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 evaluate the person's mood and medical history, and whether there are any comorbid conditions, such as anxiety or depression, that can cause similar symptoms.
A structured interview is an essential part of an evaluation. Interviews with family members, colleagues and friends may be conducted to gain more information about the person's past.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD may experience a variety of these symptoms, but they may be affected by more aspects of life. They may have difficulty keeping their jobs, coordinating relationships and perform well at schools, for instance. Signs of trouble include inattention, impulsively interrupting or blurting out answers, failing to follow the instructions of work and frequently missing appointments. The condition can also cause financial problems since people are more likely to make impulsive mistakes or overspend.
Professionals can assess adults for ADHD by using different methods. They can interview parents and ask them about their childhood experiences. They can also review their report cards and take note of teacher remarks. They can also evaluate an individual's current functioning by interviewing friends, coworkers and family members. They can also utilize self-tests or online ratings.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD if they have experienced 5 out of nine symptoms in the last six months. Symptoms must be present in multiple situations and cannot be explained by another mental health issue such as anxiety or mood disorders, or by other physical conditions like visual or hearing loss.
When you are 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 difficulties you've struggled with for a long time. It can be frustrating to find out that you suffer from an illness of mental health even if you've been successful in other areas of your life.
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is typically treated with psychotherapy, medication, or other treatments. In some cases doctors may suggest accommodations for work or everyday activities. Accommodations are the tools or modifications to the environment of a person that can help them achieve their goals and lessen the effects of their impairment. A step stool could be utilized by someone who is taller than average or a computer program can aid those who has visual impairments focus on the screen. Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for adults with ADHD.
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If you suspect you may have ADHD, the first step is to make an accurate diagnosis. Start by asking your primary care physician or a mental health professional for a referral to a specialist that can perform ADHD assessments. Your doctor will interview you and review your family, personal and medical background. They will also ask you about the impact of your symptoms on your daily routine at home, school and work.
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: Has difficulty staying focused on activities and tasks for a long period of time. Trouble finishing chores, tasks or schoolwork. Makes frequent mistakes at school, work or during leisure activities. Is easily distracted, either by other people or daily activities. Often, they daydream, appear 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. Talks frequently to others or interrupts them out-of-turn. Frequently gets bored quickly and is in search of excitement or a sense of novelty. In most cases, they engage in arguments or fights without weighing 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 an individual and can complicate the diagnosis.
Physical examinations are conducted to determine if there are medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Some medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid disorders, may be similar to ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are serious, you may require additional tests for neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders. These tests can give you important information regarding how ADHD affects your relationships and performance. They can also assist in identifying any other issues that need to be addressed.
Treatment
Adults may benefit from the same therapies that children who suffer from ADHD which includes medication as well as behavioral strategies, life skills training, and therapy. Adults may have to consider other medications because the ones they were prescribed as children might not be suitable for them now.
The person with ADHD should consult a specialist who is knowledgeable about the disorder. This can be a primary physician who treats ADHD regularly or a mental health professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist. Many insurance companies have online directories of specialists. In addition there is a local support group for people with ADHD or an expert in mood disorders might be able to recommend a specialist.
After the examination the doctor should then identify the cause and prescribe treatment. The doctor will be looking to speak with the patient about their history, especially how the symptoms affected them during the early years of their life. A therapist might suggest couples' or family therapy if the individual is having difficulty in their work or relationships.
Most people suffering from ADHD can be effectively treated through medication. These are typically small, fast-acting medicines 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 address issues related to 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 particular expertise working with individuals suffering from ADHD.
When people with ADHD are finally diagnosed, they experience a sense of relief. Having the right treatment plan can transform their lives for the better. They can become more productive at work, succeed at school or develop more satisfying and healthier relationships. Many people are pleased to finally receive a diagnosis after years of regrets over mistakes made due to their symptoms being misdiagnosed or untreated. It is also possible that the individual's behavior is affected by their gender identity, race or socioeconomic status.
Support
If you've never been diagnosed with ADHD as a child, it's not enough time to seek an assessment and treatment. Many professionals are trained in ADHD and can tell you whether your symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. They can also rule other mental disorders, physical issues and stress out as the root cause of symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of complex emotions, including grief over missed opportunities or feelings of relief knowing that you have an reason for your problems. Adults with ADHD often feel like they're being judged by other people for behaviors that aren't their fault, like inattention or having difficulty keeping their work schedules. They may also struggle with financial issues, such as late payment deadlines or the accumulation of debt as a result of excessive spending.
It's not unusual for adults with ADHD to experience self-destructive behaviors such as drug or alcohol abuse, inadequate nutrition, chronic tension and stress as well as low self-esteem or problems in their relationships with family and friends. They may also have issues with physical well-being, such as neglecting important checkups and medications, or having difficulty following the medical guidelines and procedures. They are having trouble managing their finances and keeping their jobs because they aren't organized, do not meet corporate expectations and cannot stick to an established routine or schedule.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy or support groups that provide strategies and coping skills to live with the disorder. Specialized ADHD therapists can assist adults manage their symptoms, improve 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 support the person they love dearly.
Peer support and online communities can be extremely beneficial. Sites like Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, seminars and webinars on organizational skills as well as emotional regulation and social interaction. Other online sources include ADHD accommodating establishments, workplace accommodations, and classes to improve communication.
Many people suffering from ADHD find it helpful to join support groups. These groups can be an excellent source of ideas and inspiration, and they can be a place to discuss issues and find a solutions. In addition to support groups, there are coaches and teachers who can assist you to create a plan to improve your performance and reducing the impact of your symptoms.