A Provocative Rant About Adult ADHD Diagnoses
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 a hindrance in relationships and work. A doctor can evaluate the person's mood, medical history and the presence of any comorbid conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
diagnosis for adhd consists of a planned 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 might experience many of the same symptoms as children, however the behaviors they exhibit can affect different areas of their lives. They may have difficulty keeping their jobs, manage their relationships, or do well in school, for instance. Symptoms include difficulty paying attention, impulsively interrupting or blurting out answers and not being able to follow through on work tasks and repeatedly missing appointments. The condition can also lead to financial challenges because people are more likely to make careless mistakes or overspend.
A professional may evaluate adults for ADHD using a variety methods. They may interview the parents of a person and ask about their childhood. They can also review their reports and make note of teacher remarks. They can also evaluate the performance of an individual by interviewing co-workers, friends and family members. They may also use online rating or self-tests.
The diagnosis of ADHD as an adult usually has a higher threshold than that of children - 5 out of 9 signs over the past 6 months. The symptoms should be present in a variety of situations and cannot be explained by a mental health disorder like a mood or anxiety disorder, or by other physical conditions, such as a hearing loss or vision problem.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it's normal to experience a range of emotions. It's a feeling of relief when you finally get an answer to the issues you've been struggling with for so many years. It can be very upsetting to realize that you have a mental health condition, especially when you've had successes in other areas of your life.
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is usually treated with medication, psychotherapy, or other treatments. In some instances the doctor may recommend accommodations for work or everyday activities. Accommodations are changes or devices that can be added to the environment around a person to assist them achieve their goals. A step stool may be used by those who are taller than average, or a computer program can assist people who is visually impaired focus on the screen. click this is an effective treatment for adults with ADHD.
Diagnosis
The first step to determine 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 that conducts ADHD assessments. Your doctor will conduct an interview and review your personal, family and medical history. Your doctor will also inquire about your health issues and how they affect your daily life at work, school and at home.
Your doctor will apply 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: Having trouble staying focused on tasks or activities for long periods of time. Sometimes, they forget things, or has difficulty completing schoolwork, chores and/or work tasks. Many times, they make mistakes when doing schoolwork, at work or during leisure activities. Is easily distracted, either by people around them or their daily activities. The person often daydreams, 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. Talks frequently to others or interrupts them out of turn. Often gets bored easily and seeks excitement or a new experience. In many cases, they get into fights, arguments or even 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 impacts on a person, and complicate the diagnosis.
A physical exam is conducted to determine if there are medical conditions that might cause similar symptoms. Some medical problems, like seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, can cause ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are serious, you may require additional testing for psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can give you important information regarding how ADHD affects your relationships and functioning. They can also help identify any other underlying issues that need to be addressed.
Treatment
Adults are able to benefit from the same treatment that children who suffer from ADHD such as medications and behavioral strategies, life-skills training and therapy. Adults may need to try other treatments because the ones they took as children may not be right for them today.
A specialist in ADHD should be consulted by the person with ADHD. This can be a primary doctor who treats ADHD regularly or a mental health specialist such as psychologist or psychiatrist. Many insurance companies provide online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a specialist doctor who specializes in mood disorders can also recommend a specialist.
After the examination, the doctor will make a diagnosis and prescribe a treatment. He or she may want to talk about the past of the person and how the issues 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 learn to manage their issues better.
Medication is the most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These are typically small, fast-acting medications that help to reduce the chemical imbalance in the brain that causes ADHD. In many instances, doctors may prescribe additional medication to treat the underlying condition such as depression or anxiety.
Behavioral therapy can help improve issues with time management, organization, 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.
Some adults with ADHD feel great relief when they finally get diagnosed. The correct treatment plan could transform their lives in a dramatic way. They will be more productive at work or school, or establish a healthier and more satisfying relationships. For certain people, diagnosis brings closure to the years of regrets over the mistakes they made in their past due to their symptoms going undiagnosed or treated poorly. It is also possible that the individual's behavior has been affected by his or her gender identity, race, and socioeconomic status.
Support
If you've never been diagnosed with ADHD as a child, it's not enough time to seek an assessment and treatment. A lot of 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 a cause of your symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can bring up complex emotions, including grief over missed opportunities or feelings of relief knowing that you have an reason for your problems. Adults suffering from ADHD may feel judged for behaviors they are not accountable for, like forgetfulness and difficulty organizing their work. They may also be struggling with financial issues, like missing payment deadlines or accruing debt due to excessive spending.
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, low self-esteem, or problems in their relationships with family members and friends. They also may have trouble with physical well-being by ignoring vital medical checkups and medication or having trouble following medical guidelines and procedures. They are having trouble managing their finances and keeping their jobs because they are not organized, don't meet corporate expectations and cannot follow the same routine or schedule.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from support and therapy groups that teach coping skills and strategies to live with the disorder. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can assist them in managing their symptoms, discover ways to overcome their weaknesses, and improve their lives. They can also collaborate with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationships and develop strategies for supporting their loved ones.
Online communities and peer support are also useful. Websites like Sheila Henson and Neuroqueer offer individual and group coaching, seminars and webinars on organizational skills, emotional regulation, and social interaction. Other online resources include ADHD-friendly restaurants workplace accommodations, and classes for improving communication.
Certain people with ADHD also find it useful to join support groups for people with ADHD which can be a source of ideas and inspiration, and provide an opportunity to discuss issues and finding solutions. In addition to support groups, there are coaches and teachers who can help you create a plan to improve your performance and reducing the impact of your symptoms.