I’ve Just Been Diagnosed with ADHD as an Adult. What Happens Next?

Most people associate ADHD with children. It’s true that children are more often diagnosed with the condition than adults. However, that doesn’t mean you’re “immune” once you’ve grown up.

You may have had ADHD as a child, but never received an official diagnosis. This is a more common issue than many people realize. It’s especially problematic for young girls, who are often misdiagnosed.

Whether you didn’t receive a proper diagnosis or were never diagnosed at all, it’s important to understand how to handle ADHD as an adult. It’s not just a “children’s condition.” If you’ve recently been diagnosed because you couldn’t ignore your symptoms any longer, knowing the next steps to take will make living with and managing your condition much easier.

So, what should you do after an ADHD diagnosis as an adult?

Accept Your Diagnosis

ADHD symptoms don’t just happen suddenly. If you’ve received a diagnosis recently, you’ve probably been dealing with them for quite a while.

Unfortunately, an official diagnosis doesn’t always make things easier. You might be ashamed, or feel guilty. You might be worried that your friends or family members will somehow “stereotype” you.

It’s important to overcome those feelings by accepting that ADHD isn’t part of your character. You’re not “messing up” common adult tasks on purpose or trying to damage relationships with your distractedness.

It’s a disorder, and getting a diagnosis is the first step in managing it. So, instead of denying there is something wrong or trying to brush it under the rug, accept your diagnosis and find hope in the fact that it can be treated.

Consider Your Treatment Options

ADHD usually benefits from a combination of medication and therapy for treatment. Medication can help to get your symptoms under control quickly. They are designed to help you feel more in control of and improve your attention span.

The one potential drawback to medication is that it can take some time to find one that works. It’s not uncommon to try several different kinds or different doses before choosing one that “sticks.”

It’s also not uncommon for adults with ADHD to deal with symptoms of anxiety or depression. You might have struggled with those conditions before receiving your diagnosis. Finding the right medication to manage those conditions can be a big help and can help change your mindset as you move forward with your ADHD treatment.

Get the Support You Need

Therapy or ADHD coaching will make a big difference in your next step as an adult with ADHD. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is especially effective for adults with ADHD, as it focuses on managing your current behaviors, rather than focusing on the past.

That will keep you from honing in on any guilty feelings you might have and learning how to manage your condition as you move forward.

Working with an ADHD coach won’t necessarily change your symptoms. However, it can help you become more organized and focused. A coach will make it easier to set realistic expectations and reach your goals in life.

In addition to professional support, it’s crucial to have the help of friends and family members. Not everyone will understand what you’re going through or how ADHD presents itself in adulthood.

Those closest to you, however, are exactly who you should lean on for support and understanding. Find those who will boost your spirits, help you with guilt, and encourage you to keep moving forward with treatment. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and you’re not sure what to do, don’t hesitate to contact me. Together, we’ll walk through what your next steps should be and how you can manage your condition from this point forward.

Click here for more information on ADHD Treatment.