Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder typically diagnosed in childhood. Sometimes, adults write symptoms off as normal kid behavior. Additionally, psychologists formed the symptoms of ADHD based on observing young white males. They didn’t account for the socialization differences of sex and race that create different symptomology. These systemic issues create people who receive an adult ADHD diagnosis.
Benefits of Receiving an Adult ADHD Diagnosis
Your doctor or therapist might suggest you display traits of ADHD; whereas, you might feel indifferent. You might feel skeptical about pursuing an ADHD diagnosis at your age. However, an adult ADHD diagnosis can help you understand yourself better. You might notice that behaviors you wrote off cause more problems than you admitted. It’s important to get a formal assessment because this determines the cause of your issues. If you have ADHD, obtaining your diagnosis can open doors for you.
Learning to Cope in Therapy
If you struggle with undiagnosed ADHD, the emotional impact may lead you to self-defeating behaviors and substance use. These methods of coping pose a risk in the long term. With an ADHD diagnosis, you can begin cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help manage your symptoms.
According to a 2010 study performed by The Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, two-thirds of patients found a 30% reduction in symptoms after 12 weeks of CBT with medications. ADHD-focused CBT provided psychoeducation and taught skills like organization, problem-solving, managing distractions, prioritization, and changing distorted thinking.
Finding a Community
When you struggle with neurodivergence, like ADHD, you may find yourself feeling isolated from others. Your brain works differently, and it makes it difficult to interact with a neurotypical world. Sometimes you just need a place to exist with other people who understand your way of thinking. Luckily, there are support groups, online communities, and social media spaces that are safe spaces for people with ADHD, autism, and other neurodiversities. By knowing yourself better, you can find a community that understands you.
Receiving Work and Education Accommodations With an Adult ADHD Diagnosis
If you have ADHD severe enough to impair your work or school, a diagnosis can mean a world of difference. Once you have an official diagnosis, you can start to request accommodations. You might need stim tools in the workplace. Moreover, you might need to listen to music or white noise during work to keep yourself focused. It could also help you to record meetings when you struggle with memory. Often, taking short breaks could help you to be more productive. Lastly, you might need certain times off work for things like psychotherapy or occupational therapy. To guarantee most of these accommodations, you need a diagnosis and clear documentation of your disability impairment.
Undiagnosed ADHD in adults can cause myriad emotional and social problems. You may cope by engaging in unhealthy behaviors and substance abuse. If your doctor or therapist mentions ADHD as a possible diagnosis, you should open yourself up to taking an ADHD evaluation. Having a diagnosis can offer you many benefits. At The Guest House, we can help you deconstruct your negative patterns, treat your substance abuse, and work to manage your ADHD in healthier ways. With our comprehensive treatment, you’ll find yourself healthier and more confident. When you’re ready to heal, call (855) 483-7800.