Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
The first step to manage adult ADHD symptoms can be to obtain a diagnosis. These symptoms can be a problem for relationships and at work. A doctor can evaluate the person's mood and medical background, and also whether there are any comorbid conditions, such anxiety or depression, which could cause similar symptoms.
A structured interview is an essential part of an evaluation. Interviews with family members, coworkers and friends may be conducted to get an understanding of the person's past.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD are likely to experience many of these symptoms, but they could affect more areas of life. They may have difficulty keeping their jobs, manage relationships and perform well at school, for example. Some signs of this include attention issues to their surroundings, fumbling or mumbling answers impulsively, failing to complete work tasks, and frequently missing appointments. This can lead to financial problems as people are more likely to make careless errors or overspend.
Professionals can test adults for ADHD by using different methods. They may interview the parents of an individual and ask about their childhood. They can also look over reports and take notes of teacher comments. Interviewing family members, friends and colleagues can be used to determine the performance of an individual. They may even use online ratings or self-tests.
The diagnosis of ADHD as an adult typically requires a higher level of suspicion than children, requiring 5 out of 9 signs over the past 6 months. Symptoms are present in multiple settings and are not better explained by a mental health disorder such as a mood or anxiety disorder or by any other physical issues, such as a hearing loss or vision problem.
It's normal to feel an array of emotions when you get an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. It can be a great relief to finally have an reason for the difficulties you've been struggling with for a long time. It can be very upsetting to discover that you suffer from an illness of the mind 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 at work or in daily activities. Accommodations are adjustments or tools that can be added to the environment around a person to assist them achieve their goals. A step stool could be used by people who are taller than average or a computer program to help someone who has visual impairments focus on the screen. Adult ADHD is often treated with behavioral therapy.
undiagnosed adhd in adults
If you suspect that you might have ADHD the first step is to make an accurate diagnosis. Start by asking your primary care physician or a mental health professional to refer you to a specialist who performs ADHD assessments. The doctor will interview you and review your family, personal and medical background. Your doctor will also ask about your symptoms and how they affect your school, at work and at home.
Your doctor will use the American Psychiatric Society'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: Has difficulty staying focused on tasks and activities for a long period of time. Sometimes, they forget things, or has trouble finishing schoolwork, chores and/or work tasks. Many times, they make mistakes when doing the classroom, at work or during leisure activities. Is easily distracted by others or by everyday activities. Sometimes, they seem to be in autopilot, or loses track of what they are doing.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity: Often restless, fidgets or can't sit still in class or at work. Frequently interrupts others or talks off-topic. Frequently gets bored quickly and seeks excitement or a sense of novelty. Frequently gets into adhd adult diagnosis uk or arguments or acts 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 conditions can have effects on individuals, and complicate the diagnosis.
A physical exam is conducted to determine if there are 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 and severe, additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or learning disabilities tests could be performed to aid in making the diagnosis. These tests can provide crucial information about the ways in how your ADHD affects your functioning and relationships. These tests can also reveal any other underlying issues that require attention.
Treatment
The same methods that children with ADHD receive -- medication, behavioral strategies, life skills training and therapy -- typically are effective for adults too. Adults might need to try different drugs however, as the ones used as children may not be the right fit for them today.
The person with ADHD should see an expert who is trained in the disorder. This can be a primary doctor who treats ADHD regularly or a mental healthcare professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist. Many insurance companies have online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a doctor with expertise in mood disorders may recommend an expert.
After the examination, the specialist should identify the cause and prescribe treatment. They may also want to discuss the history of the patient as well as how the symptoms affected him or her during childhood. If the person is having difficulties in their work or relationships, a therapist may suggest family or couples' therapy to help them understand how to manage their issues better.
Most people suffering from ADHD are treated effectively through medication. These are typically small, fast-acting medications that help to reduce the chemical imbalance within the brain that causes ADHD. Many doctors will prescribe other medications for related conditions like anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can address issues with time management, impulse control, and emotional self-regulation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as other individualized interventions, can be offered by therapists who have specific expertise in working specifically with individuals suffering from ADHD.
When people with ADHD are finally diagnosed, they experience relief. A proper treatment plan can change their lives dramatically. They will be more efficient at work, achieve success in school or develop more satisfying and healthier relationships. For certain people, diagnosis brings closure to the years of regrets about mistakes they made in the past due to their symptoms going undiagnosed or mistreated. 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 early to get an assessment and treatment even if you were not diagnosed with ADHD when you were an infant. Many professionals specialize in ADHD and can determine whether you have mild or moderate symptoms. They can also rule out other mental disorders, physical ailments and stress as the root cause of symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD may bring up complex emotions, such as grief over missed chances or relief that you have a reason for your difficulties. Adults with ADHD may feel criticized for behaviors they are not responsible for, such as the inability to organize their work. They might also have financial issues, like not paying on time or accumulating debt from impulsive spending.
Adults with ADHD are not uncommon to engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as drug and alcohol abuse. Other self-destructive behavior includes poor nutrition and stress, chronic tension as well as low self-esteem and issues in their relationships with their family and friends. They might also be struggling with physical well-being, such as neglecting important checkups and medications, or having difficulty following medical guidelines and procedures. They often have trouble sustaining jobs and managing their finances because they struggle organizing and meeting corporate requirements and adhering to a schedule or routine.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may benefit from therapy or support groups that provide strategies and coping skills to manage the disorder. Specialist ADHD therapists can help adults manage their symptoms, improve their weaknesses and improve their performance in everyday life. They are also able to work with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationships and devise strategies for helping their loved one.
Online communities and peer support can be useful. Websites like Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, seminars and webinars on organizing skills emotional regulation, social interaction. Other online sources include ADHD accommodating workplace accommodations, restaurants, and classes to improve communication.
Some people with ADHD are also able to join support groups for people with ADHD which can be a source of ideas and inspiration, and provide an opportunity for discussion of issues and finding solutions. There are teachers and coaches that can assist you in developing an action plan to improve your functioning and reduce the effects of your symptoms.