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Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
The first step in addressing adult ADHD symptoms is to be diagnosed. These symptoms can be debilitating for relationships and at work. A doctor can assess the person's mood and medical background, and also whether there are any co-morbid conditions, such anxiety or depression, that can cause similar symptoms.
An evaluation consists of a planned interview with the person being evaluated. Family members, friends and colleagues can also be interviewed to get perspective on the person's history.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD might experience many of the same symptoms as children, however the behaviors they exhibit can affect different aspects of their lives. They may have difficulty keeping their jobs, manage their relationships, or do well in school, for instance. The signs include trouble paying attention to the present, frequent interruptions or uttering answers in a blur, failing to follow up on work assignments and frequently missing appointments. This can lead to financial problems as people are more likely to make careless mistakes or spend too much.
A professional may evaluate adults for ADHD by using a variety of methods. They can interview the parents of a person and inquire about their childhood. They can also review their report cards and take note of comments from teachers. Interviewing friends, family and co-workers can also be used to assess an individual's current functioning. They can also use online ratings or self-tests.
The diagnosis of ADHD as an adult typically requires a higher threshold than that of children - 5 out of 9 symptoms in the last 6 months. The symptoms must manifest at multiple times and are not explained by other mental health conditions like a mood disorder or anxiety disorder, or physical ailments like hearing loss or a vision problem.
If you're 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 a condition of mental health even if you've been successful in other areas of your life.
A person diagnosed with ADHD is typically treated with medication, psychotherapy, or other treatments. In some instances the doctor may recommend accommodations for work or everyday activities. Accommodations are changes or tools that can be made to the environment of a person to help them succeed. A step stool can be utilized by people who are taller than average or a computer program can assist people with visual impairments concentrate on their screen. Behavioral therapy is also a common treatment for adult ADHD.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD the first step is to make an accurate diagnosis. Consult your primary care physician or a mental healthcare professional to refer you to a specialist who performs ADHD evaluations. The doctor will interview you and go over your family, personal and medical background. They will also inquire about the effects of your medical conditions on your life at home, school and work.
Your doctor will refer to the American Psychiatric Association'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: Have trouble staying focused on activities and tasks for long periods of time. Has trouble finishing tasks, chores, or schoolwork. Many times, they make mistakes when doing school, at work, or in leisure activities. Is easily distracted, either by other people or daily activities. Daydreams a lot, appears to be on autopilot, or loses track of what they are doing.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity: Often restless, fidgets or can't sit still in class or at work. Disrupts others often or talks out-of-turn. Often, they get bored quickly and is in search of excitement or a sense of novelty. Sometimes, he gets involved in fights or disputes 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 impacts on a person and can complicate the diagnosis.
A physical exam is performed to determine if there are medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Some medical conditions, like seizures and thyroid disorders, can mimic ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are extreme and severe, additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or learning disabilities tests could be used to help make the diagnosis. These tests can give you important information regarding how ADHD affects your functioning and relationships. These tests can also identify any other issues that need to addressed.
Treatment
Adults may benefit from the same treatment as children who have ADHD, including medication, behavioral strategies, life-skills training, and therapy. Adults may need to test different medications since the ones they used to take as children may not be appropriate for them today.
A specialist in ADHD should be an individual who suffers from ADHD. This may be a primary-care doctor who regularly treats ADHD or an expert in mental health, such as psychiatrists or psychologists. 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 exam, the doctor will determine an assessment and prescribe a treatment. The doctor may wish to talk about the past of the person and how the problems affected them in childhood. If the person is experiencing issues with their job or relationships, a therapist might suggest family or couples' therapy to help them develop the skills to manage their issues better.
Medication is the most effective treatment for the majority of adults suffering from ADHD. They are typically small, fast-acting medicines that reduce the chemical imbalance in the brain that triggers ADHD. In many instances, a doctor will also prescribe other medication to treat the underlying condition such as depression or anxiety.
Behavioral therapy can help solve issues with time management and organization, impulse control, and emotional self-regulation. Therapists who specialize in working with individuals suffering from ADHD can offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with other individualized interventions.
Some adults with ADHD are relieved when they are finally diagnosed. The correct treatment plan could transform their lives in a dramatic way. They will be more productive at work, succeed in school or develop more satisfying and healthier relationships. Some people are relieved to finally get a diagnosis after years of regrets over mistakes made because their symptoms were misdiagnosed or untreated. It is possible that a person's behavior was influenced by their gender identity, race and socioeconomic circumstances.
Support
If you've never been diagnosed with ADHD as when you were a child, it's too late to get an assessment and treatment. Many professionals specialize in ADHD and can determine if you have mild or moderate symptoms. They can also rule out other mental health issues or physical ailments, as well as stress as the reason for your symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complex emotions, including grief over missed opportunities or feelings of relief that you have an explanation for your struggles. diagnosing adhd suffering from ADHD may feel criticized for behaviors they are not accountable for, like forgetfulness and difficulty organizing their work. They might also face financial issues, like late payment deadlines or the burden of debt from impulse purchases.
Adults suffering from ADHD are not often found engaging in self-destructive behavior, which includes drug and alcohol abuse. Other self-destructive behavior includes poor nutrition as well as stress and tension that is constant as well as low self-esteem and issues in their relationships with friends and family. Additionally, they could be struggling with their physical well-being. They might neglect important checkups or medications or are unable to follow medical advice. They often have trouble sustaining jobs and managing their finances due to their difficulty with organization, meeting corporate expectations, and adhering to a plan or routine.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from support and therapy groups that teach coping skills and strategies for living with their condition. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can assist them in managing their symptoms, discover ways to overcome their weaknesses, and enhance their life functioning. They can also collaborate with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationship, and come up with strategies to support the person they love dearly.
Online community and peer support can also be helpful. Sites such as Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, seminars and webinars on organizing skills, emotional regulation, and social interaction. Other online resources include ADHD friendly restaurants, workplace accommodations and classes to improve communication.
Many people suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from join support groups. These groups can be a great source of inspiration and ideas, and also provide a platform for discussing issues and finding a solutions. There are teachers and coaches that can help you create an action plan to improve your performance and lessen the impact of your symptoms.
