Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
The process of obtaining an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step towards managing symptoms that could be debilitating in relationships and work. A doctor will assess the person's mood and medical history, as well as whether there are any comorbid disorders, like anxiety or depression, which could cause similar symptoms.
An evaluation includes a structured interview with the person being assessed. Family members, friends, and coworkers may be questioned to gain perspective on the person's history.
Signs and symptoms
Adults who suffer from ADHD may suffer from many of the same symptoms as children, but those behaviors can affect more aspects of their lives. They may struggle to keep their jobs, managing relationships, and do well in schools, for instance. Symptoms can include difficulty paying attention to their surroundings, fumbling or mumbling answers in a hurry, failing to complete work tasks, and frequently missing appointments. The condition can also result in financial challenges since people are more likely to make mistakes that are not considered prudent or overspend.
Professionals can test adults for ADHD by employing a variety of methods. They can interview the parents of a person and inquire about their childhood. They might also review reports and record teacher comments. They may also gauge an individual's current functioning by interviewing co-workers, friends and family. They can even use online ratings or self-tests.
The diagnosis of ADHD as an adult typically has a higher threshold than that of children - 5 out of 9 signs over the last 6 months. The symptoms are present in multiple settings and are not better explained by another mental health issue like anxiety or mood disorders or other physical issues, such as a 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 a concrete reason for the issues you've been struggling with for so many years. It can be very upsetting to discover that you suffer from a mental health condition particularly when you've experienced success in other aspects of your life.
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is typically treated with medication, psychotherapy or other treatments. In some cases doctors will suggest accommodations at work or in daily activities. Accommodations are the tools or modifications to the environment of a person that can help them achieve their goals and minimize the effects of their disability. A step stool can be used by people who are taller than average or a computer program that can assist people who is visually impaired focus on the screen. Behavioral therapy is also a popular treatment for adults with ADHD.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD the first step is to get an accurate diagnosis. Consult your primary care physician or a mental health professional to refer you to a specialist that performs ADHD assessments. Your doctor will conduct an interview and go over your family, personal and medical history. undiagnosed adhd in adults will also ask you about the effects of your medical conditions on your life at home, school and work.
Your doctor will use 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: Having trouble staying focused on tasks and activities for a long period of time. Many times, people forget or lose things or has difficulty finishing chores, schoolwork and/or work tasks. Many times, they make mistakes at work, school or during leisure activities. Is easily distracted by others or the daily activities. Sometimes, they seem to be on autopilot or loses their focus on what they are doing.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity: Often restless, fidgets or can't sit still in class or at work. Interrupts others frequently or talks out-of-turn. Most often, he is bored and looks for excitement or novelty. Sometimes, he gets involved in fights or arguments or 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 their effects on individuals and can complicate the diagnosis.
A physical examination is usually performed to rule out any medical issues that could cause similar symptoms. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders and seizures, can be similar to ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe you may need to undergo additional tests for learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders. These tests can give you important information about how ADHD affects your relationships and performance. These tests can also help identify any other underlying problems that need to be addressed.
Treatment
The same treatments that children with ADHD receive - medication, behavioral strategies, life skills training and therapy -- usually work for adults, too. Adults may have to consider other treatments because the ones they took as children may not be right for them at the moment.
A specialist in ADHD should be sought out by those suffering from ADHD. This could be a primary care doctor who routinely treats ADHD or a mental health professional such as psychiatrist or psychologist. Many insurance companies offer online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a specialist doctor who specializes in mood disorders could recommend an expert.
After the examination, the doctor will come up with the diagnosis and prescribe treatment. He or she may want to discuss the history of the patient, including how problems affected them in the early years of their life. If the person is having difficulty in their job or relationships, a therapist might suggest family or couples' therapy to help them learn to manage their issues better.
Medication is the most effective treatment for the majority of adults suffering from ADHD. These are usually small, quick-acting medicines that help to reduce the chemical imbalance that causes ADHD. In many instances, a doctor may prescribe additional medications to treat related conditions like anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can improve issues related to time management, impulse control and emotional self-regulation. Therapists with specific expertise in working with people with ADHD can offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other individualized interventions.
When adhd adult diagnosis uk suffering from ADHD are finally diagnosed, they feel an immense relief. A proper treatment plan can alter their lives drastically. They can become more efficient at work, achieve success at school or develop healthier and more fulfilling relationships. Many people are pleased to finally receive a diagnosis after years regrets over mistakes they made due to their symptoms being not properly diagnosed or treated. It is possible that a person's behavior was influenced by gender identity, race, and socioeconomic status.
Support
It's not too late to get an assessment and treatment even if you were not diagnosed with ADHD when you were a child. Many professionals are trained in ADHD and can tell if your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. They can also rule out other mental disorders, physical conditions and stress as the cause of 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. Adults suffering from ADHD may feel criticized for actions they aren't accountable for, like forgetfulness and difficulty organizing their work. They may also struggle with financial issues, like missing payment deadlines or accruing debt as a result of impulsive spending.
It's not uncommon for adults with ADHD to experience self-destructive behaviors, such as drug and alcohol abuse, inadequate nutrition, chronic tension and stress, low self-esteem, or problems in their relationships with family members and friends. They may also have problems with their physical well-being. They might not attend important checkups or medications or are unable to follow the medical guidelines. They may have trouble managing their finances and maintaining jobs because they aren't organized, don't conform to corporate standards and do not stick to the same routine or schedule.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy or support groups which offer strategies and techniques to manage 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 can also collaborate with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationships and devise strategies to support the person they love.
Online communities and peer support are also useful. Websites like Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, workshops and webinars on organizational skills, emotional regulation, and social interaction. Other online sources include ADHD friendly workplace accommodations, restaurants, and classes to improve communication.
Some people who suffer from ADHD are also able to join support groups for people with ADHD that can be a source of ideas and inspiration, and provide an opportunity for discussion of issues and finding solutions. There are teachers and coaches who can help you create an action plan to improve your functioning and reduce the impact of your symptoms.