A Good 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 in managing symptoms that could be debilitating in relationships and work. A doctor can evaluate the person's mood, medical history and the presence of any comorbidities that trigger similar symptoms like depression or anxiety.
An organized interview is a part of an evaluation. Family members, friends, and coworkers may be questioned to gain an understanding of the person's past.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD might experience many of the same symptoms as children, however those behaviors can affect more areas of their lives. They may have difficulty keeping their jobs, managing relationships and perform well in school, for instance. Some signs of this include a lack of focus, interrupting or blurting answers at random, not being able to complete work tasks, and frequently missing appointments. The condition can also result in financial difficulties as people are often prone to make mistakes that are not considered prudent or overspend.
A professional may evaluate adults for ADHD using a variety methods. They may speak with a person's parents and ask them to talk about their childhood experiences. They might also look over reports and make note of comments from teachers. adhd diagnosis adults can also evaluate the performance of an individual by interviewing co-workers, friends and family members. They may also utilize self-tests or online ratings.
The diagnosis of ADHD as an adult usually requires a higher level of suspicion than for children--5 out of 9 symptoms in the past 6 months. The symptoms must manifest at multiple times and cannot be better explained by other mental health conditions such as a mood disorder or anxiety disorder, as well as physical ailments such as hearing loss or a vision issue.
It's normal to experience a range of emotions when you receive an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. It can be a relief when you finally discover a concrete reason for the issues you've been struggling with for a long time. It can be frustrating to discover that you suffer from an illness of mental health even when you've been successful in other areas of your life.
A person diagnosed with ADHD will typically receive treatment with psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. In some cases the doctor may recommend accommodations at work or in everyday activities. Accommodations are changes or tools that can be added to the environment of a person to help them succeed. Examples include the use of a step stool for those who is smaller than average or an application for computers that allows someone with vision limitations to concentrate on the screen. The use of behavioral therapy is also a popular treatment for adults with ADHD.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD the first step is to get an accurate diagnosis. Start by asking your primary care physician or mental health professional for a referral to a specialist who can conduct ADHD evaluations. Your doctor will conduct an interview with you and review your medical personal, family and medical background. Your doctor will also ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life at work, school and at home.
Your doctor will apply the American Psychiatric Society's diagnostic guidelines, published 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: Has trouble staying focused on activities or tasks for long periods of time. Trouble finishing chores, assignments, or schoolwork. Makes frequent mistakes at work, school or during leisure activities. Is easily distracted by others or their daily activities. Often, they daydream, appear 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. Frequently interrupts others or talks out of turn. Frequently gets bored quickly and is in search of excitement or novelty. Sometimes, he gets involved in 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 other conditions can have their own impact on a person, and may complicate diagnosis.
Physical examinations are conducted to determine if there are medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Certain medical issues, like seizure disorders and thyroid disorders, can cause ADHD symptoms.
If your symptoms are extreme and severe, additional neuropsychological, psychosocial and/or learning disabilities testing may be used to help make the diagnosis. These tests can give you important information about how ADHD affects your relationships and functioning. These tests can also help identify any other underlying issues that need to be addressed.
Treatment
The same treatment that children with ADHD receive - medication, behavior strategies training in life skills, and therapy -- typically work for adults, too. Adults may need to try other medications because the ones they were prescribed as children might not be appropriate for them today.
The person with ADHD should consult a specialist trained in the disorder. This may be a primary care physician who is regularly treating ADHD or a mental health professional like psychiatrists or psychologists. A lot of insurance plans have online directories of specialists. A local support group for ADHD sufferers or a specialist doctor who specializes in mood disorders may recommend a specialist.
After the examination the doctor should then make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. The doctor will need to speak with the person about their past, particularly how their symptoms affected them in the early years of their life. If the person is having issues with their job or relationships, a therapist may suggest family or couples' therapy to help them understand how to cope better.
Most adults with ADHD can be treated effectively by medication. These are usually small, quick-acting medicines that can reduce the chemical imbalance that causes ADHD. Many doctors will prescribe other treatments for similar conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
Behavioral therapy can address issues in time management, impulse control and emotional self-regulation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as other specific interventions, can be provided by therapists who have particular expertise working with people with ADHD.
When people with ADHD are finally diagnosed, they experience a sense of relief. Having the right treatment plan can drastically alter their lives to the better. They can be more efficient at work or at school, or develop healthy and satisfying relationships. For some, the diagnosis brings closure to years of regrets about mistakes they made in the past because their symptoms went undiagnosed or not treated. It is possible that an individual's behavior was influenced by their gender identity, race, and socioeconomic status.
Support
If you weren't diagnosed with ADHD as when you were a child, it's too late to seek an evaluation and treatment. Many professionals specialize in ADHD and can determine if you suffer from mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. They can also rule out other mental disorders, physical issues and stress as the root cause of symptoms.
A diagnosis of ADHD can bring up complicated emotions, including sadness over missed opportunities or feelings of relief that you now have a clear explanation for your struggles. Adults who suffer from ADHD often feel as if they're being judged by others for their actions that aren't really their fault, like the inability to keep their work in order. They may also be facing financial issues, like missed payment deadlines or the burden of debt from impulse purchases.
Adults with ADHD are not often found engaging in self-destructive behaviors, such as alcohol and drug abuse. Other self-destructive behaviors include poor nutrition and stress, chronic tension, low self-esteem or difficulties with their relationships with friends and family. They also may have trouble with physical well-being, such as neglecting important checkups and medications, or having difficulty following medical instructions and procedures. They may have trouble managing their finances and sustaining jobs because they are not organized, fail to meet the corporate standards and are unable to stick to an established routine or schedule.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from support groups or therapy that offer strategies and coping skills for living with the disorder. Specialized ADHD therapists can help adults manage their symptoms, improve their weaknesses and improve their performance in daily life. They are also able to work with family members to discuss how the disorder affects their relationships and develop strategies to support the person they love.
Online communities and peer support can be useful. Sites such as Sheila Henson or Neuroqueer offer workshops, webinars, and individual and group coaching on emotional regulation, social interaction, and organizational skills. Other online resources include ADHD-friendly restaurants workplace accommodations, and classes for improving communication.
Many people suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from join support groups. These groups can be an excellent source of inspiration and ideas, and they provide a forum for discussing challenges and finding solutions. In addition to support groups there are coaches and teachers who can help you make a plan for improving your performance and reducing the impact of your symptoms.