Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
The first step in addressing adult ADHD symptoms is to get a diagnosis. These symptoms can be a problem for relationships and at work. A doctor can assess a person's mood, medical history and the presence of any comorbidities that can cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
A structured interview is part of an evaluation. Interviews with family members, coworkers and friends are possible to gain more information about the person's past.
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 perform well at school, for instance. The signs include trouble paying attention and impulsively interrupting or blurting out answers or not following through on work tasks and repeatedly missing appointments. This condition can also cause financial problems as people are more likely to make careless mistakes or spend too much.
A professional can test adults for ADHD using a variety of methods. They can interview the parents of a person and inquire about their childhood. They might also look over reports and make note of teacher comments. They may also assess an individual's current functioning through interviews with co-workers, friends and family members. They may even use online ratings or self-tests.
The diagnosis of ADHD as an adult usually requires a higher threshold than children, requiring 5 out of 9 symptoms in the past six months. The symptoms should be present in a variety of contexts and cannot be than a mental health disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders or by any other physical ailments like hearing loss or a vision issue.
It's normal to feel a range of emotions when you get an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. It can be a great relief when you finally discover a concrete reason for the difficulties you've struggled with for so many years. It can be frustrating to discover that you suffer from an illness of mental health even when you've been successful in other areas of your life.
Someone diagnosed with ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In certain cases doctors will suggest accommodations for work or daily activities. Accommodations are modifications or tools that can be incorporated into the environment around a person to assist them succeed. Examples include an incline step for someone who is less than average or a computer program that allows people with vision impairments to concentrate on the screen. The use of behavioral therapy is also a common treatment for adult ADHD.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD, the first step is to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Consult your primary care physician or a mental health professional to refer you to a specialist who does ADHD assessments. Your doctor will interview you and review your personal, family and medical background. They will also inquire about the effects of your symptoms on your daily life at home, at school and at work.
Your doctor will apply the American Psychiatric Society's diagnostic guidelines, included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to determine if you meet the criteria for ADHD. The following are some of the DSM-5 criteria for inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD:
Inattention: Has difficulty staying focused on tasks or activities for long periods of time. Has trouble finishing chores, assignments or schoolwork. Many times, they make mistakes when doing school, at work, or during leisure activities. Can easily be distracted by other people or 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. Frequently interrupts others or talks in a non-linear manner. Often gets bored quickly and seeks excitement or novelty. In many cases, they get into fights, arguments or even acts 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 effects on individuals and can complicate the diagnosis.
Physical examinations are conducted to rule out medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Certain medical issues, like seizures and thyroid disorders, can mimic ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are serious, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be used to help make the diagnosis. These tests can provide important information about how ADHD affects your relationships and functioning. They can also assist in identifying any other underlying issues that require to be addressed.
Treatment
The same treatment that children with ADHD receive, such as medication, behavioral strategies training in life skills, and therapy -- usually are effective for adults too. Adults may have to consider different medications since the ones they took as children might not be appropriate for them today.
The person with ADHD should consult a specialist trained in the disorder. This could be a primary physician who treats ADHD regularly or a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Many insurance companies provide online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a specialist doctor who specializes in mood disorders can also recommend a specialist.
After the exam, the doctor will come up with the diagnosis and prescribe treatment. They may also want to discuss the background of the patient as well as how the problems affected them in the early years of their life. A therapist might suggest couples' or even family therapy if the individual is struggling in their career or relationships.
Most adults with ADHD can be treated effectively by medication. They are typically small, fast-acting medicines that help to reduce the chemical imbalance in the brain that causes ADHD. In many instances, a doctor will also prescribe other medications to treat related conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Behavioral therapy can help with issues with time management and control of impulses, organization and emotional self-regulation. Therapists who specialize in working with those suffering from ADHD can provide cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) along with other customized interventions.
When adults with ADHD are finally diagnosed, they experience a sense of relief. The correct treatment plan could change their lives dramatically. They will be more productive at work or in school, or develop healthy and satisfying relationships. For some, the diagnosis can bring closure to years of regrets about mistakes they made in their past due to their symptoms going undiagnosed or mistreated. It is possible that the patient's behavior has been affected by his or her gender identity, race and socioeconomic status.
adult diagnosis adhd
If you weren't diagnosed with ADHD as a child, it's not too late to get an evaluation and treatment. Many professionals 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 complicated emotions, like sadness over missed opportunities or relief that you now have a reason for your difficulties. Adults with ADHD often feel as if they're being criticized by others for actions that aren't their fault, such as forgetfulness or difficulty keeping their work in order. They may also be struggling with financial issues, such as missing payment deadlines or accruing debt due to the impulsive spending.
It's not uncommon for adults with ADHD to exhibit self-destructive behaviors like drug and alcohol abuse, inadequate nutrition, constant tension and stress, low self-esteem, or problems in their relationships with family and friends. They also may have trouble with their physical health by ignoring vital checkups and medications or unable to follow medical guidelines and procedures. They may have trouble managing their finances and keeping their jobs because they are not organized, fail to meet the corporate standards and are unable to stick to an established routine or schedule.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy or support groups that offer strategies and techniques for living with the disorder. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can assist them in managing their symptoms, discover ways to improve their weaknesses, and improve their overall functioning. They also can work closely with family members in discussing how the disorder impacts their relationship, and come up with strategies to support their loved one.
Online communities and peer support are also useful. 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 sources include ADHD-friendly restaurants, workplace accommodations, and classes on improving communication.
Some people with ADHD find it helpful to join support groups. These groups can be a fantastic source of ideas and inspiration, and they can be a place to discuss issues and find a solution. In addition to support groups, there are coaches and teachers who can help you make a plan for improving your performance and reducing the impact of your symptoms.