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 can be detrimental to relationships and work. A doctor can evaluate the person's mood and medical background, and also whether there are any co-morbid conditions, such as anxiety or depression, that can cause similar symptoms.
A structured interview is part of an evaluation. Family members, friends and coworkers may be questioned to gain insight into the history of the person being evaluated.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD may suffer from many of the same symptoms as children, however these behaviors can impact more aspects of their lives. They may have difficulty keeping their jobs, managing relationships, and do well in school, for instance. Symptoms can 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. This condition can also cause financial issues as people are more likely to make careless errors or overspend.
adhd adult diagnosis uk can evaluate adults for ADHD using a variety of methods. They may interview a person's parents and ask them to talk about their childhood experiences. They can also look over report cards and note teacher remarks. Interviewing family, friends, and co-workers can also be used to evaluate the current performance of an individual. They can also conduct self-tests or online ratings.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD when they've experienced 5 out of nine symptoms in the last six months. The symptoms must be present multiple times and are not explained by other mental health disorders like an anxiety disorder or mood disorder, or physical ailments like hearing loss or a vision problem.
It's normal to feel various emotions when you get an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. It can be a great relief to finally have an reason for the difficulties you've had to face for a long time. It can be very upsetting to realize you have mental health issues even if you've had successes in other areas of your life.
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD typically receives treatment with psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In some instances, a doctor will recommend accommodations for work or daily activities. Accommodations are changes or tools that can be added to a person's surroundings to help them achieve their goals. Examples include the use of a step stool for those who is shorter than average or computer programs that allow people with vision impairments to concentrate on the screen. Behavioral therapy is also a common treatment for adult ADHD.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD the first step is to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Contact your primary care physician or a mental healthcare professional to refer you to a specialist who does ADHD assessments. Your doctor will conduct an interview with you and will review your medical personal, family and medical history. They will also inquire about the effects of your health issues on your life at school, home and at 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 trouble staying focused on tasks or activities for long periods of time. Many times, people forget or lose things or has difficulty completing chores, schoolwork and/or work tasks. Many times, they make mistakes when doing school, at work, or during leisure activities. Is easily distracted, either by other people or daily activities. Often, they daydream, appear to be in 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. Often interrupts other people or talks in a non-linear manner. Often gets bored quickly and seeks excitement or a new experience. Sometimes, he gets involved in 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 can complicate diagnosis.
A physical exam is generally done to rule out any medical problems that might cause similar symptoms. Some medical problems, like seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, may mimic ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe If your symptoms are severe, additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing may be used to help make the diagnosis. These tests can provide vital details about the ways how your ADHD affects your functioning and relationships. These tests can also help identify any other issues that need to be addressed.
Treatment
The same treatment that children with ADHD receive - medications, behavior strategies life skills training, medication and therapy -- usually work for adults as well. Adults may need to test different medications since the ones they were prescribed as children might not be suitable for them today.
A specialist in ADHD should be consulted by the person with ADHD. This could be a primary care doctor who is regularly treating ADHD or a mental health professional, like psychiatrist or psychologist. Many insurance companies provide online directories of specialists. Additionally local support groups for people with ADHD or a doctor who specializes in mood disorders might be in a position to recommend an expert.
After the exam the doctor should then determine a diagnosis and recommend treatment. The doctor will want to talk with the patient about their past, particularly how symptoms affected them in the early years of their life. Therapists might suggest couples' or family therapy if a person is struggling in their career or in their relationships.
Most people suffering from ADHD can be effectively treated with medication. These are typically small, fast-acting medications that help to reduce the chemical imbalance in the brain that causes ADHD. In many instances, a doctor may prescribe additional treatments for related disorders like anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can help solve problems with time management and organization, impulse control, and emotional self-regulation. Therapists with specific expertise in working with those suffering from ADHD can offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other customized interventions.
Many adults suffering from ADHD feel a great relief when they are finally diagnosed. The right treatment plan can transform their lives to the better. They will be more efficient at work or at school, or build a healthier and more fulfilling relationship. For some, the diagnosis can bring closure to the years of regrets about mistakes they made in the past because their symptoms went undiagnosed or treated poorly. 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 evaluation and treatment. Many specialists specialize in ADHD and can determine if you have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. They can also rule out other mental health disorders physical conditions, stress as a cause of your symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complicated emotions, like regret over missed opportunities or relief that you now have a solid explanation for your issues. Adults with ADHD often feel as if they're being judged by others for their actions that aren't really their fault, such as forgetfulness or difficulty keeping their work in order. They may also struggle with financial issues, like not paying on time or accumulating debt from the impulsive spending.
It's not uncommon for adults with ADHD to engage in self-destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol abuse, inadequate nutrition, chronic stress and tension and low self-esteem. They may also experience problems with their relationships with family and friends. They also may have trouble with physical well-being by ignoring vital medical checkups and medication, or having difficulty following medical guidelines and procedures. They often have trouble sustaining jobs and managing their finances because they struggle organizing and meeting corporate requirements and adhering to a schedule or routine.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy or support groups that offer strategies and coping skills to manage the disorder. Specialized ADHD therapists can help adults manage their symptoms, overcome their shortcomings and improve their performance in daily life. They are also able to work with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationship and come up with strategies for helping their loved ones.
Online communities and peer support are also helpful. Sites like Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, seminars and webinars on organizing skills, emotional regulation, and social interaction. Other online sources include ADHD-friendly restaurants, workplace accommodations, and classes for improving communication.
Certain people with ADHD are also able to join support groups for those with ADHD that can be a source of ideas and inspiration, and also provide an opportunity to discuss issues and finding solutions. In addition to support groups there are coaches as well as teachers who can assist you to develop a plan for improving your functioning and reducing the impact of your symptoms.