Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult

Adults who are struggling in their personal or professional lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A thorough examination is necessary to determine if you have a diagnosis. This includes analyzing school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers.

Most people suffering from ADHD have symptoms since the age of five, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed with it in adulthood. Visit NIMH for tips on talking with your health professional about the condition.

Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step towards gaining control over symptoms that wreak havoc on one's professional and personal lives. First, you must consult your GP or an expert in mental health who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP is unfamiliar with ADHD, he or she may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment.

Typically the mental health professional will use a six-question ADHD screener to determine whether you may be suffering from the condition, according to Adler. Then, he will ask you questions about your symptoms and look at your medical history and family history to confirm that any other conditions are not causing your ADHD-like symptoms.

Since people who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often struggle with following directions or listening during class or at work. They often lose important items for tasks or activities such as keys, wallets, and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking too much or squirming in their seats.

In determining if someone suffers from adult diagnosis of adhd ADHD it is essential to exclude other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, depression and addiction to drugs. Stress and certain physical conditions such as thyroid issues can also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. In the DSM-5, Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult professionals are now required to take into consideration the severity of an individual's symptoms when determining if they are suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.

Many people with ADHD live their entire lives without ever receiving a diagnosis because it is not apparent in childhood. A diagnosis can alter the course of a person's life because they now understand the reasons why they struggled in school and failed to reach their full potential at work or home. They may feel guilty for being blamed for their struggles and may also be grieved over missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly.

Treatment

The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to see the healthcare professional to get an assessment. This can be done in person or via video chat. In the UK only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will need to know your medical history as well as your family's mental health issues. This is because many physical and emotional conditions can trigger symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD and need to be addressed before a diagnosis can be made.

The professional will ask you about your lifestyle and work and how to get diagnosed with adhd uk your symptoms impact your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you displayed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They may also interview people who were close to you as a child and inquire about their childhood memories.

A thorough medical history can help the doctor decide whether you require medications or other treatments. Certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults with an underlying history of anxiety or depression might require more careful evaluation and treatment, because these conditions often coexist with ADHD.

If the professional believes you require medication they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The kind of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. However, they're not for everyone, and the first one you try might not be effective or have unpleasant adverse side effects. Your healthcare provider will be interested in knowing if you use any other medication that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, because certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.

Counseling is also an important part of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of anger, failure and underachievement that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also teach you how to manage your anger as well as improve your time management and organization abilities.

If you have a mental illness, it's important to find a healthcare professional who specializes in this condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to see a specialist therapist or psychologist. These specialists are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adult ADHD and have experience helping other clients with similar struggles. You can search ADDitude or your local mental health service to find a professional who is working with adults who suffer from ADHD.

Medication

A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards managing your symptoms and improving life. If you've been unable to reach your maximum potential at work, are finding it difficult to maintain relationships, or struggle to complete tasks at home and at work, a diagnosis of ADHD may provide the answer you have been looking for.

The first step in treating ADHD in adults is thorough medical history, including your symptoms. The psychiatrist or psychologist will then determine if American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for ADHD are applicable to you. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that persist throughout most of your day and interfere with social, academic or professional functioning.

Adults who suffer from untreated ADHD are often co-morbid with disorders such as depression and anxiety. Jaksa says that these disorders can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. Chronic stress and frustration over the lack of performance can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult he adds. "Getting a diagnosis can help these individuals understand the root of their struggles which can help reduce or alleviate some of their anxiety and allow them to concentrate more on areas in which they excel," Jaksa says.

The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is typically a combination of behavior therapy and medication. Stimulants can improve concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and help with organization. In many cases, these medications can also improve mood and increase motivation. Side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulties drinking enough or eating well. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD might have mood swings that could be difficult to manage.

Discuss with your health care provider regarding whether you're an ideal candidate for clinical trials of new treatments or drugs. These studies assist researchers in finding better ways to prevent, diagnose or treat illnesses and conditions.

Counseling

If you're suffering from untreated ADHD it could cause many issues throughout your life. Procrastination and other symptoms can have a negative impact on your relationships as well as your career and financial health. Finding a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step in reduce the negative impact and regaining control of your life.

Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis when they were children because their teachers and family weren't aware of the disorder or they had mild symptoms that were not noticed. Some adults may be able to manage their symptoms as children but had difficulty with these issues in adulthood due increasing family and work obligations.

To determine if you have ADHD, mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two areas of your daily life. In the event of impairment, it could result in losing your job because of an inability to focus and organizational skills or being placed on academic probation in college due to your inability to do well on tests.

Women are more adept at avoiding their symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to get a diagnosis. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that affect your life at work and at home speaking up with your doctor can help accelerate the process and enable you to get reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws.

Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD that you have will want to know if your symptoms began before the age of 12. They may suggest that you speak to people who were close to you at the time, and they might conduct a series of tests to assess your attention and memory.

After receiving an assessment, the doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication therapy to help manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test different methods before they discover the one that is most effective for them. It is suggested that you keep a journal of your progress and check in with your doctor on a regular basis so they can help you adjust your treatment program when needed.