A Vibrant 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 to managing symptoms that can be debilitating in relationships and at work. A doctor can assess the person's mood, medical history and the presence of any comorbidities that trigger similar symptoms such as anxiety or depression.
A formal evaluation involves an interview with the person being evaluated. Interviews with family members, coworkers and friends may be conducted to gain more information about the person's past.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering 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, coordinating relationships, and do well in school, for instance. Symptoms include difficulty paying attention, impulsively interrupting or uttering answers in a blur, failing to follow the instructions of work and repeatedly ignoring appointments. The condition can also result in financial challenges because people are more likely to make mistakes that are not considered prudent or overspend.
Professionals can evaluate adults for ADHD by using different methods. They can speak with the parents of an individual and ask about their childhood. They can also look over reports and record teacher comments. They may also assess the current performance of a person by interviewing friends, coworkers and family members. They can also conduct online rating or self-tests.
adult diagnosis of adhd of ADHD as an adult usually requires a higher level of suspicion than for children--5 out of 9 signs over the last 6 months. The symptoms must be present at multiple times and are not explained by other mental health disorders such as an anxiety disorder or mood disorder, or physical conditions such as hearing loss or a vision issue.
It's normal to experience a range of emotions after receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. It can be a great relief to finally get an explanation for the issues you've been struggling with for a long time. It can also be a bit upsetting to realize that you have an illness of the mind, especially when you've had successes in other areas of your life.
A person diagnosed with ADHD will typically receive treatment with psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In some cases, doctors will recommend accommodations for work or daily activities. Accommodations are adjustments or tools that can be incorporated into the environment of a person to help them succeed. Examples include the use of a step stool for those who is less than average, or an application for computers that allows people with vision impairments to concentrate on the screen. Adult ADHD is usually treated with behavioral therapy.
Diagnosis
The first step to determine whether you suffer from ADHD is to get an accurate diagnosis. Contact your primary care physician or a mental healthcare professional to refer you to a specialist that does ADHD evaluations. Your doctor will conduct an interview and examine your personal, family and medical background. Your doctor will also ask about your symptoms and how they impact your life at school, work and home.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (also known as DSM-5, is utilized by your doctor to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria. The following are some of the DSM-5 criteria for inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD:
Inattention: Has difficulty staying focused on activities and tasks for a long period of time. Many times, people forget or lose things or has difficulty completing schoolwork, chores and/or work tasks. It is prone to making mistakes at school, work or in leisure activities. Can easily be distracted by others or everyday activities. The person often daydreams, 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. Talks frequently to others or interrupts them off-topic. Sometimes, they get bored and is looking for excitement or novelty. Frequently engages in fights or arguments 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 impacts on a person, and complicate the diagnosis.
Physical examinations are conducted to rule out medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Certain medical conditions, like seizures and thyroid disorders may be similar to ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe, you may need to undergo additional tests for neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders. These tests can provide important details about the ways the way that your ADHD affects your behavior and relationships. They can also assist in identifying any other underlying issues that need to be addressed.
Treatment
The same treatments that children with ADHD receive - medication, behavioral strategies life skills training, medication and therapy -- usually work for adults, too. Adults might need to try different medications, however, because those that were used as children might not be the most appropriate for them today.
The person with ADHD should consult an expert who is trained in the disorder. This could be a primary physician who treats ADHD regularly or a mental health professional like psychologists or psychiatrists. Many insurance companies have online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a specialist doctor who specializes in mood disorders may recommend the services of a specialist.
After the evaluation the specialist will determine an assessment and prescribe a treatment. He or she may want to discuss the background of the person, including how symptoms affected him or her in the early years of their life. Therapists might suggest couples' or family therapy if the individual is struggling in their career or in relationships.
Most adults with ADHD are treated effectively with medication. They are typically small, fast-acting drugs that reduce the chemical imbalance within the brain that causes ADHD. In many instances, a doctor may also prescribe other medication to treat the underlying condition such as depression or anxiety.
Behavioral therapy can help with problems with time management and organization, impulse control and emotional self-regulation. Therapists with specific expertise in working with people with ADHD can provide cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) along with other customized interventions.
When adults with ADHD are finally diagnosed, they experience relief. A good treatment plan can dramatically change their lives for the better. They will be more productive at work or school, or develop healthier and more satisfying relationships. For some, the diagnosis can bring closure to the years of regrets over the mistakes they made in their past because their symptoms went undiagnosed or mistreated. It is possible that an individual's behavior was influenced by gender identity, race, and socioeconomic circumstances.
Support
If you were never diagnosed with ADHD as an infant, it's not too late to get an evaluation and treatment. Many professionals specialize in ADHD and can determine if you suffer from mild or moderate symptoms. They can also rule out other mental disorders, physical issues and stress out as the cause of symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD could trigger a variety of complicated emotions, like sadness over missed opportunities or relief that you now have a clear explanation for your struggles. Adults who suffer from ADHD may feel criticized for behaviors they are not accountable for, like forgetfulness and difficulty organizing their work. They might also face financial problems, such as late payment deadlines or debt resulting from impulsive purchases.
Adults suffering from ADHD are not uncommon to engage in self-destructive behavior, including alcohol and drug abuse. Other self-destructive behavior includes poor nutrition as well as stress and tension that is constant and low self-esteem, or issues in their relationships with their family and friends. They also may have trouble with their physical health by ignoring vital health checks and medications or unable to follow medical instructions and procedures. They are often struggling to sustain their jobs and managing their finances, because they struggle with organization, meeting corporate expectations, and sticking to a schedule or routine.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from support groups or therapy that provide strategies and techniques to live with the disorder. Specialized ADHD therapists can help adults manage their symptoms, overcome their weaknesses and improve their functioning in everyday life. They can also collaborate with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationship and develop strategies for supporting their loved ones.
Online communities and peer support can be helpful. Sites like Sheila Henson or Neuroqueer offer workshops, webinars, as well as individual and group coaching on emotional regulation as well as social interaction and organizational skills. Other online resources include ADHD accommodating workplace accommodations, restaurants, and classes to improve 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 also provide an opportunity to discuss issues and finding solutions. There are teachers and coaches who can assist you in developing an action plan to improve your functioning and reduce the effects of your symptoms.