Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult

For adults who find themselves struggling in their work or personal life, diagnosing ADHD is a significant step towards taking control. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers.

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

Diagnosis

Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step in gaining control over the symptoms that cause destruction on people's personal and professional lives. First, you must consult your GP or a mental health professional who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor does not have any experience in treating ADHD, they may recommend you to psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment.

A mental health professional will usually employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. The doctor will interview you about your symptoms that are similar to ADHD and review your medical history and family history to ensure that other medical conditions aren't the cause of them.

People with ADHD tend to be easily distracted and can miss important details. They may have trouble following directions in class or at work. They often lose things that are essential for their work or activities, like tools, wallets, and keys. They may also have trouble staying focused when they are reading long speeches or assignments. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting frequently or squirming around in the seat.

It is essential to rule other conditions out when determining if someone has adult diagnosis of adhd ADHD. This includes anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical conditions like thyroid issues can be a source of ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5 professionals are 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 mild, moderate or severe.

Many people suffering from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis in childhood, because it's not readily apparent. A diagnosis can change the course of a person's life, as they can now see the reasons why they struggled in school and didn't reach their full potential at work or home. They might feel guilty about blameing other people or themselves for their troubles and could be grieved over missed opportunities if they were properly treated.

Treatment

To receive treatment for ADHD for adults, the first step is to talk with an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be done in person or by video call. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The specialist will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues in the family. This is because many emotional and physical conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD and need to be addressed before the diagnosis is made.

The professional will ask you about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you displayed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They may also wish to interview those who knew you as a child and ask about their experiences.

A detailed medical history can help your doctor decide whether you require medication or other treatment. This is due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, sleep apnea and lead poisoning can cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have a history of depression or anxiety will need to be assessed and treated with more care because these conditions frequently are in synergy.

If a medical professional believes that you require medication they will prescribe a suitable medication. The type of medicine you need depends on your symptoms and the way they impact your life. The most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They are not suitable for all people and the first treatment you try may not work or cause unwanted negative side effects. Your healthcare provider might ask if you are taking any other medication. This includes over-the-counter medications or supplements as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of medications can interfere with ADHD stimulants.

Counseling is also an essential part of the treatment process for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal better with feelings of anger, failure and underachievement that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, and improve your time management and organizational skills.

It's important to seek out a healthcare professional that specializes in mental illnesses. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However you might prefer to seek out a specialist therapist. These professionals will likely be more familiar with adults with ADHD and their struggles as well as having worked with other clients. You can check with your local mental health service or consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a professional who is working with adults suffering from ADHD.

Medication

A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you're struggling to realize your full potential in the workplace or in maintaining relationships, or have trouble completing tasks at home and at work, an ADHD diagnosis may be just what you need.

ADHD treatment for adults starts with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychiatrist or psychologist will then 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, 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 suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety. These disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. A constant stress and anger over inadequate performance can lead to feelings of self-doubt, he adds. "Getting a diagnose can help these individuals understand the root of their issues. This could help reduce or eliminate their anxieties and help them concentrate more productively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.

The most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is usually the combination of therapy and medication. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in organizing. These drugs can improve moods and increase motivation in a variety of cases. People who take stimulants should be aware of possible negative effects, which could include problems with sleeping and drinking or eating enough. The mood swings can also happen in some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD and Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult they can be difficult to manage.

Talk to your doctor getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult about whether you're a good candidate for clinical trials of novel treatments or medications. These studies aid researchers in finding more effective methods to prevent, diagnose or treat diseases and conditions.

Counseling

Untreated ADHD can lead to problems in all aspects of your life. Procrastination and other symptoms can negatively impact your relationships, career, and financial health. Finding a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step in reduce the negative impact and regaining control over your life.

Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children, either because their family and teachers were unaware of the disorder, or because they had mild symptoms that were not spotted. Some might have had the ability to manage their symptoms as children but struggled later in life as their family and work obligations increased.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, mental health professionals must discover that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two areas of your life. In the event of an impairment, you could lose your job due to a decline in organization and focus or being placed on academic probation at college because you're unable to do well on tests.

Women are better at hiding symptoms than men. This makes it harder for them to receive a diagnosis. If you have ADHD symptoms that impact your work or home life it is possible to speed up the diagnosis process by being honest 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 suffer from, will be looking to determine whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They may request that you speak to people who were around you during this time period. They may also perform a series of tests to evaluate your memory and attention levels.

When you receive the diagnosis, your therapist will recommend a combination of medication and non-medication treatments to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try various treatments before settling on the most effective one. It is recommended that you keep track of your progress and consult with your doctor on a regular basis so they can help adjust your treatment program as needed.