If you’re an adult who has recently been diagnosed with ADHD, you are likely feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the path ahead. You may even feel a bit of relief, knowing that the behaviors you’ve been struggling with for years finally have an explanation and can be addressed. However, where do you go from here? What do you do now that you have a diagnosis? This blog will provide some guidance on what to do now that you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and options for ADHD treatment.
Understanding Your ADHD Diagnosis
Although ADHD is considered a childhood disorder due to symptoms often appearing in childhood, it can be diagnosed in adulthood. Adults with ADHD typically experience the same symptoms as children, such as difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and mood swings. However, adults may also experience additional symptoms such as forgetfulness, difficulty managing time, difficulty completing tasks, and poor organizational skills.
It’s important to understand what your diagnosis means and how it can be managed. Since there are three types of ADHD, knowing which type you have can help guide the course of treatment. Types include:
- inattentive type – issues with forgetfulness, short attention spans, and becoming easily distracted by seemingly harmless stimuli. It may appear that there are poor study habits and organizational abilities.
- hyperactivity-impulsivity type – typically seen in kids by the time they are 7 years old. These kids find it very difficult to “just sit still” and may make impulsive decisions without considering if there will be any negative consequences for their actions.
- combined type – this will include elements of impulsive and hyperactive behaviors as well as periods of distractibility and inattention.
This will help you understand which treatments and strategies are best suited for your needs.
Getting the Right Support with ADHD Treatment
Once you have an understanding of your diagnosis, you will be better equipt to find the right support. It’s important to find someone who is knowledgeable and understanding of ADHD. This can be someone such as a therapist, psychiatrist, or even a health care provider. They can prove to be invaluable in providing support, guidance, and treatment options.
Some forms of treatment may be medication, lifestyle changes, such as exercise or diet modifications, or cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can help you manage the symptoms of ADHD. Especially since adults with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from anxiety, insomnia, and periods of irritability. Our therapists here at Agave Psychiatry use an approach that utilizes medication as well as psychotherapy tools to help you manage your ADHD effectively.
Having a Support Network
Having support from family and friends is also important. If you explain your diagnosis to them, they will be able to understand and be more supportive. People who have never experienced ADHD may not understand the challenges you face, so it’s important to find people who do. There are many support groups and online ADHD communities that are great resources for connecting with people who understand. Plus having a strong support system can help provide emotional stability during tough times and help keep you motivated to reach your goals.
Self-Care is Important
Taking care of yourself is an important part of managing your ADHD symptoms. Self-care includes activities such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and exercise, and taking breaks throughout the day. It can also be helpful to incorporate mindfulness and relaxation techniques into your routine. Taking time to destress from all the demands of life can help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with ADHD.
Learn How to Manage Your Symptoms With the Help of Adult ADHD Treatment in Arizona
Learning how to manage your symptoms can be difficult and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. When you’re first diagnosed with ADHD, it can be helpful to start small and work your way up. Start by setting achievable goals that are manageable and reachable, set reminders for yourself, create a daily schedule and find effective ways to prioritize tasks. Implementing strategies such as these can help you stay organized and on track.
However, enlisting a psychiatrist, therapist, or other healthcare professional can also help you develop and maintain an effective management plan. They will also be able to help you find the best treatment option that works for you. From medication to lifestyle changes, they will be able to guide you in the right direction.
ADHD is complex and affects everyone differently.
It’s important to remember that adults can also be diagnosed with ADHD and that there are many ways to effectively manage it. With a diagnosis, comes the opportunity to understand, identify, and manage the symptoms of ADHD. And with the help of a psychiatrist, a healthcare professional, and a good support system, you can develop an effective management plan to succeed.
Begin Online ADHD Treatment in Arizona with Agave Psychiatry
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can be overwhelming. The good news is that there are ways to manage it and live a successful, fulfilling life. If you are struggling with the symptoms of ADHD our team of skilled clinicians is here to support finding the best approach to managing your symptoms. At Agave Psychiatry we are committed to providing the best quality care to our clients so they can move forward with their lives in a positive and meaningful way. Follow the steps below to get started on your journey to healing.
- Get to know our skilled team of Clinicians here.
- Fill out our convenient online mental health contact form here.
- Begin your personalized treatment plan with Agave Psychiatry!
Other Online Mental Health Services offered at Agave Psychiatry
In addition to ADHD treatment, we also offer a wide variety of other mental health services. These include treatment for Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, PTSD, Eating Disorders, and Nutritional Psychiatry. In fact, we offer online treatment for both adults and children, and adolescents in the state of Arizona.
