Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult

Adults who are struggling professionally or personally, diagnosing ADHD can be a significant step in getting control. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment which may include a review of school records and questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers.

It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. NIMH has suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about the condition.

Diagnosis

Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step to gain control over symptoms that wreak havoc on one's personal and professional lives. First, you should consult your GP or a mental health professional who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD and/or ADHD, they may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for assessment.

A mental health professional will usually employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you are suffering from the condition. Then, the doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and review your family history and medical history to make sure that other medical conditions are not causing your symptoms of ADHD.

Since people with ADHD tend to miss details and get easily distracted, they often struggle with following directions or listening in class or at work. They often lose things necessary for tasks or activities, including tools, wallets, and keys. They may also have trouble staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting too much or squirming in their seats.

It is important to rule out other conditions when determining whether someone suffers from adult ADHD. This includes depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical ailments like thyroid issues can mimic ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 now requires professionals to consider the severity of the symptoms a person's experiences are before identifying them with the condition. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe.

Many people with ADHD never receive a diagnosis in childhood because it is not obvious. A diagnosis can alter the course of an adult's life, as they can now see why they struggled at school and failed to reach their full potential at work or at home. They might even feel guilty for blaming their problems on others or themselves and may experience grief over lost opportunities that could have been a reality when they were properly treated.

Treatment

The first step in getting treatment for ADHD as an adult is to see a medical professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video calls. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will need to know your medical history and your family's mental health issues. This is because a variety of emotional and physical conditions can cause symptoms similar to those that occur in ADHD and must be eliminated before a diagnosis can be made.

The expert will also inquire about your work and lifestyle, and how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether you had signs of adhd diagnosis adults uk private before the age of 12. They may also want to interview those who knew you as a child and ask them about their experiences.

A thorough medical history can aid the doctor in determining whether you require medication or other treatments. Certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning, can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression need to be evaluated and treated more carefully, as these conditions often are in synergy.

If a doctor believes you require medication, he or she will prescribe the appropriate medication. The type of medicine you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They are not suitable for everyone, and the first drug you try may not work or cause undesirable negative side effects. Your doctor will be interested in knowing if you are taking any other medications that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, because certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants.

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

It's important to seek out an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental illnesses. A psychiatrist or Getting Diagnosed With ADHD neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD. However you might prefer to seek out a specialist therapist. These specialists are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adult ADHD and have experience helping other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can check with your local mental health service or consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a professional who can assist adults with ADHD.

Medication

If you are an adult who has been struggling with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, getting a diagnosis is the first step toward managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've struggled to achieve your maximum potential at work, are finding it difficult to maintain relationships, or struggle to finish tasks at home and at work, a diagnosis of ADHD might be the solution you've been looking for.

ADHD treatment for adults begins with an extensive interview and a review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've experienced. The psychiatrist or psychologist determines if you meet the requirements for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), 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 who are not treated for ADHD often have coexisting disorders, like depression and anxiety. These disorders can trigger or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. He adds that chronic stress and frustration due to low performance can cause feelings of self-esteem loss. "Getting a diagnosis will help them get a better understanding of the root causes of their issues, which may alleviate or reduce some of their worries and allow them to focus more productively on the areas where they excel," Jaksa says.

The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is usually a combination of behavior therapy and medication. Stimulants can boost concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in achieving organization. These drugs can boost moods and improve motivation in many cases. People who take stimulants should be aware of the potential negative effects, which could include insomnia and difficulty drinking or eating enough. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD can suffer from mood swings that may be difficult to manage.

Consult your physician about whether or not you are eligible for clinical trials on new medications or treatments. These studies aid researchers in finding more effective methods to prevent, diagnose, or treat illnesses and conditions.

Counseling

Untreated ADHD can lead to problems in all aspects of your life. Your relationships, career and financial health can be negatively impacted by procrastination and poor time management, impulsive spending and other symptoms. The first step to reduce the negative effects and getting control back is to obtain an assessment and seek treatment.

Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD did not receive a diagnosis when they were children because their family and teachers were unaware of the disorder or they had minor symptoms that were not noticed. Some adults might be able to manage their symptoms as children, but struggled with these issues in adulthood due the increased demands of work and family.

In order to be diagnosed as having ADHD, mental health professionals must discover that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in at least two aspects of your life. In the event of impairment, it could result in losing your job because of lack of concentration and organizational skills, or being placed on academic probation at college due to your inability to do well on tests.

Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men. This can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. If, however, you are suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your life at work and at home speaking up with your doctor can help speed up the process and allow you to take advantage of reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws.

Your mental health professional regardless of the kind of ADHD you have will want to know whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They may ask you to talk with people who were around you during this time and may also conduct a series of tests to evaluate your attention and memory abilities.

After receiving a diagnosis, the therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test various treatments before they find the best one. It is recommended that you keep a diary of your progress and consult with your physician regularly so that they can help you adjust your treatment program when needed.