Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
Finding an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step towards managing symptoms that can be a hindrance in relationships and work. A doctor can examine a person's mood, medical history, and the presence of comorbid conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
A structured interview is an essential part of an evaluation. Interviews with family members, coworkers and friends are possible to get more information about the person's past.
Symptoms
Adults who suffer from ADHD may experience a variety of these symptoms, but they may affect more aspects of our lives. They may struggle to keep their jobs, coordinating relationships and perform well at school, for instance. The signs include trouble paying attention and impulsively interrupting or blurting out answers and not being able to follow the instructions of work and frequently missing appointments. The condition can also result in financial challenges because people are more likely to make impulsive mistakes or overspend.
Professionals can test adults for ADHD using a variety of methods. They can speak with parents of a person and inquire about their childhood. They may review reports and make note of comments from teachers. They may also assess an individual's current functioning by interviewing co-workers, friends and family. They can even take advantage of online ratings or self-tests.
how is adhd diagnosed in adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD when they've experienced 5 out of nine symptoms in the last six months. Symptoms must be present in multiple settings and are not better explained by another mental health issue, such as anxiety or mood disorders, or by other physical conditions such as hearing loss or a vision issue.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it's normal to experience a range emotions. It can be a relief when you finally get an explanation for the challenges you've faced for a long time. It can also be a bit upsetting to realize you have a mental health condition even if you've had success in other aspects of your life.
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD will typically receive psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In some instances doctors will suggest accommodations for work or everyday activities. Accommodations are modifications or tools that can be made to the environment of a person to help them succeed. Examples include an incline step for someone who is shorter than average or a computer program that allows someone with vision limitations to focus on the screen. The use of behavioral therapy is also an effective treatment for adults with ADHD.
Diagnosis
The first step in determining if you have ADHD is to receive an accurate diagnosis. Ask your primary care doctor or a mental health 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 information. Your doctor will also inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life at school, work and home.
Your doctor will refer to the American Psychiatric Society's diagnostic guidelines, 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. Often forgets, loses things or has difficulty finishing chores, schoolwork or other tasks. Many times, they make mistakes when doing the classroom, at work or during leisure activities. Can easily be distracted 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. Often interrupts other people or talks out of turn. Most often, he is bored and seeks excitement or a new experience. In most cases, they engage 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 effects on an individual, and complicate the diagnosis.
A physical exam is performed to determine if there are medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Some medical problems, like seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, may mimic ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are serious, you may need to undergo additional testing for neuropsychological disorders or psychological disorders. These tests can give you important information regarding how ADHD affects your functioning and relationships. They can also assist in identifying any other issues that require to be addressed.
Treatment
The same methods that children with ADHD receive - medication, behavior strategies, life skills training and therapy -usually work for adults, too. Adults may require different drugs however, as the ones taken as a child may not be the most appropriate for them at the moment.
The person with ADHD must see a specialist who is knowledgeable about the disorder. This may be a primary care physician who routinely treats ADHD or a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Many insurance companies have online directories of specialists. In addition there is a local support group for people suffering from ADHD or a specialist in mood disorders may be in a position to recommend a specialist.
After the evaluation the doctor will determine a diagnosis and recommend treatment. He or she may want to discuss the history of the patient as well as how the symptoms affected him or her in the early years of their life. If someone is having issues with their job or relationships, a therapist might suggest family or couples' therapy to help them understand how to manage their issues better.
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD are treated effectively through medication. These are usually small, quick-acting medicines that can reduce the chemical imbalance that creates ADHD. In many instances, doctors may prescribe additional treatments for related disorders such as depression or anxiety.
Behavioral therapy can improve issues with time management, impulse control and emotional self-regulation. Therapists with specific expertise in working with those suffering from ADHD can offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other interventions that are individualized.
When people with ADHD are finally diagnosed, they experience a sense of relief. The right treatment plan can dramatically change their lives to the better. They can be more efficient at work, achieve success at school or develop healthier and more fulfilling relationships. For certain people, diagnosis brings closure to the years of regrets over the mistakes they made in the past due to their symptoms going undiagnosed or not treated. It is possible that a person's behavior was influenced by their gender identity, race, and socioeconomic circumstances.
Support
It's not too late to get an assessment and treatment if you weren't diagnosed with ADHD as in your early years. Many professionals are certified in ADHD and can tell if your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. They can also rule other mental disorders, physical ailments and stress out as the reason for symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complex emotions, including grief over missed opportunities or feelings of relief knowing that you now have a clear explanation for your difficulties. Adults with ADHD may feel judged for actions they aren't accountable for, like forgetfulness and difficulty organizing their work. They may also struggle with financial issues, like late payment deadlines or the accumulation of debt due to the impulsive spending.
It's not uncommon for people with ADHD to engage in self-destructive behavior, such as drug and alcohol abuse, inadequate nutrition, chronic stress and tension as well as low self-esteem or issues with their relationships with family members and friends. They may also have issues with their physical health by ignoring vital medical checkups and medication, or having difficulty following medical instructions and procedures. They have difficulty managing their finances and maintaining jobs because they are not organized, do not meet the corporate standards and are unable to adhere to an established routine or schedule.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from support and therapy groups that teach coping skills and strategies to live with their disorder. Specialist ADHD therapy can help adults manage their symptoms, overcome their shortcomings and improve their performance in daily life. They can also collaborate with family members, discussing how the disorder affects their relationship, and come up with strategies to help their loved one.
Peer support and online communities can also be beneficial. Sites such as Sheila Henson or Neuroqueer offer workshops, webinars, as well as individual and group coaching on emotional regulation, social interaction, and organizational skills. Other online resources include ADHD friendly establishments, workplace accommodations, and classes to improve communication.
Some people with ADHD also find it useful to join support groups for those with ADHD that can provide ideas and inspiration, and provide an opportunity for discussion of issues and finding solutions. In addition to support groups there are coaches as well as teachers who can assist you to create a plan to improve your performance and reducing the impact of your symptoms.
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