Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult

Adults who are struggling in their personal or professional lives can benefit from diagnosing ADHD. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires filled out by teachers and caregivers.

It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. NIMH offers guidelines on how to talk with your doctor about the disorder.

Diagnosis

It is essential to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. This will help you gain control over the symptoms that can cause chaos in your personal and professional life. First, you should consult your GP or a mental health professional who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP does not have any experience in treating ADHD, they may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment.

Typically, a mental health professional will employ an eight-question ADHD screener to determine if you may be suffering from the condition, according to Adler. Then, he or she will interview you about your symptoms and look at your medical history and family history to confirm that any other conditions are not causing the symptoms of ADHD.

People suffering from ADHD tend to be easily distracted and miss crucial details. They may have trouble following instructions in class or at work. They are often unable to locate important items for tasks or activities such as keys, wallets and tools. They may also have difficulty staying focused while reading or listening to long speeches. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting too much or squirming in the seat.

When determining whether a person has adult ADHD, it is important to eliminate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, anxiety and addiction to drugs. Stress and physical ailments such as thyroid issues can cause ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 now requires professionals to assess how severe a person's symptoms are when diagnosing adhd in adults him or her with the condition. Mild, moderate and severe are the categories used to describe adult ADHD.

Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed in their childhood because it's not obvious. For adults, a diagnosis can be a life-changing revelation as they realize why they struggled in school and could not reach their potential at work or at home. They might feel guilty about blaming others or themselves for their problems and may also be devastated by 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 a healthcare professional to get an assessment. This can be done in person or via video calls. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, which includes mental health issues within the family. This is due to the fact that a number of emotional and physical conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD and need to be eliminated before a diagnosis is made.

The doctor will inquire about your job and lifestyle and how your symptoms affect your life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you had symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They might also interview those who knew you in your childhood and ask about their experiences.

A detailed medical history can aid your doctor in determining if you need medication or another treatment. Some medical conditions such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression require evaluation and treated more carefully, as these conditions often occur in conjunction.

If a medical professional believes you require medication, they will prescribe the appropriate medication. The type of medication you require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. However, they're not for everyone and the first stimulant you try may not be effective or cause unpleasant side effects. Your healthcare provider may ask whether you're taking any other medications. This includes prescription drugs, supplements, and prescription drugs. Certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants.

Counseling is an essential aspect of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of failure frustration, underachievement, and anger that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you how to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management skills.

If you have an illness of the mind, it's important to find a doctor who is specialized in the field. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to see psychologists or specialist therapists. They are likely to be more familiar with adult ADHD and their challenges, as well as having previous experience working with clients. You can check with your local mental health service or consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a specialist who can assist adults with ADHD.

Medication

If you are an adult who has been struggling with ADHD and is diagnosed, it's the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you are struggling to reach your full potential in the workplace or have trouble maintaining relationships, or are having difficulty completing tasks at home then an ADHD diagnosis might be the answer you've been looking for.

The first step to treat ADHD in adults is an extensive medical history, including your symptoms. The psychologist or psychiatrist determines if you meet the criteria for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which is published by the American Psychiatric Association. 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 with untreated ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult like depression and anxiety. Jaksa says that these disorders can worsen or cause symptoms of ADHD. Chronic stress and frustration over poor performance can also lead to feelings of low self-esteem, he says. "getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult an assessment will help them gain a perspective on the reasons behind their struggles. This could help reduce or eliminate their worries and enable them to focus on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.

The best treatment for adults with ADHD is usually the combination of behavior therapy and medication. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in organizing. These medications can boost moods and improve motivation in many instances. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of possible adverse effects, such as insomnia and trouble with drinking or eating enough. Certain people who use stimulants to treat ADHD might suffer from mood swings that may be difficult to manage.

Talk to your health care provider about whether you would be an ideal candidate for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or drugs. These studies aid researchers in discovering more effective methods to detect and treat illnesses, as well as prevent them from occurring.

Counseling

If you are suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to various problems in every area of your life. Your career, relationships and financial health could be negatively impacted by procrastination, poor time management, impulsive spending and other signs. Getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step in lessening the negative effects and regaining control of your life.

Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD did not receive a diagnosis as children because their parents and teachers were unaware of the condition or they experienced mild symptoms that were not noticed. Some might have been able to manage their symptoms during childhood, but struggled as they grew older when their family and work obligations increased.

To diagnose ADHD, mental health professionals need to find that your symptoms cause significant impairment in two areas of your everyday life. The impairment could mean losing your job because of a lack of focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at college due to inability to do well on tests.

Women are better in hiding their symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive a diagnosis. If you have ADHD symptoms that affect your life at work or at home it is possible to speed up the diagnosis process by being upfront with your doctor. You might also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws.

Your mental health professional, regardless of the type of ADHD you have will be looking to determine whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They may suggest that you talk to people who were close to you at the time, and may also conduct a series of tests to assess your memory and attention.

After receiving an assessment, the specialist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. Most people will try various treatments before finding the right one. It is suggested that you keep track of your progress and speak with your doctor on a regular basis so they can assist in adjusting your treatment plan as needed.