Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
Finding an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step towards managing symptoms that could be a hindrance in relationships and work. A doctor can evaluate the person's mood and medical history, as well as whether there are any co-morbid conditions, such anxiety or depression, that can cause similar symptoms.
An evaluation consists of a planned interview with the person being evaluated. Family members, friends, and coworkers may also be interviewed to gain perspective on the person's history.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD can experience many of these symptoms, but they can affect more areas of life. They may have trouble keeping their jobs, coordinating relationships and perform well at school, for example. Some signs of this include a lack of focus to their surroundings, fumbling or mumbling answers in a hurry, failing to complete tasks, and a tendency to miss appointments frequently. This condition can also lead to financial difficulties because people are more likely to commit mistakes or spend too much.
Professionals can evaluate adults for ADHD using a variety of methods. They can speak with parents of a person and ask about their childhood. They might also review reports and take notes of teacher remarks. They may also gauge the performance of an individual by interviewing friends, coworkers and family. They can also conduct online rating or self-tests.
The diagnosis of ADHD as an adult typically has a higher threshold than that of children - 5 out of 9 symptoms over the last 6 months. The symptoms must be present multiple times and cannot be better explained by mental health disorders like a mood disorder or anxiety disorder, as well as physical ailments such as 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 relief when you finally discover an explanation for the issues you've been struggling with for a long time. It can be difficult to find out that you suffer from mental health issues, especially when you've been successful in other areas of your life.
A person diagnosed with ADHD typically receives medication, psychotherapy or other treatments. In adult diagnosis of adhd , a doctor will recommend accommodations for work or daily activities. Accommodations are modifications or devices that can be incorporated into the environment of a person to help them achieve their goals. Examples include the use of a step stool for those who is less than average or computer programs that allow people with vision difficulties to focus on the screen. Adult ADHD is usually treated with behavioral therapy.
Diagnosis
The first step to determine whether you suffer from ADHD is to receive an accurate diagnosis. You can start by asking your primary care physician or a mental health professional to refer you to a specialist who performs ADHD assessments. Your doctor will conduct an interview and examine your personal, family and medical history. They will also inquire about the impact of your health issues on your daily routine at home, school and work.
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 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: Has difficulty staying focused on tasks and activities for a long period of time. Sometimes, they forget things, or has difficulty finishing chores, schoolwork and/or work tasks. Sometimes, they make mistakes that are not their fault in the classroom, at work or during leisure activities. Gets easily distracted by others or their daily activities. It is often a daydreamer, and 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 off-topic. Often, they get bored quickly and seeks excitement or a sense of novelty. In many cases, they get into fights or arguments or 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 conditions can have impacts on a person and may make it difficult to diagnose.
A physical exam is conducted to rule out medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders and seizures, may be similar to ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are serious and severe, additional neuropsychological, psychosocial and/or testing for learning disabilities could be performed to aid in making the diagnosis. These tests can provide important information about the ways in which your ADHD affects your functioning and relationships. They can also help identify any other issues that need to be addressed.
Treatment
The same methods that children with ADHD receive -- medication, behavior strategies, life skills training and therapy -- typically are effective for adults too. Adults may need to try other treatments because the ones they took as children might not be appropriate for them at the moment.
A specialist in ADHD should be consulted by the person with ADHD. This may be a primary care physician who regularly treats ADHD or a mental health professional such as psychiatrist or psychologist. Many insurance plans offer online directories of specialists. In addition there is a local support group for people suffering from ADHD or an expert in mood disorders may be capable of recommending the services of a specialist.
After the exam, the doctor will determine an assessment and prescribe a treatment. They will want to talk with the individual about their personal history, and particularly how symptoms affected them in childhood. Therapists might suggest couples' or family therapy if the person struggles with their career or in their relationships.
Most adults with ADHD can be treated effectively through medication. These are generally small, fast-acting drugs that help to reduce the chemical imbalance within the brain that causes ADHD. In many instances, a doctor will also prescribe other medication to treat the underlying condition like anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can improve issues with time management, impulse control, and emotional self-regulation. Therapists who specialize in working with people with ADHD can provide cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as other individualized interventions.
Some adults with ADHD are relieved when they are finally diagnosed. A proper treatment plan can change their lives dramatically. They will be more productive at work or in school, or develop healthier and more satisfying relationships. For some, the diagnosis can bring closure to years of regrets about mistakes they made in their past due to their symptoms going undiagnosed or mistreated. It is possible that the person's behavior has been affected by their gender identity, race, and socioeconomic status.
Support
If you've never been diagnosed with ADHD as when you were a child, it's enough time to seek an assessment and treatment. Many professionals specialize in ADHD and can determine if you have mild or moderate symptoms. They can also rule out other mental health issues or physical ailments, as well as stress as the reason for your symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD may bring up complex emotions, such as regret over missed opportunities or relief that you now have a reason for your struggles. Adults who suffer from ADHD often feel as if they're being criticized by others for behaviors that aren't their fault, like the inability to keep their work organized. They may also be struggling with financial issues, like not paying on time or accumulating debt from excessive spending.
Adults suffering from ADHD are not uncommon to engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as alcohol and drug abuse. Other self-destructive behaviors include a poor diet as well as stress and tension that is constant as well as low self-esteem and issues in their relationships with family and friends. They may also suffer from issues with their physical well-being. They might not attend important health checks or medications or struggle to follow medical advice. They have difficulty managing their finances and maintaining jobs due to the fact that they aren't organized, fail to meet the corporate standards and are unable to adhere to a routine or schedule.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy and support groups that teach coping skills and strategies to live with the disorder. Specialized ADHD therapists can help adults manage their symptoms, improve their weaknesses and improve their functioning in life. They are also able to work with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationships and devise strategies for helping the person they love.
Online communities and peer support can be beneficial. Sites like Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, workshops and webinars on organizing skills emotional regulation, 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 and teachers who can help you make a plan for improving your performance and reducing the impact of your symptoms.