Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
The first step in addressing adult ADHD symptoms can be to get a diagnosis. These symptoms can be detrimental to relationships and at work. A doctor will assess the person's mood and medical history, and whether there are any comorbid conditions, such anxiety or depression, which could cause similar symptoms.
A structured interview is an essential part of an evaluation. Interviews with family members, colleagues and friends are possible to gain more information about the person's past.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD might experience many of the same symptoms as children, but these behaviors can impact more areas of their lives. They may struggle to keep their jobs, manage their relationships, or perform well at school, for example. Some signs of this include a lack of focus, interrupting or blurting answers impulsively, failing to complete work tasks, and frequently missing appointments. The condition can also result in financial problems as people are often prone to make impulsive mistakes or overspend.
Professionals can assess adults for ADHD by employing a variety of methods. They may interview the parents of an individual and inquire about their childhood. They might also review reports and record teacher comments. Interviewing family, friends, and coworkers can be used to evaluate the current performance of an individual. They may even take advantage of online ratings or self-tests.
The diagnosis of ADHD as an adult typically has a higher threshold than children, requiring 5 out of 9 symptoms over the past six months. The symptoms must manifest at multiple times and cannot be better explained by mental health disorders like an anxiety disorder or mood disorder, as well as physical conditions such as hearing loss or a vision issue.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it's normal to experience a variety of emotions. It can be a relief when you finally get an explanation for the difficulties you've struggled with for a long time. It can also be a bit upsetting to realize that you have a mental health condition even if you've had success in other areas of your life.
A person diagnosed with ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In certain cases doctors will suggest accommodations for work or everyday activities. Accommodations are tools or changes to an individual's environment that allow them to succeed and lessen the negative impact of their impairment. A step stool could be utilized by those who are taller than average or a computer program that can assist people who is visually impaired focus on the screen. Behavioral therapy is a popular treatment for adults with ADHD.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD the first step is to get an accurate diagnosis. Ask your primary care doctor or a mental health professional to refer you to a specialist that does ADHD assessments. Your doctor will conduct an interview with you and review your medical, family and personal information. They will also ask you about the impact of your medical conditions on your daily routine at school, home and at work.
Your doctor will apply the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to determine whether 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. Sometimes, they forget things, or has difficulty finishing schoolwork, chores and/or work tasks. It is prone to making mistakes at school, work or during leisure activities. Is easily distracted, either by others or everyday activities. The person often daydreams, 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. Often interrupts other people or talks out of turn. Most often, he is bored and seeks excitement or novelty. Sometimes, he gets involved in fights, arguments or even 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 other conditions may have their own effects on a person, and may make diagnosis more difficult.
A physical exam is performed to determine if there are medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Certain medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, may mimic ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are serious, you may require additional testing for psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can provide important information about the ways in the way that your ADHD affects your behavior and relationships. These tests can also help identify any other underlying issues that require attention.
Treatment
Adults can benefit from the same treatment that children who suffer from ADHD, including treatment and behavioral strategies, life-skills training and therapy. Adults may need to try other medications because the ones they were prescribed as children might not be right for them today.
The person with ADHD should see an expert who is trained in the disorder. This could be a primary-care doctor who regularly treats ADHD or a mental health professional like psychiatrist or psychologist. Many insurance companies provide online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a specialist doctor who specializes in mood disorders could recommend the services of a specialist.
After the examination, the doctor will make a diagnosis and prescribe a treatment. He or she will likely need to speak with the individual about their history, especially how symptoms affected them in childhood. Therapists may suggest couples' or family therapy if a person is struggling in their career or relationships.
Medication is the most effective treatment for the majority of adults suffering from ADHD. They are typically small, fast-acting medications that reduce the chemical imbalance that creates ADHD. In many cases, a doctor will also prescribe other treatments for related disorders such as depression or anxiety.
Behavioral therapy can address issues in time management, impulse control, and emotional self-regulation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with other individualized interventions, can be delivered by therapists with specific expertise in working specifically with people with ADHD.
When people with ADHD are finally diagnosed, they feel a sense of relief. The right treatment plan can transform their lives for the better. They can be more productive at work or in school, or build a healthier and more satisfying relationships. For certain people, diagnosis brings closure to the years of regrets over the mistakes they've made in the past due to their symptoms going undiagnosed or not treated. It is possible that an individual's behavior was influenced by their gender identity, race and socioeconomic status.
Support
If you were never diagnosed with ADHD as an infant, it's not too late to seek an evaluation and treatment. 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 disorders or physical ailments, as well as stress as the cause of your symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complex emotions, including grief over missed opportunities or feelings of relief knowing that you finally have a concrete reason for your problems. adhd diagnosis in adults uk who suffer from ADHD may 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 missed payment deadlines or debt resulting from impulsive purchases.
Adults suffering from ADHD are not typically involved in self-destructive behavior, including alcohol and drug abuse. Other self-destructive behavior includes poor nutrition and stress, chronic tension and low self-esteem, or issues in their relationships with family and friends. They might also be struggling with physical well-being by ignoring vital checkups and medications or unable to follow medical instructions and procedures. They have difficulty managing their finances and maintaining jobs because they aren't organized, fail to meet corporate expectations and cannot follow the same routine or schedule.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from support and therapy groups which teach coping skills and strategies for living with their condition. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can assist them in managing their symptoms, discover ways to compensate for their weaknesses, and improve their overall functioning. They can also collaborate with family members to discuss how the disorder impacts their relationship and coming up with strategies to support their loved ones.
Online communities and peer support are also helpful. Sites like Sheila Henson or Neuroqueer offer workshops, webinars, 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 to improve communication.
Some people who suffer from ADHD may also find it beneficial to join support groups for people with ADHD that can provide ideas and inspiration, and also provide an opportunity for discussion of issues and finding solutions. There are also teachers and coaches who can help you develop an action plan to improve your functioning and lessen the impact of your symptoms.