Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
The first step to manage adult ADHD symptoms can be to be diagnosed. These symptoms can be debilitating for relationships and at work. A doctor can assess the person's mood and medical history, and whether there are any co-morbid conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which could cause similar symptoms.
A formal evaluation involves an interview with the person being assessed. Family members, friends, and coworkers can be questioned to gain insight into the history of the person being evaluated.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD may suffer from many of the same symptoms as children, but the behaviors they exhibit can affect different aspects of their lives. They may struggle to keep their jobs, maintain their relationships, or perform well at school, for example. The signs include trouble paying attention and impulsively interrupting or blurting out answers, failing to follow the instructions of work and repeatedly missing appointments. This condition can also lead to financial problems because people are more likely to make careless mistakes or overspend.
A specialist can evaluate adults for ADHD using a variety of methods. They may speak with a person's parents and ask them about their childhood experiences. They may review report cards and take note of comments from teachers. They may also assess the current performance of a person through interviews with co-workers, friends and family. They may also utilize self-tests or online ratings.
The diagnosis of ADHD as an adult typically requires a higher threshold than children, requiring 5 out of 9 signs over the last 6 months. The symptoms must manifest at multiple times and cannot be better explained by other mental health conditions, such a mood disorder or anxiety disorder, or physical ailments like hearing loss or a visual impairment.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it's normal to experience a range of emotions. It can be a relief to finally get an explanation for the issues you've had to face for so long. It can be very upsetting to discover that you suffer from an illness of the mind, especially when you've had successes in other areas of your life.
A person diagnosed with ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy, medication, or other treatments. In some instances, doctors will recommend accommodations for work or everyday activities. Accommodations are changes or tools that can be made to a person's surroundings to help them succeed. Examples include the use of a step stool for those who is smaller than average or a computer program that allows people with vision limitations to focus on the screen. Adult ADHD is usually treated using behavioral therapy.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you might 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 for a referral to a specialist who performs ADHD assessments. Your doctor will conduct an interview with you and will review your medical, family and personal information. They will also inquire about the effects of your health issues on your daily routine at home, at school and at work.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5, is utilized by your doctor to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria. The following are some of the DSM-5 criteria for inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD:
Inattention: Has difficulty staying focused on tasks and activities for a long period of time. Often forgets, loses things or has trouble finishing schoolwork, chores and/or work tasks. Makes frequent errors at work, school or in leisure activities. Can easily be distracted by other people or daily activities. Sometimes, they seem to be on 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. Often interrupts other people or talks off-topic. Sometimes, they get bored and seeks excitement or novelty. Frequently engages in arguments or fights 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 other conditions may have their own effects on an individual and complicate diagnosis.
A physical exam is conducted to rule out medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Certain medical conditions, like seizures and thyroid disorders, can be similar to ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be performed to aid in making the diagnosis. These tests can give you important information about how ADHD affects your relationships and performance. They can also assist in identifying any other issues that require to be addressed.
Treatment
Adults may benefit from the same treatment as children who have ADHD, including medication, behavioral strategies, life-skills training, and therapy. Adults might need to try different drugs, however, because those taken as a child may not be the best fit for them at the moment.
The person with ADHD should consult an expert who is trained in the disorder. This may be a primary-care doctor who regularly 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 specializing in mood disorders could recommend the services of a specialist.
After the exam, the specialist should identify the cause and prescribe treatment. He or she will likely need to speak with the person about their history, especially how symptoms affected them in childhood. If someone is having difficulties in their work or relationships, a therapist might suggest family or couples' therapy to help them develop the skills to manage their issues better.
Most adults with ADHD are treated effectively by medication. These are usually small, fast-acting drugs that help to reduce the chemical imbalance that creates ADHD. In many instances, doctors may prescribe additional medications to treat related conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Behavioral therapy can help with time management, impulse control, and emotional self-regulation. Therapists with specific expertise in working with people with ADHD can provide cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) along with other individualized interventions.
A few adults suffering from ADHD feel great relief when they are finally diagnosed. A good treatment plan can transform their lives for the better. They can be more efficient at work or at school, or build a healthier and more fulfilling relationship. For some, the diagnosis brings closure to years of regrets about mistakes they made in their past because their issues went undiagnosed or not treated. It is possible that a person's behavior was influenced by their gender identity, race, and socioeconomic situation.
Support
It's not too late to seek an assessment and treatment even if you weren't diagnosed with ADHD as in your early years. Many specialists specialize in ADHD and can determine if you suffer from mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. They can also rule out other mental health disorders, physical conditions, and stress as the reason for your symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complex feelings, such as grief over missed chances or relief that you now have a reason for your difficulties. Adults who suffer from ADHD often feel like they're being judged by others for actions that aren't their fault, like the inability to keep their work organized. They might also face financial issues, like late payment deadlines or the burden of debt from impulse purchases.
It's not uncommon for people with ADHD to exhibit self-destructive behaviors like drug and alcohol abuse, inadequate nutrition, chronic stress and tension and low self-esteem. They may also experience problems in their relationships with family and friends. They also may have trouble with their physical health and health, for example, ignoring important checkups and medications or unable to follow medical instructions and procedures. They are often struggling to sustain their jobs and managing their finances, due to their difficulty organizing and meeting corporate standards and adhering to a plan or routine.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from support groups or therapy that provide strategies and techniques to live with the disorder. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can help them manage their symptoms, figure out ways to compensate for their weaknesses, and enhance their overall functioning. They are also able to work with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationship and devise strategies to support the person they love.
Online community and peer support can also be beneficial. Sites such as Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, seminars and webinars on organizing skills as well as emotional regulation and social interaction. Other online sources include ADHD friendly establishments, workplace accommodations, and classes to improve communication.
getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult with ADHD are also able to join support groups for people with ADHD that can be a source of ideas and inspiration, and provide an opportunity for discussion of issues and finding solutions. There are also coaches and teachers that can help you create an action plan to improve your performance and lessen the effects of your symptoms.