering from ADHD. This can be a primary physician who treats ADHD regularly or a mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist. A lot of insurance plans have online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a doctor specializing in mood disorders can also recommend a specialist.
After the exam the doctor should then determine a diagnosis and recommend treatment. He or she will likely want to talk with the patient about their history, especially how symptoms affected them in childhood. A therapist might suggest couples' or family therapy if the individual is struggling in their career or relationships.
Medication is the most effective treatment for most adults with ADHD. These are usually small, fast-acting medications that help to reduce the chemical imbalance that creates ADHD. Many doctors prescribe other medication for the same condition, such as anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can improve issues related to time management, impulse control and emotional self-regulation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as other individualized interventions, are provided by therapists who have particular expertise in working with those suffering from ADHD.
adhd diagnose suffering from ADHD feel a great relief when they finally are diagnosed. A proper treatment plan can change their lives dramatically. They will be more efficient at work or at school, or establish a healthier and more satisfying relationships. For certain people, diagnosis brings closure to years of regrets over the mistakes they've made in the past because their symptoms went undiagnosed or treated poorly. It is possible that an individual's behavior was influenced by gender identity, race and socioeconomic circumstances.
Support
If you weren't diagnosed with ADHD as a child, it's not enough time to seek an evaluation and treatment. Many professionals are trained in ADHD and can tell you whether your symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. They can also rule out other mental health issues or physical ailments, as well as stress as the cause of 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 have an explanation for your struggles. Adults with ADHD might feel judged for behavior they aren't accountable for, like forgetfulness and difficulty organizing their work. They may also have financial issues, like missed payment deadlines or debt due to impulsive purchases.
It's not uncommon for adults with ADHD to exhibit self-destructive behaviors like drug and alcohol abuse, inadequate nutrition, chronic stress and tension, low self-esteem, or problems with their relationships with family and friends. They may also have issues with their physical health, such as neglecting important medical checkups and medication or having trouble following medical instructions 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 are able to benefit from support and therapy groups which teach coping skills and strategies to live with their condition. Specialist ADHD therapists can assist adults manage their symptoms, compensate for their weaknesses and improve their performance in life. They can also collaborate with family members in discussing how the disorder affects their relationship, and come up with strategies for supporting their loved one.
Online community and peer support 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 sources include ADHD-friendly restaurants, workplace accommodations, and classes on improving communication.
Certain people with ADHD are also able to join support groups for people with ADHD which can provide ideas and inspiration, as well as an opportunity for discussion of issues and finding solutions. There are coaches and teachers that can help you create an action plan to improve your performance and reduce the effects of your symptoms.