A BIT ABOUT ADULT ADHD – Part 3
Diagnosing Adult ADHD
ADHD has been very well-researched and highly effective treatments have been documented. If you search for online information about ADHD you will get the most common symptoms checklists that measure the symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Presence of a specific amount of these symptoms will help in the diagnosis of ADHD.
Diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood is more complicated, and unless the specialist has extra training or interest in the field of adult ADHD, they may find it challenging to confirm a diagnosis. This is so because many times adults who have struggled with ADHD symptoms throughout their life found ways around the challenges, ways to mask the pain/struggle, or chose environments where symptoms are not highly visible. For example: a person with impulsivity/hyperactivity ADHD type may seek job opportunities such as a salesperson in a busy, dynamic environment where they use their excess energy in productive ways; or person with ADHD in a managerial position who can delegate certain details of a job that they find less stimulating/interesting to his workers while focusing on the big ideas and using their creative mind and hyper-focus abilities.
Therefore, it would be my recommendation to see a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health specialist who specialise in adult ADHD. The assessment requires a number of sessions to go through the symptoms, history, growing up experience, current and past challenges in a variety of life areas. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, treatment goals are agreed upon.
A person is likely to see both a counsellor/psychologist to work on behavioural, emotional and social skills to help manage current symptoms, as well as seeing a psychiatrist to get the right medication treatment. Medications for ADHD have been well researched and are considered to be a very effective and safe treatment option.
Nevertheless, there is another aspect of getting a diagnosis. It is coming to terms with the fact that you, or your loved one, has a chronic neurological condition, that makes life more challenging compared to other people who do not have a condition.
It is also very common that getting a diagnosis makes the person go through the process of reflecting over their lifelong challenges and struggles, feelings of inadequacy, shame, regret, loneliness, not fitting in, feeling that there was something wrong/not quite right with them…and many times just feeling misunderstood.
This is a challenging process that both me and my husband went through, me as a parent to a child with ADHD and partner to a person struggling with undiagnosed ADHD and my husband as a person living with undiagnosed ADHD for 40 years.
This process usually brings a mix of emotions such as grief, questions, thoughts such “I wish someone explained it to me earlier… what would my life look like now if I got support earlier…?” as well as relief, hope and strength.
If you are reading this article, ADHD is somehow part of your life. I write this article with great compassion in my heart, for the pain and confusion you may have felt at times, for the painful thoughts and questions in your mind, for the painful feelings of “im not good enough/not smart enough/not worthy/wrong…”, for all the extra challenges you had to go through in life. As well as family members of a loved one with ADHD who know their life has more challenges and may feel misunderstood, drained, stressed.
Know you are not alone. I hope you find this information helpful, hopeful and reassuring. There is help out there. ADHD can be treated and successfully managed, and the person living with ADHD and their family experiencing meaningful and interesting life.
Here are some further information about adult ADHD that includes information, support, books, courses, webinars, factsheets and more.
- https://www.adhdaustralia.org.au/ https://adultadhd.org.au/
- www.myadhd.com Offers a free monthly teleclass and biweekly email newsletter.
- www.addvance.com Initially focused solely on the otherwise under-represented women and girls with ADHD, this site has expanded to both genders. Online bookstore sells relevant books. Also offers a free monthly email newsletter.
- www.addwarehouse.com Provides an extensive list of books on ADHD and related disorders, plus some other items. If it’s relevant to ADHD, you’ll find it here.
- www.addconsults.com Offers a wide range of resources, including articles, online chats, monthly email newsletter, and books and other ADHD-related items for purchase.
- www.additudemag.com. ADDitude is a monthly magazine devoted to living with ADHD.
- www.helpforadd.com Attention Research Update A free monthly email newsletter summarizing current journal articles on ADHD.
If you or your loved one struggle with ADHD and need support and help, feel free to book a session with Ilana.
Author: Ilana Gorovoy, B.Arts (Psych), B. Arts (Hons.)(Psychology), MPsych (Couns.)
With a Master’s in Counselling, Brisbane Psychologist Ilana Gorovoy draws on therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Existential and Strengths-based approaches, Person-Centred and Positive Psychology, to assist her clients to become conscious of their strengths and difficulties, design and reach their goals, live a life of meaning and purpose, and reach their full potential.
More articles on ADHD by Ilana Gorovoy:
- Fear of Rejection in Adults with ADHD
- Getting Diagnosed with Adult ADHD
- Lesser Known Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
- Work-Life Balance for Adults with ADHD
To make an appointment with Brisbane Psychologist Ilana Gorovoy, try Online Booking. Alternatively, you can call M1 Psychology on (07) 3088 5422.