5 Facts Adult ADHD Diagnosis Is A Good Thing
Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
Ask your primary care physician for a referral if you suspect you may have ADHD. You can also ask for suggestions from your family and friends, or search online for experts who are qualified to conduct ADHD assessments.
A medical professional will ask questions about your current symptoms, but under current guidelines, a diagnosis cannot be determined without taking into account your childhood background. Your specialist may ask to speak with your parents, teachers or other adults who knew you when you were an infant.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people who suffer from ADHD do not realize they have it until later in life. They might not be diagnosed until they are children and struggle to cope with problems in the workplace, at school or at home. A diagnosis and treatment plan will assist people get their lives back in order.
Adults suffering from ADHD have trouble focusing on their plans and paying attention to small details. They are more likely to make decisions on impulse and become easily distracted. They might also find it difficult to focus on tasks that are boring and often shift their attention from one task to another. This can lead to missed events, poor time-management and a lot of mistakes at school or at work.
The symptoms of adult adhd are different for each person. They tend to appear in the early years, but can also appear in an adult or in adolescence. To be considered to have the disorder the symptoms must have been present for at least six months and cause significant difficulties in multiple environments.
In some instances the doctor may review school reports to look for any remarks about behavior problems or a lack of effort or underachievement compared to your potential. The doctor may also ask the person being evaluated to speak with his or her parents. It's important that adults who are being evaluated for ADHD discuss their concerns openly and honestly with the clinician. They shouldn't be afraid of embarrassment or shame.
Women suffering from ADHD are often overlooked or misdiagnosed because their symptoms are not as evident like those of men. The struggles of women with ADHD can be hidden because they are responsible for caring for their children or working in jobs which are more gender-specific. Women with ADHD are prone to forgetting important tasks or being unable to remember or being late in completing work, and to make mistakes. They may also be unable to concentration at school or in work. They are more likely to engage in fidgeting behavior like tapping their feet or bouncing their legs.
Adults with ADHD are able to achieve success in their professional and personal lives. They just need to learn how to handle their challenges and utilize the support that is available. They can also take advantage of strategies that will help them to succeed, like using a planner, calendar and phone apps that offer reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be difficult to distinguish from the normal issues that arise in daily life, like forgetting appointments or losing track of tasks. However, the difference is important because, if it is left untreated, mistreated or not properly managed the disorder may result in serious social and work-related issues such as financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
In the majority of cases, a diagnosis of ADHD is made by an expert in mental health with specialized training and experience in treating the condition. This could include psychotherapists, clinical psychologists and physicians (such as neurologists, psychiatrists or family doctors) who specialize in psychiatry or neurology. They are also experienced with co-existing disorders that typically occur alongside ADHD like depression and anxiety.
A thorough interview will be conducted to determine if a patient has ADHD. This will include a review of the patient's medical, personal and family history. The interview will include questions about the effects of ADHD symptoms on the person's work and relationships. It is essential for the person to be honest and not conceal any details.
It's also a good idea to bring up problems that the person may have had at work or in their home life prior to childhood. These may reveal patterns that suggest ADHD. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to establish close bonds and changing jobs frequently. Adults with ADHD often have trouble managing their money and tend to spend more than necessary.
In some instances, an evaluation for adult ADHD could include additional tests such as neuropsychological, psychological or tests for learning disabilities to determine the cause of the person's problems. A person suffering from ADHD may also be suffering from an underlying learning disorder, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia or dyscalculia. In these situations, accommodations--tools or changes in the environment that help manage a disability--may be helpful.
In addition to treatment techniques and lifestyle adjustments Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy. They can help them learn to recognize their own behavior and thoughts, as well as develop strategies for dealing with them.
Receiving Treatment
Many people suffering from ADHD experience the same difficulties similar to those they faced as children issues with relationships, and at work, difficulty completing their schoolwork or finding jobs. These problems often lead to the need for medical referrals to diagnose and treatment. The first step for many is to speak to their primary healthcare provider. He or she could refer you to a mental healthcare professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD for adults.
Your doctor will perform an extensive exam to determine whether you suffer from ADHD or another condition that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. The doctor will inquire about your concerns, review your behavior and history and inquire about your family and medical history, and utilize the psychiatric scales and questionnaires. The doctor will also examine your physical health, including your heart rate and blood pressure. Other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms are stress, anxiety, depression, as well as certain medications and substance abuse.
Adults suffering from ADHD may have difficulty recognizing the condition. They may have learned to hide their symptoms or make excuses for them but still suffer from low self-esteem and confidence. Many women are better than men at hiding their symptoms, and be accustomed to being labelled a slacker, goof-off or a troublemaker.
In an ADHD assessment, your doctor will look at your symptoms and their impact on your life. He or she will likely interview you, as well as your family and work colleagues. They may also make use of old report cards to document childhood ADHD symptoms.
Treatment options for adult ADHD include pharmacological and behavioral treatments (medication). The most popular treatment for ADHD is medication that assists in balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These include stimulants like amphetamine, methylphenidate, and atomoxetine, as well non-stimulants.
Certain behavioral treatments can help as well like cognitive behavior therapy and education about ADHD. Some people with ADHD can benefit from a change in their lifestyle, such as setting routines, and using a planner or journal. adults diagnosed with adhd have success with counseling for family and marriage or a life coach who can help with time management and organizing skills. Some people suffering from ADHD may also benefit from accommodating arrangements in the workplace or school. This includes extended deadlines and flexible hours.
Find Support
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be stressful. It can also be the first step towards finally gaining control over issues that be affecting your life for a long time. The signs of adult ADHD may include difficulty staying on top of school or work obligations, losing important personal items, avoiding appointments, spending money impulsively, failing to follow medical guidelines and more. These problems can lead to an ongoing stress level, low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy. A strong support system and adhering to the best techniques can make a huge difference in how you cope with your issues.
In the past, a lot of people suffering from ADHD went undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. They may have struggled to find an occupation that was suitable for them, or failed their academic pursuits, and struggled to find long-term relationships. They may have regrets about missed opportunities and lost time.
A thorough interview with a mental healthcare professional is typically required to determine the severity of adult ADHD. If possible, family members are also present during the interview. In addition, the patient will be asked to fill out scales and questionnaires, as well as to talk about their history. In order to be diagnosed, the person must have experienced at least five symptoms of inattention and/or five symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity before age 12.
Based on the symptoms of a person and psychological testing and symptoms, neuropsychological or additional psychological testing could be necessary. The tests can provide more information on how ADHD affects the individual and can help determine if there are any co-existing conditions.
Treatment options for adults with ADHD typically involve counseling for psychological issues (psychotherapy), education, and sometimes medication. Psychotherapy assists people to recognize and manage their ADHD and improve their ability to cope with it. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches people to change their negative thinking patterns and behaviors. Marital and family counseling can also be helpful for individuals with ADHD who have difficulties maintaining relationships.
A doctor or specialist for a recommendation is the first step to finding a qualified counselor. You can also contact the local psychology graduate school or university hospital to get recommendations. Choose a psychologist who you are comfortable with and who has experience treating adults.