Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
The process of obtaining an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step towards managing symptoms that could be debilitating in 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 as anxiety or depression, that could cause similar symptoms.
An evaluation consists of a planned interview with the person being assessed. Family members, friends, and coworkers may also be interviewed to get an understanding of the person's past.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD may 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, coordinating relationships and perform well at school, for instance. The signs include difficulty paying attention and snorting or blurting out answers at random, not being able to complete tasks, and a tendency to miss appointments frequently. This can lead to financial issues as people are more likely to make careless mistakes or spend too much.
Professionals can test 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 can also review their report cards and take note of teacher remarks. Interviewing family, friends, and coworkers can be used to assess the performance of an individual. They can also utilize self-tests or online ratings.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD when they have experienced 5 out of 9 symptoms in the last six months. The symptoms should be present in a variety of situations and cannot be explained by a mental health issue such as anxiety or mood disorders, or by other physical conditions such as visual or hearing loss.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it's normal to experience a range emotions. It can be a great relief when you finally discover an answer to the challenges you've faced for a long time. It can be very upsetting to realize you have a mental health condition, especially when you've had success in other aspects of your life.
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD typically receives psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In some instances, a doctor will recommend accommodations for work or daily activities. Accommodations are modifications or devices that can be incorporated into the environment of a person to help them succeed. Examples include the use of a step stool for those who is shorter than average or computer programs that allow someone with vision limitations to focus on the screen. Adult ADHD is often treated with behavioral therapy.
Diagnosis
The first step to determining if you have ADHD is to get an accurate diagnosis. Ask your primary care doctor or a mental health professional to refer you to a specialist who does ADHD evaluations. The doctor will interview you and examine your personal, family and medical background. They will also inquire about the effects of your symptoms on your daily life at school, home and at work.
Your doctor will use the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines published 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: Have trouble staying focused on activities and tasks for a long time. It is difficult to finish tasks, chores, or schoolwork. Many times, they make mistakes when doing schoolwork, at work or in leisure activities. Is easily distracted, either by people around them or their daily 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. Sometimes interrupts others or speaks out of turn. Sometimes, they get bored and is looking for excitement or novelty. In many cases, they get into disputes or fights 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 can have their own effects on a person and can make it difficult to diagnose.
A physical exam is generally done to rule out any medical problems that might cause similar symptoms. adhd adults diagnosis uk , like seizures and thyroid disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe you may need to undergo additional tests for psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can provide important information regarding how ADHD affects your functioning and relationships. These tests can also reveal any other issues that need to be addressed.
Treatment
The same treatment that children with ADHD receive -- medication, behavioral strategies training in life skills, and therapy -- typically are effective for adults too. Adults may need to test different medications but the ones taken as a child may not be the right fit for them today.
The person with ADHD should see a specialist who is knowledgeable about the disorder. This can be a primary doctor who treats ADHD regularly or a mental health professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist. Many insurance plans have online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a specialist doctor who specializes in mood disorders could recommend an expert.
After the exam, the doctor will come up with the diagnosis and prescribe treatment. They may also want to talk about the past of the patient as well as how the issues affected them in the early years of their life. If the person is experiencing issues with their job or relationships, a therapist might suggest couples' or family therapy to help them understand how to deal with their problems better.
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD are treated effectively through medication. These are generally small, fast-acting drugs that can reduce the imbalance of chemicals in the brain that triggers ADHD. In many instances, doctors will also prescribe other medications to treat related conditions like anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can help with problems with time management and organization, impulse control and emotional self-regulation. Therapists who specialize in working with individuals suffering from ADHD can offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other interventions that are individualized.
When adults with ADHD are finally diagnosed, they feel an immense relief. The right treatment plan can drastically alter their lives for the better. They will be more efficient at work, achieve success at school or develop healthier and more fulfilling relationships. For some, the diagnosis can bring closure to the years of regrets about mistakes they made in their past due to their symptoms going undiagnosed or not treated. It is also possible that the individual's behavior has been affected by his or her gender identity, race, and socioeconomic status.
Support
It's not too late to seek an assessment and treatment even if you were not diagnosed with ADHD as an infant. Many professionals are certified in ADHD and can tell if your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. 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 sadness over missed opportunities or relief that you have a solid explanation for your difficulties. Adults with ADHD might feel judged for behaviors they are not responsible for, such as inattention and difficulty organising their work. They might also face financial problems, such as late payment deadlines or the burden of debt from impulse purchases.
Adults with ADHD are not typically involved in self-destructive behaviors, such as drug and alcohol abuse. Other self-destructive behaviors include a poor diet, chronic tension and stress, low self-esteem or difficulties with their relationships with friends and family. They may also suffer from issues with their physical well-being. They might neglect important checkups or medications or are unable to follow the medical guidelines. They may have trouble managing their finances and maintaining jobs because they aren't organized, do not conform to corporate standards and do not follow the same routine or schedule.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy or support groups that offer strategies and strategies to manage the disorder. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can assist them in managing their symptoms, figure out ways to improve their weaknesses, and enhance their lives. They can also collaborate with family members, discussing how the disorder affects their relationship, and come up with strategies for supporting their loved ones.
Online community and peer support can also be helpful. Websites like Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, workshops and webinars on organizing skills as well as emotional regulation and social interaction. Other online resources include ADHD-friendly restaurants, workplace accommodations, and classes for improving communication.
Certain people with ADHD may also find it beneficial to join support groups for those with ADHD which can provide ideas and inspiration, as well as an opportunity to discuss issues and finding solutions. There are also coaches and teachers that can help you create an action plan to improve your performance and reduce the impact of your symptoms.