Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
The process of obtaining an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step to managing symptoms that could be debilitating in relationships and at work. A doctor will assess the person's mood and medical history, and whether there are any co-morbid conditions, such as anxiety or depression, that could cause similar symptoms.
A structured interview is part of an evaluation. Family members, friends, and coworkers could also be interviewed to get insight into the history of the person being evaluated.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD may experience a variety of these symptoms, but they may affect more aspects of our lives. They may have difficulty keeping their jobs, manage relationships and perform well at schools, for instance. Symptoms include difficulty paying attention to the present, frequent interruptions or uttering answers in a blur or not following through on work tasks and repeatedly missing appointments. The condition can also result in financial challenges because people are more likely to make careless mistakes or overspend.
Professionals can test adults for ADHD using a variety of methods. They can interview the parents of a person and inquire about their childhood. They may review the report cards and take note of comments from teachers. Interviewing family members, friends and colleagues can be used to evaluate an individual's current functioning. They can also take advantage of online ratings or self-tests.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD if they have experienced 5 out of 9 symptoms in the last six months. The symptoms are present in multiple settings and are not better than a mental health issue, such as an anxiety or mood disorder or other physical conditions such as visual or hearing loss.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it's normal to experience a variety of emotions. It can be a great relief to finally get an explanation for the issues you've had to face for a long time. It can also be upsetting to realize you have an illness of the mind particularly when you've experienced success in other aspects of your life.
A person diagnosed with ADHD is typically treated with medication, psychotherapy or other therapies. In certain cases the doctor may recommend accommodations for work or daily activities. Accommodations are tools or adjustments to an individual's environment that allow them to succeed and minimize the effects of their impairment. Examples include the use of a step stool for those who is less than average, or an application for computers that allows someone with vision difficulties to concentrate on the screen. Adult ADHD is often treated with behavioral therapy.
Diagnosis
The first step to determine if you have ADHD is to get an accurate diagnosis. Start by asking your primary care physician or mental health professional to refer you to a specialist that can perform ADHD evaluations. Your doctor will conduct an interview and review your family, personal and medical history. Your doctor will also inquire about your health issues and how they impact your life at school, work and home.
adhd diagnosis in adults 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 or activities for long periods of time. Has trouble finishing chores, tasks, or schoolwork. Many times, they make mistakes when doing school, at work, or during leisure activities. Is easily distracted by others or the daily activities. The person often daydreams, 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. Disrupts others often or talks off-topic. Sometimes, get diagnosed with adhd get bored and looks for excitement or novelty. In most cases, they engage in fights or disputes without weighing 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 effects on an individual, and complicate the diagnosis.
A physical exam is conducted to rule out medical conditions that might cause similar symptoms. Certain medical issues, like thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, can mimic ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are serious and severe, additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or learning disabilities tests could be used to help make the diagnosis. These tests can give you important information regarding how ADHD affects your relationships and functioning. These tests can also help identify any other underlying problems that require attention.
Treatment
The same treatment that children with ADHD receive -- medication, behavior strategies training in life skills, and therapy -usually work for adults, too. Adults may need to try other medications because the ones they were prescribed as children might not be appropriate for them today.
A specialist in ADHD should be consulted by the person with ADHD. This could be a primary physician who treats ADHD regularly or a mental healthcare professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist. Many insurance plans have online directories of specialists. In addition there is a local support group for people suffering from ADHD or a doctor who specializes in mood disorders might be in a position to recommend an expert.
After the exam, the doctor will determine the diagnosis and prescribe treatment. He or she will likely be looking to speak with the individual about their past, particularly how symptoms affected them in childhood. Therapists may suggest couples' or even family therapy if the individual struggles with their career or in relationships.
Medication is the most effective treatment for the majority of adults suffering from ADHD. They are typically small, fast-acting medicines that help to reduce the chemical imbalance in the brain that causes ADHD. In many instances, doctors will also prescribe other medication to treat the underlying condition such as depression or anxiety.
Behavioral therapy can help with time management, impulse control, and emotional self-regulation. Therapists with specialized expertise in working with those suffering from ADHD can offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with other interventions that are individualized.
Some adults with ADHD are relieved when they finally are diagnosed. The right treatment plan can drastically alter their lives for the better. They can be more productive at work or in school, or establish a healthier and more satisfying relationships. For certain people, diagnosis brings closure to the years of regrets over mistakes they made in the past due to their symptoms going undiagnosed or treated poorly. It is possible that an individual's behavior was influenced by gender identity, race, and socioeconomic status.
Support
If you weren't diagnosed with ADHD as a child, it's not 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, physical conditions, and stress as a cause of your symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can bring up complex emotions, including grief over missed opportunities or feelings of relief that you have an explanation for your difficulties. Adults with ADHD may feel judged for actions they aren't accountable for, like the inability to organize their work. They might also face financial issues, like the late payment deadlines or a the burden of debt from impulse purchases.
Adults with ADHD are not often found engaging in self-destructive behavior, which includes drinking and using drugs. Other self-destructive behaviors include poor nutrition, chronic tension and stress, low self-esteem or difficulties with their relationships with their family and friends. They might also be struggling with their physical health, such as neglecting important health checks and medications, or having difficulty following medical guidelines and procedures. They are having trouble managing their finances and sustaining jobs because they aren't organized, do not meet the corporate standards and are unable to stick to an established routine or schedule.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy or support groups that offer strategies and techniques to manage the disorder. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can assist them in managing their symptoms, find ways to overcome their weaknesses, and improve their life functioning. They can also collaborate with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationship and develop strategies to support their loved one.
Online communities and peer support are also useful. Sites like Sheila Henson or Neuroqueer offer webinars, workshops, and individual and group coaching on emotional regulation as well as social interaction and organizational skills. Other online resources include ADHD-friendly restaurants workplace accommodations, and classes for improving 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 they provide a forum for discussing issues and finding a solution. In addition to support groups, there are coaches and teachers who can assist you to create a plan to improve your performance and reducing the impact of your symptoms.