Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
Getting an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step in managing symptoms that could be debilitating in relationships and at work. A doctor can evaluate the person's mood and medical history, and whether there are any co-morbid disorders, like anxiety or depression, which could cause similar symptoms.
A structured interview is part of an evaluation. Family members, friends, and coworkers can be questioned to gain insight into the history of the person being evaluated.
Signs and symptoms
Adults who suffer from ADHD may experience many of the same symptoms as children, but the behaviors they exhibit can affect different areas of their lives. They may have difficulty keeping their jobs, managing relationships and perform well at school, for instance. The signs include trouble paying attention to the present, frequent interruptions or blurting out answers or not following the instructions of work and frequently missing appointments. The condition can also result in financial problems because people are more likely to make impulsive mistakes or overspend.
A professional can test adults for ADHD using a variety of methods. They may interview a person's parents and ask them about their childhood experiences. They can also review their report cards and take note of comments from teachers. They may also assess the current performance of a person through interviews with co-workers, friends and family. They may also use self-tests or online ratings.
The diagnosis of ADHD as an adult usually requires a higher level of suspicion than for children--5 out of 9 signs over the past six months. The symptoms must be present multiple times and are not explained by other mental health disorders like a mood disorder or anxiety disorder, or physical conditions such as hearing loss or a vision problem.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it's normal to experience a range emotions. It can be a great relief when you finally get a concrete reason for the issues you've been struggling with for so many years. It can be a bit frustrating to discover that you suffer from an illness of mental health, especially when you've had success in other areas of your life.
A person diagnosed with ADHD typically receives psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In some cases doctors may suggest accommodations for work or everyday activities. Accommodations are modifications or tools that can be added to the environment of a person to help them succeed. Examples include a step stool for someone who is shorter than average or computer programs that allow people with vision limitations to focus on the screen. Adult ADHD is usually treated with behavioral therapy.
Diagnosis
The first step to determining if you have ADHD is to get an accurate diagnosis. Contact your primary care physician or a mental healthcare professional to refer you to a specialist who conducts ADHD assessments. The doctor will interview you and go over your family, personal and medical background. Your doctor will also ask about your symptoms and how they impact your life at work, school and at home.
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 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 trouble staying focused on tasks or activities for long periods of time. Many times, people forget or lose things or has difficulty finishing chores, schoolwork or other tasks. Frequently makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work or during leisure activities. Gets easily distracted by others or by everyday 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. Frequently interrupts others or talks off-topic. Often gets bored quickly and seeks excitement or novelty. In many cases, they get into disputes 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 other conditions can have their own effects on a person, and may make it difficult to diagnose.
A physical exam is performed to determine if there are medical conditions that might cause similar symptoms. Some medical conditions, like seizures and thyroid disorders can be similar to ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are extreme If your symptoms are severe, additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests could be used to help make the diagnosis. These tests can give you important information regarding how ADHD affects your relationships and performance. They can also assist in identifying any other underlying issues that require to be addressed.
Treatment
The same treatment that children with ADHD receive - medication, behavior strategies training in life skills, and therapy -usually work for adults as well. Adults may need to test other treatments because the ones they took as children may not be right for them now.
The person suffering from ADHD must see a specialist trained in the disorder. This may be a primary-care doctor who routinely treats ADHD or an expert in mental health, such as psychiatrist or psychologist. A lot of insurance plans have online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a doctor specializing in mood disorders could recommend the services of a specialist.
After the evaluation the doctor will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. They will be looking to speak with the patient about their personal history, and particularly how the symptoms affected them during the early years of their life. If the person is experiencing issues with their job or relationships, a therapist could suggest couples' or family therapy to help them learn to deal with their problems better.
Most people suffering from ADHD are treated effectively with medication. They are typically small, fast-acting medicines that can reduce the imbalance of chemicals in the brain that triggers ADHD. Many doctors prescribe additional medication for the same condition such as anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can improve issues in time management, impulse control and emotional self-regulation. Therapists with specialized expertise in working with people with ADHD can provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other individualized interventions.
When people suffering from ADHD are finally diagnosed, they feel a sense of relief. Having the right treatment plan can transform their lives to the better. They can become more productive at work, succeed at school or develop more satisfying and healthier relationships. Some people are happy to finally get a diagnosis after years of regrets over mistakes made because their symptoms were misdiagnosed or not treated. It is possible that a person's behavior was influenced by their gender identity, race and socioeconomic status.
Support
If you've never been diagnosed with ADHD as when you were a child, it's too late to seek an evaluation and treatment. Many professionals specialize in ADHD and can determine if you have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. They can also rule out other mental disorders, physical ailments and stress out as the cause of symptoms.
adhd adult diagnosis uk of ADHD could trigger a variety of complex emotions, such as sadness over missed opportunities or relief that you have a reason for your struggles. Adults who suffer from ADHD may feel judged for behaviors they are not responsible for, such as forgetfulness and difficulty organizing their work. They may also struggle with financial issues, such as not paying on time or accumulating debt as a result of excessive spending.
Adults suffering from ADHD are not often found engaging in self-destructive behavior, which includes drinking and using drugs. Other self-destructive behavior includes poor nutrition and stress, chronic tension as well as low self-esteem and issues with their relationships with family and friends. They also may have trouble with their physical health by ignoring vital health checks and medications or unable to follow medical instructions and procedures. They may have difficulty maintaining jobs and managing their finances because they have trouble with organization and meeting corporate requirements and sticking to a schedule or routine.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from therapy and support groups which teach coping skills and strategies for living with their disorder. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can assist them in managing their symptoms, discover ways to improve their weaknesses, and improve their life functioning. They are also able to work with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationships and devise strategies for supporting the person they love.
Peer support and online communities can be extremely beneficial. Sites 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.
Some people who suffer from ADHD are also able to join support groups for those with ADHD, which can provide ideas and inspiration, and provide an opportunity for discussion of issues and finding solutions. In addition to support groups there are coaches and teachers who can assist you to develop a plan for improving your functioning and reducing the impact of your symptoms.