Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
The first step in managing adult ADHD symptoms can be to be diagnosed. These symptoms can be a problem for relationships and at work. A doctor can examine the person's mood, medical history and the presence of any comorbidities that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
A structured interview is part of an evaluation. Family members, friends and colleagues can be questioned to gain insight into the history of the person being evaluated.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD may suffer from many of the same symptoms as children, but these behaviors can impact more areas of their lives. They may struggle to keep their jobs, maintain their relationships, or perform well in school, for instance. The signs include difficulty paying attention and snorting or blurting out answers impulsively, failing to complete work tasks, and missing appointments repeatedly. The condition can also lead to financial difficulties as people are often prone to make impulsive mistakes or overspend.
Professionals can evaluate adults for ADHD by using different methods. They may speak with a person's parents and ask them about their childhood experiences. They might also review reports and take notes of teacher comments. Interviewing family, friends, and coworkers can be used to assess the performance of an individual. They may even take advantage of online ratings or self-tests.
The diagnosis of ADHD as an adult usually requires a higher level of suspicion than children, requiring 5 out of 9 signs over the last 6 months. Symptoms are present in multiple settings and are not better than a mental health disorder such as an anxiety or mood disorder, or by other physical issues, such as a visual or hearing loss.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it's normal to experience a range emotions. It can be a great relief to finally have an explanation for the issues you've been struggling with for so long. It can be very upsetting to discover that you suffer from a mental health condition even if you've had success in other areas of your life.
Someone diagnosed with ADHD typically receives treatment with psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In some cases doctors will suggest accommodations at work or in everyday activities. Accommodations are the tools or modifications to an individual's environment that help them succeed and minimize the impact of their disability. A step stool could be utilized by people who are taller than average or a computer program that can assist people with visual impairments focus on the screen. The use of behavioral therapy is also a popular treatment for adults with ADHD.
Diagnosis
The first step to determining whether you suffer from ADHD is to get an accurate diagnosis. Ask your primary care doctor or a mental health professional to refer you to a specialist who conducts ADHD assessments. Your doctor will conduct an interview and review your personal, family and medical history. They will also inquire about the impact of your health issues on your daily life at home, at school and at work.
Your doctor will apply the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines published 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 or activities for long periods of time. Trouble finishing tasks, chores or schoolwork. It is prone to making mistakes at school, work or during leisure activities. Can easily be distracted by others or 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 off-topic. Often gets bored easily and seeks excitement or novelty. Sometimes, he gets involved in fights or arguments 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. Full Document may have their own effects on an individual and make diagnosis more difficult.
A physical examination is usually done to rule out any medical issues that could cause similar symptoms. Some medical problems, like seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, can mimic ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe If your symptoms are severe, additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to help determine the diagnosis. These tests can provide crucial information on how ADHD affects your relationships and performance. They can also assist in identifying any other underlying issues that need to be addressed.
Treatment
The same treatments that children with ADHD receive - medication, behavior strategies, life skills training and therapy -- usually work for adults as well. Adults may need to test other treatments because the ones they were prescribed as children may not be right for them now.
A specialist in ADHD should be an individual who suffers from ADHD. This can be a primary doctor who treats ADHD regularly or a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Many insurance plans have online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a doctor with expertise in mood disorders can also recommend the services of a specialist.
After the evaluation the specialist will make a diagnosis and prescribe a treatment. The doctor may wish to discuss the history of the patient and how the symptoms affected him or her during childhood. Therapists might suggest couples' or even family therapy if the person is having difficulty in their work or in relationships.
Most adults with ADHD can be treated effectively through medication. These are usually small, fast-acting drugs that help to reduce the chemical imbalance that creates ADHD. In many instances, doctors may also prescribe other treatments for related disorders like anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can help with issues with time management and organization, impulse control, and emotional self-regulation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), along with other specific interventions, can be offered by therapists who have particular expertise in working with individuals suffering from ADHD.
Many adults suffering from ADHD feel great relief when they finally are diagnosed. The correct treatment plan could alter their lives drastically. They can become more productive at work, be successful at school or develop healthier and more fulfilling relationships. For certain people, diagnosis brings closure to the years of regrets over the mistakes they made in their past due to their symptoms going undiagnosed or treated poorly. It is possible that the person's behavior has been influenced by his or her gender identity, race or socioeconomic status.
Support
It's not too late to seek an assessment and treatment if you were not diagnosed with ADHD when you were an infant. Many specialists specialize in ADHD and can determine if you have mild or moderate symptoms. They can also rule other mental disorders, physical conditions and stress as the root cause of symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complicated emotions, like sadness over missed opportunities or relief that you have a clear explanation for your difficulties. Adults suffering from ADHD may feel criticized for behaviors they are not accountable for, like the inability to organize their work. They might also have financial issues, such as not paying on time or accumulating debt as a result of excessive spending.
Adults with ADHD are not typically involved in self-destructive behavior, which includes drinking and using drugs. Other self-destructive behaviors include poor nutrition and stress, chronic tension, low self-esteem or difficulties with their relationships with friends and family. They also may have trouble with physical well-being, such as neglecting important medical checkups and medication or unable to follow the medical guidelines and procedures. They may have trouble managing their finances and sustaining jobs due to the fact that they aren't organized, don't conform to corporate standards and do not stick to the same routine or schedule.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from support groups and therapy that teach coping strategies and strategies to live with the disorder. Specialized ADHD therapists can assist adults manage their symptoms, compensate for their shortcomings and improve their performance in life. They can also collaborate with family members to discuss how the disorder impacts their relationship and coming up with strategies for supporting their loved one.
Online communities and peer support are also beneficial. Sites such as Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, workshops and webinars on organizing skills emotional regulation, social interaction. Other online sources include ADHD accommodating workplace accommodations, restaurants, and classes to improve communication.
Many people suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from join support groups. These groups can be a fantastic source of ideas and inspiration, and also provide a platform for discussing challenges and finding solution. There are teachers and coaches that can help you create an action plan to improve your performance and reduce the effects of your symptoms.