Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
Getting an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step to managing symptoms that could be a hindrance in relationships and at work. A doctor can evaluate 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 could also be interviewed to gain insight into the history of the person being evaluated.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD might experience many of the same symptoms as children, however these behaviors can impact more areas of their lives. They may struggle to keep their jobs, managing relationships, and do well in school, for instance. The signs include attention issues to their surroundings, fumbling or mumbling answers at random, not being able to complete work tasks and a tendency to miss appointments frequently. The condition can also result in financial challenges since people are more likely to make mistakes that are not considered prudent or overspend.
Professionals can evaluate adults for ADHD by employing a variety of methods. They may speak with a person's parents and ask them to talk about their childhood experiences. They may look at reports and take notes of teacher remarks. Interviewing family, friends, and coworkers can be used to assess an individual's current functioning. They may even use online ratings or self-tests.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD if they have had 5 of 9 symptoms in the last six months. The symptoms must be present at multiple times and cannot be better explained by mental health disorders, such an anxiety disorder or mood disorder, or physical conditions such as hearing loss or a visual impairment.
It's normal to experience various emotions after receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. It can be a relief to finally get an explanation for difficulties that you've struggled with for so long. It can be a bit frustrating to learn that you have an illness of mental health, especially if you've been successful in other areas of your life.
Someone diagnosed with ADHD will typically receive medication, psychotherapy or other treatments. In certain cases doctors will suggest accommodations at work or in everyday activities. Accommodations are tools or changes to the environment of a person that allow them to succeed and lessen the effects of their impairment. Examples include a step stool for someone who is less than average or an application for computers that allows someone with vision limitations to focus on the screen. Behavioral therapy is a common treatment for adult ADHD.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD the first step is to make an accurate diagnosis. Consult your primary care physician or a mental healthcare professional to refer you to a specialist who does ADHD assessments. Your doctor will conduct an interview with you and will review all of your medical, family and personal background. Your doctor will also ask about your health issues and how they affect your daily life at school, work and home.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or 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 activities or tasks for long periods of time. Trouble finishing tasks, chores or schoolwork. It is prone to making mistakes at school, work or during leisure activities. Is easily distracted by others or the 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. Sometimes interrupts others or speaks off-topic. Most often, he is bored and is looking for excitement or a new experience. Frequently engages in fights or arguments 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 other conditions may have their own effects on an individual and complicate diagnosis.
A physical exam is performed to rule out medical conditions that might cause similar symptoms. Certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid disorders, may mimic ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are serious, you may require additional testing for neuropsychological disorders or psychological disorders. These tests can provide important details about the ways the way that your ADHD affects your functioning and relationships. These tests can also identify any other underlying problems that need to addressed.
Treatment
The same treatment that children with ADHD receive, such as medication, behavior strategies, life skills training and therapy -usually work for adults, too. Adults may have to consider other treatments because the ones they were prescribed as children might not be right for them at the moment.
The person suffering from ADHD must see a specialist who is knowledgeable about the disorder. This may be a primary care doctor who routinely treats ADHD or a mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist. Many insurance plans offer online directories of specialists. Additionally 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 examination the doctor will determine a diagnosis and recommend treatment. The doctor may wish to talk about the past of the patient and how the symptoms affected him or her in childhood. Therapists might suggest couples' or family therapy if the individual is struggling in their career or relationships.
Medication is the most effective treatment for the majority of adults suffering from ADHD. These are typically small, fast-acting drugs that can reduce the imbalance of chemicals in the brain that triggers ADHD. Many doctors prescribe additional medications for related conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can help solve problems with time management and organization, impulse control and emotional self-regulation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other individualized interventions, are provided by therapists who have particular expertise in working with those suffering from ADHD.
A few adults suffering from ADHD feel great relief when they finally get diagnosed. The right treatment plan can transform their lives in a dramatic way. They will be more productive at work or in school, or build a healthy and satisfying relationships. For certain people, diagnosis brings closure to the years of regrets over mistakes they made in their past because their symptoms went undiagnosed or mistreated. It is possible that a person's behavior was influenced by their gender identity, race and socioeconomic situation.
Support
If you've never been diagnosed with ADHD as a child, it's not too late to seek an assessment and treatment. A lot of professionals specialize in ADHD and can determine if you suffer from mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. They can also rule other mental disorders, physical conditions and stress out as the cause of symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complex feelings, such as regret over missed opportunities or relief that you have a clear explanation for your difficulties. Adults who suffer from ADHD may feel criticized for behavior they aren't responsible for, such as the inability to organize their work. They may also be facing financial issues, like late payment deadlines or debt resulting from impulsive purchases.
Adults with ADHD are not typically involved in self-destructive behavior, including alcohol and drug abuse. Other self-destructive behaviors include poor nutrition, chronic tension and stress and low self-esteem, or issues with their relationships with friends and family. They might also be struggling with physical well-being, such as neglecting important medical checkups and medication or unable to follow medical guidelines and procedures. adhd adults diagnosis uk may have difficulty maintaining jobs and managing their finances because they have trouble with organization, meeting corporate expectations, and sticking to a schedule or routine.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy or support groups that provide strategies and coping skills for living with the disorder. Specialist ADHD therapy can help adults manage their symptoms, overcome their weaknesses and improve their functioning in life. They can also collaborate with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationships and come up with strategies to support their loved one.
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, social interaction, and organizational skills. Other online resources include ADHD-friendly restaurants, workplace accommodations, and classes for improving communication.
Some people with ADHD may also find it beneficial to join support groups for those with ADHD that can be a source of ideas and inspiration, and also provide a platform for discussing challenges and finding solutions. In addition to support groups, there are coaches and teachers who can assist you to develop a plan for improving your functioning and reducing the impact of your symptoms.