Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
The first step in managing adult ADHD symptoms is to get a diagnosis. These symptoms can be detrimental to relationships and at work. A doctor can assess 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.
A structured interview is part of an evaluation. Interviews with family members, colleagues and even friends can be conducted to get more information about the person's past.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD may experience many of the same symptoms as children, but the behaviors they exhibit can affect different aspects of their lives. They may have difficulty keeping their jobs, manage relationships and perform well at schools, for instance. Signs of trouble include inattention, impulsively interrupting or blurting out answers, failing to follow the instructions of work and repeatedly ignoring appointments. This can lead to financial problems because people are more likely to commit errors or overspend.
Professionals can assess adults for ADHD by employing a variety of methods. They can speak with parents of a person and inquire about their childhood. adhd undiagnosed in adults might also review reports and take notes of teacher comments. Interviewing friends, family and co-workers can also 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 usually has a higher threshold than for children--5 out of 9 signs over the last 6 months. The symptoms must be present multiple times and not better explained by mental health disorders like an anxiety disorder or mood disorder, as well as physical conditions such as hearing loss or a visual impairment.
It's normal to feel an array of emotions when you get an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. It can be a great relief when you finally get an explanation for the difficulties you've struggled with for so many years. It can also be a bit upsetting to discover that you suffer from a mental health condition, especially when you've had successes in other areas of your life.
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD typically receives treatment with psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In some cases, a doctor will recommend accommodations at work or in everyday activities. Accommodations are tools or changes to a person's environment that help them succeed and minimize the effects of their disability. A step stool may be used by people who are taller than average, or a computer program that can help someone who has visual impairments concentrate on their screen. Behavioral therapy is a popular treatment for adults with ADHD.
Diagnosis
The first step to determining if you have ADHD is to get an accurate diagnosis. Contact your primary care physician or a mental health professional to refer you to a specialist who does ADHD assessments. Your doctor will conduct an interview and review your family, personal and medical history. Your doctor will also inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life at work, school and at home.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (also known as DSM-5 is used by your doctor to determine whether you meet the ADHD criteria. 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 tasks, chores, or schoolwork. Sometimes, they make mistakes that are not their fault in school, at work, or during leisure activities. Can easily be distracted by people around them or their daily activities. It is often a daydreamer, and 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. Disrupts others often or talks out of turn. Often, they get bored quickly and seeks excitement or a sense of novelty. Frequently engages in arguments or fights 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 their impacts on a person, and complicate the diagnosis.
A physical exam is performed to determine if there are medical conditions that might cause similar symptoms. Certain medical conditions, like seizures and thyroid disorders could be similar to ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are serious, you may need to undergo additional testing for neuropsychological disorders or psychological disorders. These tests can provide vital information on the ways in how your ADHD affects your functioning and relationships. These tests can also reveal any other underlying problems that need to addressed.
Treatment
Adults are able to benefit from the same therapies that children who suffer from ADHD, including treatment and behavioral strategies, life-skills training and therapy. Adults may need to test other treatments because the ones they were prescribed as children may not be right for them now.
The person suffering from ADHD should see a specialist trained in the disorder. This can be a primary doctor who treats ADHD regularly or a mental health professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist. Many insurance plans have online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a specialist doctor who specializes in mood disorders may recommend an expert.
After the examination, the doctor will determine a diagnosis and prescribe a treatment. The doctor may wish to discuss the history of the patient as well as how the symptoms affected him or her in childhood. Therapists might suggest couples' or family therapy if the person is struggling in their career or relationships.
Medication is the most effective treatment for most adults with ADHD. These are usually small, quick-acting medicines that reduce the chemical imbalance that creates ADHD. In many cases, a doctor will also prescribe other medication to treat the underlying condition like anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can address issues related to time management, impulse control, and emotional self-regulation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as other individualized interventions, can be provided by therapists who have particular expertise in working with individuals suffering from ADHD.
Some adults with ADHD feel a great relief when they finally are diagnosed. The right treatment plan can transform their lives to the better. They will be more productive at work, be successful at school or develop more satisfying and healthier relationships. For some, the diagnosis can bring closure to the years of regrets over mistakes they made in their past because their issues went undiagnosed or treated poorly. It is possible that an individual's behavior was influenced by gender identity, race, and socioeconomic circumstances.
Support
If you were never diagnosed with ADHD as when you were a child, it's too late to seek an assessment and treatment. A lot of professionals specialize in ADHD and can determine whether you have mild or moderate symptoms. They can also rule other mental disorders, physical issues and stress out as the reason for symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complex feelings, such as sadness over missed opportunities or relief that you now have a clear explanation for your difficulties. Adults suffering from ADHD might feel judged for behavior they aren't responsible for, such as forgetfulness and difficulty organizing their work. They may also be facing financial issues, like missed payment deadlines or the burden of debt from impulse purchases.
Adults with ADHD are not uncommon to engage in self-destructive behavior, which includes drinking and using drugs. Other self-destructive behaviors include a poor diet, chronic tension and stress, low self-esteem or difficulties in their relationships with their family and friends. They also may have trouble with physical well-being and health, for example, ignoring important health checks and medications or having trouble following medical guidelines and procedures. They have difficulty managing their finances and sustaining jobs due to the fact that they aren't organized, don't meet the corporate standards and are unable to adhere to a routine or schedule.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from therapy and support groups that teach coping skills and strategies for living with their condition. Specialist ADHD therapists can assist adults manage their symptoms, overcome their weaknesses and improve their performance in life. They can also collaborate with family members, discussing how the disorder affects their relationship and coming up with strategies to help the person they love dearly.
Online communities and peer support are also helpful. Sites such as 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 on improving communication.
Some people who suffer from ADHD are also able to join support groups for people with ADHD, which can be a source of ideas and inspiration, and provide a platform for discussing challenges and finding solutions. There are also teachers and coaches that can help you develop an action plan to improve your performance and reduce the effects of your symptoms.