Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult

For adults who find themselves struggling with their personal or professional lives, diagnosing ADHD is a significant step towards getting control. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment, often including reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers.

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

Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step in gaining control over symptoms that wreak havoc on one's professional and personal lives. The first step is to talk to your GP or consult a mental health professional who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP doesn't have any knowledge of ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to either psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment.

A mental health professional will typically use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. They will ask you questions about your symptoms that are similar to ADHD and review your medical and family history to ensure that other medical conditions aren't the cause of them.

People with ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and forgetting crucial details. They have a difficult time following directions in class or at work. They are often unable to locate important items required for tasks or activities like keys, wallets and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Fidgeting, over-talking or texting, or squirming, are other signs of adult ADHD.

When determining whether someone has adult ADHD, it is important to exclude other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and addiction to drugs. Stress and other physical ailments like thyroid issues could be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. In the DSM-5 professionals are required to assess the severity of an individual's symptoms when determining if they are suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe.

Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed in their childhood because it's not obvious. A diagnosis can alter the course of a person's life, as they can now see the reasons why they struggled in school and failed to reach their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty for blameing other people or themselves for their problems and could be resentful over missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly.

Treatment

The first step in getting treatment for ADHD as an adult is to see the healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or by video conference. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The professional will require information about your medical history and your family's mental health issues. This is because a variety of physical and emotional issues can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD and must be ruled out before the diagnosis can be made.

The expert will also inquire about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms impact your daily life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you had symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They may also interview those who were close to you as a child and inquire about their childhood memories.

A detailed medical history can help your doctor decide whether you require medication or other treatment. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, sleep apnea and lead poisoning can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults with an history of anxiety or depression might require more careful assessment and treatment, as these conditions are often associated with ADHD.

If a doctor believes that you require medication, they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The kind of medication you need will depend on your symptoms and how they impact your life. Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They are not for everyone, Getting Diagnosed With ADHD and the first drug you try might not be effective or cause unwanted negative side consequences. Your doctor may inquire whether you are taking other medications. This includes prescription drugs or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. Certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants.

Counseling is also an important component of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of frustration, disappointment and inadequacy that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, as well as improve your time management and organization skills.

If you suffer from a mental illness it is crucial to find an expert in healthcare who is trained in that condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to consult an expert psychologist or therapist. They are likely to have more experience with adult ADHD and their struggles and also have worked with other clients. You can inquire with your local mental health clinic or with ADDitude's directory to find a professional who can assist adults with ADHD.

Medication

If you're an adult who has been struggling with ADHD getting a diagnosis is the first step towards addressing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you've found it difficult to realize your full potential at work, are finding it difficult to maintain relationships, or have trouble finishing tasks at home, a diagnosis of ADHD may provide the answer you have been looking for.

ADHD treatment for adults begins with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychiatrist or psychologist will determine if the 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 diagnosis for adults, 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 afflicted with disorders such as depression and anxiety. These disorders can cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. A constant stress and anger over poor performance can also cause feelings of low self-esteem he says. "Getting an assessment can help them understand the root of their struggles which can help alleviate or alleviate some of their anxiety and allow them to concentrate more on areas in which they excel," Jaksa says.

Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with a combination of medications and behavior therapy. Stimulants can improve concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and help with organization. These drugs can improve moods and increase motivation in many instances. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of potential negative effects, which could include insomnia and trouble with eating or drinking enough. Also, mood swings can occur in people who are taking stimulants to treat ADHD, and these are often difficult to manage.

Discuss with your doctor about whether you would be an ideal candidate for clinical trials of novel treatments or medicines. These studies assist researchers in finding more effective methods to prevent, diagnose or treat conditions and diseases.

Counseling

Untreated ADHD can cause issues in all areas of your life. Your career, relationships and financial health can be negatively affected by procrastination and poor time management, impulsive spending, and other symptoms. Finding a doctor and seeking treatment is the first step in reducing these negative impacts and regaining control of your life.

Many adults diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis as children, because their teachers and family were unaware of the disorder or they experienced mild symptoms that were not noticed. Others might have been able to manage their symptoms as children but struggled as they grew older as their family and work responsibilities increased.

To diagnose ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two areas of your daily life. Impaired can be losing your job due to a lack in organization and focus or being placed on academic probation at college because you're unable to concentrate on your tests.

Women tend to be better at hiding their symptoms than men, which may make it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms that affect your work and home life and family life, speaking openly about them with your doctor can help speed up the process and enable you to take advantage of reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.

Whatever type of ADHD you have, your mental health professional will want to determine if your symptoms started prior to the age of 12. They may request that you speak to people who were around you during this time period. They may also conduct a series of tests to determine your attention and memory levels.

After receiving a diagnosis, the doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. The majority of patients will try various treatments before settling on the most effective one. It is suggested that you keep track of your progress and consult with your doctor regularly so they can help adjust your treatment program as needed.