8 Tips To Up Your Adult ADHD Diagnosis Game
adult diagnosis of adhd and Treatment
Ask your primary doctor for a referral if suspect you may have ADHD. You can also ask your family and friends for recommendations or use the internet to find professionals who are competent to assess ADHD.
The professionals will inquire about your symptoms today but, based on current guidelines, it is impossible to determine the cause without considering your childhood history. Your doctor might talk to your teachers, parents or other adults who were familiar with you as a young person.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people who suffer from ADHD don't realize they have it until later in life. They may not have been diagnosed until they were children and have difficulty coping with problems in school, at work or at home. A diagnosis and treatment plan can assist them in getting their lives back on path.
Adults with ADHD often have difficulty staying focused, planning or paying attention to details. They are more likely to make decisions on impulse and become easily distracted. They might also discover that they cannot remain focused on boring tasks and tend to shift their focus from one task to the next. This could lead to them missing important events, poor time management and frequent missteps at work or at school.
Adult adhd symptoms differ for each individual. They tend to appear in the early years, but can also appear in adolescence or adulthood. To be considered to have the disorder, the symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months and cause significant difficulties in multiple settings.
In some instances the doctor may review school report cards to look for any remarks about behavior problems or a lack of effort and inadequacy compared to your potential. The doctor might also suggest to have the person being evaluated discuss the situation with their parents. It is crucial that those who are being assessed for ADHD discuss their issues openly and honestly with their physician. They shouldn't be worried about shame or embarrassment.
Women who suffer from ADHD are often omitted or misdiagnosed since their symptoms are less noticeable than those of men. The struggles of women with ADHD are often hidden because they have to care for children, or work in jobs that are gender-specific. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to forgetting important tasks or being unable to remember, to being late to complete tasks, and making mistakes. They may also lack focus in school or at work. They are also more likely to exhibit fidgeting behavior such as bouncing the leg or tapping their feet.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are still capable of having success in their professional and personal lives. They need to be able to deal with their issues and take advantage of the help that is available. They can also make use of strategies that help to achieve success, such as using a planner or a calendar and phone apps that offer reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
The signs of adult ADHD can be difficult to distinguish from the normal issues that arise in daily life, such as a tendency to forget appointments or slipping up on tasks. The difference is crucial, because if the disorder is not addressed, treated properly or unmanaged, it can lead to serious issues with work and social relationships, including financial difficulties and strained relationships.
In general the diagnosis of ADHD must be made by an expert in mental health with specialized expertise and training in treating the condition. This includes clinical psychologists, therapists and physicians (such as psychiatrists, neurologists or family physicians) who specialize in psychiatry or neurology. They are also experienced with co-existing conditions that often occur along with ADHD such as depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD will require a thorough interview to review the patient's personal, medical and family background. The interview will ask questions regarding the effects of ADHD symptoms on a person's work and relationships. It is essential that the person is honest and not hide any details.
It's also a great idea to bring up problems that the person could have had at workplace or in their daily life prior to childhood. In many instances, these problems can be indicators that the person suffers from ADHD. Many people with ADHD struggle to establish close relationships and switching jobs often. Additionally, it is typical for adults with ADHD to have problems with money management and spend more than they ought to.
In some instances an assessment for adult ADHD might include additional tests such as psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities to determine the cause of the person's problems. A person suffering from ADHD may also be suffering from a learning disorder like dyscalculia, dyslexia or dyscalculia. In these situations, accommodations--tools or changes in the environment that help manage a disability--may be helpful.
Some people suffering from ADHD might benefit from cognitive behavior and/or psychotherapy in addition to lifestyle modifications and treatment methods. These can help people recognize their own disruptive behavior and thoughts and develop coping strategies for managing them.
Get Help
As adults, many with ADHD remain afflicted by the same problems they did in childhood: trouble with relationships and work, difficulty getting through school or finding work. These problems often lead to an appointment with a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. For many, the first step is to speak to a primary care provider. The doctor will likely refer you to an expert in mental health who is skilled in diagnosing adult ADHD.
Your doctor will conduct an extensive exam to determine if you suffer from ADHD or another condition that could cause symptoms that mimic ADHD. The doctor will interview you, review your behavior and past history, ask about medical and family history, and use the psychiatric rating scales as well as questionnaires. The doctor will also examine your physical health, including blood pressure and heart rate. Other conditions that may cause similar symptoms are stress, anxiety, depression as well as certain medications and addiction to substances.
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty recognizing the condition. They've learned to conceal their symptoms and to compensate for their symptoms, but they may still suffer from low self-esteem and confidence. Many women are better than men at hiding their symptoms, and have gotten used to being called an inept, lazy or troublemaker.
In an ADHD evaluation, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and how they impact your life. They may also conduct interviews with your family and friends, as well as colleagues at work. He or she could utilize old report cards to record childhood ADHD symptoms.
Treatment options for adult ADHD are pharmacological and behavioral (medication). The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication that aids in the balance of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These include stimulants such as amphetamine, methylphenidate, and atomoxetine as well as nonstimulants.
Certain behavioral treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy and education about ADHD can also aid. Some people with ADHD might benefit from a change in lifestyle like using a planner or journal and establishing routines. Marriage and family counseling or a life coach who can assist with time management and organizational skills, are effective for others. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a variety of accommodations at school or at work like extended deadlines and flexible time, which can make it easier to achieve targets for performance and achieve success.
Finding Support
A diagnosis of ADHD is stressful. It can be the first step towards finally managing the symptoms that have been in your life for many years. The signs of adult ADHD may include difficulty managing school or work obligations, loosing important personal belongings, not making appointments, spending money impulsively and not adhering to medical instructions and more. These issues can lead to chronic anxiety, depression and feelings of unworthiness. Following the best techniques and having a solid support system can make a big difference in how you deal with your symptoms.
In the past, many people with ADHD were misdiagnosed or not recognized. They may have struggled to find a job that suited them, failed their educational endeavors, and had difficulty finding long-term relationships. They might be replete with regrets over missed opportunities or lost moments.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD usually involves a comprehensive interview with an expert in mental health including family members when possible. The patient will also be asked to fill out scales and questionnaires, as well as discuss their past. 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.
Depending on a person's symptoms and psychological testing and symptoms, neuropsychological or additional psychological testing may be required. This testing can provide more information on how ADHD affects the individual and help determine if there are any co-existing conditions.
Adult ADHD is treated with psychological counseling (psychotherapy), educational programs, and occasionally medication. Psychotherapy helps people learn to manage and understand their ADHD and develop skills to deal with it. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that teaches people to alter negative thinking patterns and behaviors. Family and marital counseling can also be helpful for individuals with ADHD who have difficulty maintaining relationships.
A doctor or specialist for a recommendation is the first step to finding a qualified counselor. You can also reach out to a local psychology graduate college or university hospital to get recommendations. Then, choose a practitioner who you are comfortable with and who has experience working with adults.