Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult

Adults who are struggling in their professional or personal lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination, often including reviews of school records and questionnaires filled out by caregivers and Getting Diagnosed With ADHD teachers.

Most people with ADHD suffer from symptoms since the age of three, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed in adulthood. See NIMH for advice on how to talk to your health care provider about the disorder.

Diagnosis

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

Typically, a mental health professional will employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you may be suffering from the disorder, says Adler. Then, he will interview you about your symptoms and look at your medical history and family history to make sure that any other conditions are not causing the symptoms of ADHD.

People suffering from ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and forgetting crucial details. They often have difficulty following directions in class or at work. They frequently lose essential items for tasks or activities such as wallets, keys and other tools. They may also have difficulty staying focused while listening to or reading long speeches. Fidgeting, excessive talk or texting, or squirming, are other signs of adult ADHD.

It is important to rule other conditions out when determining if someone has adult ADHD. This includes depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical conditions like thyroid problems can also cause ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 now requires professionals to determine the severity of the symptoms a person's experiences are before identifying him or her with the disorder. Mild, moderate and severe are the classifications for adult ADHD.

Many people suffering from ADHD live their entire lives without ever getting a diagnosis because it's not evident in the early years. For adults, a diagnosis could be a life-changing revelation as they realize why they struggled in school and could not attain their full potential at work or at home. Some may even feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on others or themselves and can feel grief over lost opportunities that could have been had if they had been properly treated.

Treatment

To seek treatment for ADHD for adults the first step is to consult an expert in healthcare. This can be done in person or through a video chat. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The specialist will inquire about your medical history, which includes mental health issues that are present in the family. This is because there are many mental and physical conditions which can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions must be eliminated in order to determine if you have ADHD.

The professional will also ask about your lifestyle and work, and how your symptoms impact your daily life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you had symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years. They might also interview those who knew you in childhood and ask about their experiences.

A thorough medical history can aid your doctor to determine if you need medication or any other treatment. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, and lead poisoning, can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults who have an history of anxiety or depression might require a more thorough evaluation and treatment, because these conditions often coexist with ADHD.

If a medical professional believes that you require medication they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The kind of medication you need depends on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. However, they're not for everyone and the first one you try might not be effective or trigger uncomfortable adverse side effects. Your healthcare provider will want to know if you take any other medications such as over-the-counter medications and supplements, since certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants.

Counseling is also an important component of the treatment process for adults suffering from diagnosing adhd in adults. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of disappointment, underachievement and frustration that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to manage your anger, and improve your time management and organizing abilities.

It is crucial to find the services of a doctor who is specialized in mental disorders. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to see an expert psychologist or therapist. These professionals are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adult ADHD and have experience helping other clients with similar struggles. You can inquire with your local mental health service or consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a specialist who can assist adults with ADHD.

Medication

A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step towards managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've struggled to achieve your maximum potential at work, find it difficult to maintain relationships or struggle to finish tasks at home A diagnosis of ADHD may provide the solution you've been looking for.

ADHD treatment for adults begins with thorough interviews and a thorough review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've been experiencing. 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 apply 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 conditions can worsen or cause symptoms of ADHD. Stress and frustration from inadequate performance can lead to feelings of self-doubt, he adds. "Getting an assessment can help them understand the root causes of their struggles and may help to reduce or reduce some of their worries and allow them to focus more productively on the areas where they excel," Jaksa says.

Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated by a combination of medication along with behavior therapy. Stimulants improve concentration, reduce the risk of impulsive behavior, and help with organizing. In many instances these drugs can improve mood and increase motivation. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of the potential adverse effects, such as insomnia and trouble with eating or drinking enough. Mood swings can also occur in some people who take stimulants for ADHD, and these can be difficult to manage.

Discuss with your doctor about whether you would be suitable for clinical trials of novel treatments or medicines. These studies help researchers discover more effective methods to detect and treat illnesses, as well as prevent them from occurring.

Counseling

If you are suffering from untreated ADHD, it can cause a variety of problems in all areas of your life. Your relationships, career and financial health can be negatively impacted by procrastination or poor time management, excessive spending and other signs. The first step to reduce the negative effects and getting back in control is to get diagnosed and seek treatment.

Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers were not aware of the disorder, or Getting Diagnosed With ADHD because they showed mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Others might have had the ability to manage their symptoms in childhood but struggled later in life when their work and family responsibilities increased.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, mental health professionals must find that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. The impairment could mean losing your job because of lack of concentration and organizational 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 makes it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If you have ADHD symptoms that impact your life at work or at home it is possible to speed up the diagnosis process by being open with your doctor. You may also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.

No matter what kind of ADHD you have, your mental health professional will verify that your symptoms started prior to the age of 12. They might ask you to talk to people who were close to you at this time, and they may also administer a series tests to assess your attention and memory.

If you're given a diagnosis for adhd in adults, your therapist will recommend a combination of medication and non-medication therapies to help manage your symptoms. The majority of patients will try various treatments before they find the best one. It is suggested that you keep track of your progress and consult with your doctor regularly so they can assist in adjusting your treatment program according to your needs.