Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
The first step in managing adult ADHD symptoms is to obtain a diagnosis. These symptoms can be a problem for relationships and at work. A doctor can assess the person's mood and medical background, and also whether there are any co-morbid disorders, like anxiety or depression, that could cause similar symptoms.
An organized interview is a part of an evaluation. Family members, friends and coworkers can be questioned to gain an understanding of the person's past.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD might experience many of the same symptoms as children, however these behaviors can impact more aspects of their lives. They may struggle to maintain their jobs, maintain their relationships, or perform well in school, for instance. The signs include trouble paying attention to the present, frequent interruptions or blurting out answers or not following through on work tasks and repeatedly ignoring appointments. The condition can also lead to financial problems since people are more likely to make impulsive mistakes or overspend.
A professional can test adults for ADHD using a variety methods. They may speak with a person's parents and ask them about their childhood experiences. They might also look over report cards and take note of teacher remarks. Interviewing family, friends, and co-workers can also be used to assess the performance of an individual. They can also conduct online rating or self-tests.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD when they've experienced 5 out of nine symptoms in the last 6 months. Symptoms must be present in multiple situations and cannot be than a mental health issue like an anxiety or mood disorder or by any other physical conditions such as hearing loss or vision problem.
It's normal to experience an array of emotions after receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. It can be a great relief to finally get an explanation for the issues you've been struggling with for a long time. It can be very upsetting to realize that you have a mental health condition particularly when you've experienced success in other areas of your life.
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy, medication or other therapies. In certain cases, a doctor will recommend accommodations at work or in daily activities. Accommodations are tools or changes to an individual's environment that allow them to succeed and lessen the impact of their impairment. Examples include a step stool for someone who is smaller than average, or computer programs that allow those with visual impairments to concentrate on the screen. The use of behavioral therapy is also an effective treatment for adults with ADHD.
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 a mental health professional to refer you to a specialist who can conduct ADHD assessments. Your doctor will conduct an interview and examine your family, personal and medical background. Your doctor will also inquire about your health issues and how they affect your life at school, at work and at home.
Your doctor will use the American Psychiatric Society's diagnostic guidelines, that are included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to determine if you fulfill the criteria for ADHD. The following are some of the DSM-5 criteria for inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD:
Inattention: Has trouble staying focused on activities or tasks for long periods of time. Sometimes, they forget things, or has trouble finishing schoolwork, chores and/or work tasks. Makes frequent mistakes at work, school or during leisure activities. Is easily distracted by others or by everyday activities. Often, Full Document , appear 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. Interrupts others frequently or talks out of turn. Often, they get bored quickly and seeks out excitement or novelty. Sometimes, he gets involved in fights or arguments or 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 conditions can have their impacts on a person, and complicate the diagnosis.
A physical exam is typically done to rule out any medical conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid disorders, can cause ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe If your symptoms are severe, additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests could be performed to aid in making the diagnosis. These tests can provide important information regarding how ADHD affects your functioning and relationships. These tests can also identify any other underlying problems that need to addressed.
Treatment
The same methods that children with ADHD receive -- medication, behavior strategies training in life skills, and therapy -usually are effective for adults too. Adults may have to consider other treatments because the ones they used to take as children might not be appropriate for them at the moment.
The person with ADHD should see a specialist trained in the disorder. This could be a primary care doctor who routinely treats ADHD or a mental health professional, like psychiatrist or psychologist. Many insurance companies have online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a doctor with expertise in mood disorders can also recommend an expert.
After the examination the doctor should then determine a diagnosis and recommend treatment. They may also want to talk about the past of the patient, including how problems affected them during childhood. A therapist might suggest couples' or even family therapy if the person is struggling in their career or in relationships.
Medication is the most effective treatment for most adults with ADHD. They are typically small, fast-acting medications that help to reduce the chemical imbalance that is the cause of ADHD. In many instances, a doctor may prescribe additional medication to treat the underlying condition such as depression or anxiety.
Behavioral therapy can help with problems with time management, control of impulses, organization and emotional self-regulation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), along with other individualized interventions, can be offered by therapists who have particular expertise working with individuals suffering from ADHD.
A few adults suffering from ADHD feel great relief when they finally get diagnosed. The correct treatment plan could alter their lives drastically. They can be more efficient at work or at school, or establish a healthy and satisfying relationships. Many people are pleased to finally get a diagnosis after years regrets over mistakes made because their symptoms were misdiagnosed or not treated. It is possible that an individual's behavior was influenced by gender identity, race and socioeconomic status.
Support
It's not too early to get an assessment and treatment if you were not diagnosed with ADHD as an infant. Many professionals are certified in ADHD and can tell whether your symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. They can also rule out other mental disorders, physical conditions and stress out as the cause of symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD could trigger a variety of complex feelings, such as regret over missed opportunities or relief that you have a clear explanation for your difficulties. Adults suffering from ADHD often feel like they're being criticized by others for their actions that aren't really their fault, such as the inability to keep their work organized. They may also be facing financial issues, like late payment deadlines or debt due to impulsive purchases.
Adults suffering from ADHD are not uncommon to engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as drug and alcohol abuse. Other self-destructive behavior includes poor nutrition as well as stress and tension that is constant, low self-esteem or difficulties with their relationships with their family and friends. Additionally, they could be struggling with their physical well-being. They might neglect important medical checkups or medication or are unable to follow medical advice. They often have trouble sustaining jobs and managing their finances, due to their difficulty organizing and meeting corporate standards and adhering to a schedule or routine.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from therapy and support groups that teach coping skills and strategies to live with their condition. Specialized ADHD therapists can help adults manage their symptoms, compensate for their weaknesses and improve their functioning in daily life. They can also collaborate with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationship and coming up with strategies to support their loved ones.
Support from peers and online communities can also be beneficial. Websites like Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, workshops, and webinars on organizational skills emotional regulation, social interaction. Other online sources include ADHD accommodating workplace accommodations, restaurants, and classes to improve communication.
Many people suffering from ADHD find it beneficial to join support groups. These groups can be an excellent source of ideas and inspiration and they can be a place for discussing issues and finding a solutions. In addition to support groups there are coaches as well as teachers who can assist you to make a plan for improving your functioning and reducing the impact of your symptoms.