Adult ADHD Diagnoses - The First Step to Managing Symptoms
Getting an adult ADHD diagnosis is the first step towards managing symptoms that could be a hindrance in relationships and work. A doctor can evaluate the mood of a person, their medical history and the presence of comorbid conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
A structured interview is an essential part of an evaluation. Family members, friends, and coworkers can also be interviewed to get an understanding of the person's past.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD may experience many of the same symptoms as children, but those behaviors can affect more areas of their lives. They may have difficulty keeping their jobs, coordinating relationships, and do well in school, for example. Some signs of this include difficulty paying attention and snorting or blurting out answers in a hurry, failing to complete work tasks, and a tendency to miss appointments frequently. The condition can also lead to financial problems because people are more likely to make mistakes that are not considered prudent or overspend.
A professional can test adults for ADHD using a variety of methods. They can speak with parents of a person and ask about their childhood. They may look at report cards and note teacher comments. They may also assess the current performance of a person by interviewing friends, coworkers and family members. They may also use self-tests or online ratings.
The diagnosis of ADHD as an adult usually requires a higher level of suspicion than that of children - 5 out of 9 signs over the last 6 months. The symptoms must manifest at multiple times and cannot be better explained by mental health disorders such as an anxiety disorder or mood disorder, or physical ailments such as hearing loss or a vision problem.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult it's normal to experience a range of emotions. It can be a relief when you finally get an answer to the difficulties you've struggled with for so many years. It can be frustrating to find out that you suffer from mental health issues particularly when you've been successful in other areas of your life.
A person diagnosed with ADHD typically receives psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In certain cases the doctor may recommend accommodations at work or in everyday activities. Accommodations are changes or tools that can be made to the environment of a person to help them achieve their goals. Examples include an incline step for someone who is smaller than average, or an application for computers that allows those with visual difficulties to focus on the screen. The use of behavioral therapy is also a popular treatment for adults with ADHD.
Diagnosis
The first step to determining whether you suffer from ADHD is to receive an accurate diagnosis. Contact adhd adult diagnosis uk or a mental healthcare professional to refer you to a specialist who performs ADHD evaluations. Your doctor will conduct an interview and review your personal, family and medical history. They will also ask you about the effects of your health issues on your life at school, home and at 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: Has trouble staying focused on activities or tasks for long periods of time. Many times, people forget or lose things or has difficulty completing chores, schoolwork or other tasks. Makes frequent mistakes at school, work or in leisure activities. Can easily be distracted by others or everyday activities. Daydreams a lot, 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. Interrupts others frequently or talks off-topic. Sometimes, they get bored and seeks excitement or novelty. In most cases, they engage in fights or disputes 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 their effects on individuals and may make it difficult to diagnose.
A physical examination is usually done to rule out any medical problems that might cause similar symptoms. Some medical problems, like seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, can mimic ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are serious, you may require additional testing for psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can give you crucial information on how ADHD affects your functioning and relationships. These tests can also reveal any other underlying problems that require attention.
Treatment
Adults can benefit from the same therapies that children who suffer from ADHD, including treatment and behavioral strategies, life-skills training, and therapy. Adults may need to try other treatments because the ones they took as children might not be suitable for them at the moment.
The person suffering from ADHD should consult an expert who is trained in the disorder. This can be a primary physician who treats ADHD regularly or a mental health specialist such as psychologists or psychiatrists. Many insurance companies provide online directories of specialists. In addition local support groups for people with ADHD or a specialist in mood disorders may be in a position to recommend a specialist.
After the exam the doctor will identify the cause and prescribe treatment. He or she may want to talk about the past of the patient and how the symptoms affected him or her in childhood. Therapists may suggest couples' or even family therapy if the person is struggling in their career or relationships.
Most adults with ADHD can be effectively treated by medication. These are typically small, fast-acting drugs that can reduce the imbalance of chemicals in the brain that triggers ADHD. Many doctors prescribe additional treatments for similar conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can help with issues with time management, control of impulses, organization and emotional self-regulation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with other individualized interventions, are delivered by therapists with particular expertise working with those suffering from ADHD.
Some adults with ADHD feel great relief when they finally get diagnosed. A proper treatment plan can transform their lives in a dramatic way. They will be more productive at work or school, or establish a healthier and more fulfilling relationship. For certain people, diagnosis brings closure to the years of regrets about mistakes they've made in the past because their symptoms went undiagnosed or mistreated. undiagnosed adhd in adults is possible that the patient's behavior has been affected by their gender identity, race or socioeconomic status.
Support
It's not too early to get an assessment and treatment if you were not diagnosed with ADHD when you were an infant. Many professionals are trained in ADHD and can tell you whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. They can also rule out other mental health disorders physical conditions, stress as the cause of your symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD could trigger a variety of complex emotions, such as sadness over missed opportunities or relief that you now have a solid explanation for your difficulties. Adults who suffer from ADHD may feel judged for behaviors they are not accountable for, like forgetfulness and difficulty organizing their work. They may also be facing financial issues, like late payment deadlines or debt resulting from impulsive purchases.
It's not unusual for adults with ADHD to engage in self-destructive behavior like drug and alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, constant stress and tension as well as low self-esteem or issues with their relationships with family members and friends. Additionally, they could have problems with their physical health. They might neglect important health checks or medications or struggle to follow medical advice. They may have trouble managing their finances and sustaining jobs because they aren't organized, do not meet corporate expectations and cannot stick to a routine or schedule.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from therapy and support groups which teach coping skills and strategies to live with their disorder. Specialist ADHD therapists can assist adults manage their symptoms, improve their weaknesses and improve their functioning in daily life. They can also work closely with family members, discussing how the disorder affects their relationship, and come up with strategies to help their loved one.
Support from peers and online communities can also be beneficial. Websites 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 sources include ADHD friendly workplace accommodations, restaurants, and classes to improve communication.
Some people with ADHD find it helpful to join support groups. These groups can be an excellent source of ideas and inspiration, and they provide a forum for discussing challenges and finding solution. There are teachers and coaches that can help you develop an action plan to improve your functioning and lessen the effects of your symptoms.