Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult

Adults who are struggling in their personal or professional lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A thorough evaluation is needed for determining an accurate diagnosis. This includes reviewing the school records and filling out questionnaires that are completed by teachers and caregivers.

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

Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step to gain control over the symptoms that cause havoc on a person's professional and personal lives. The first step is to talk with your GP or seek out a mental health professional with experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD, he or she may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for assessment.

A mental health professional will typically use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. Then, he or she will ask you questions about your symptoms, and examine your medical history and family background to ensure that there are no other conditions not causing the symptoms of ADHD.

Because people with ADHD have a tendency to overlook details and become easily distracted, they frequently have trouble following instructions or listening during class or on the job. They are often unable to locate important items needed for their tasks such as wallets, keys and other tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused while listening to long speeches. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking excessively or squirming in the seat.

When determining whether someone has adult ADHD It is crucial to eliminate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and abuse of substances. Stress and physical ailments such as thyroid issues can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In the DSM-5, professionals are now required to take into consideration the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them as having ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.

Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed in childhood, because it's not obvious. For adults, a diagnosis could be a life-changing event because they finally understand the reasons why they struggled at school and could not attain their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on themselves or others and can feel sadness over the missed opportunities that could have been a reality in the event that they had been properly treated.

Treatment

The first step in getting treatment for ADHD as an adult is to consult the healthcare professional to have an assessment. This can be done in person or via video call. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The doctor will need to know your medical history and your family's mental health issues. This is because many emotional and physical conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD and need to be eliminated before the diagnosis can be made.

The expert will also inquire about your lifestyle and work and how your issues impact your daily life. They will be particularly interested in whether you displayed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They may also wish to interview people who knew you in childhood and ask about their experiences.

A thorough medical history can aid the doctor in determining if you need medications or other treatments. Some medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, and lead poisoning, can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults who have an underlying history of depression or anxiety may need more careful evaluation and treatment, because these conditions can be co-existing with ADHD.

If a doctor believes you need medication, he/she will prescribe the appropriate drug. The type of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. However, they're not for everyone, and the first one you try might not be effective or cause bothersome adverse side effects. Your healthcare provider might ask if you are taking any other medication. This includes over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and prescription drugs. Certain kinds of drugs can interfere with ADHD stimulants.

Counseling is an important part of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope better with feelings of anger, failure and underachievement that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to manage your anger, as well as improve your time management and organizing abilities.

If you suffer from a mental illness, it's important to find an expert in healthcare who is trained in that condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to see an expert psychologist or therapist. These professionals will likely have more experience with adult ADHD and their struggles as well as having worked with other clients. You can inquire with your local mental health clinic or with ADDitude's directory to find a specialist who works with adults with ADHD.

Medication

If you are an adult who has had to deal with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult a diagnosis is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've been unable to reach your full potential at work, have found it difficult to maintain relationships or struggle to complete tasks at home A diagnosis of ADHD could be the answer you have been seeking.

ADHD treatment for Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult adults begins with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've experienced. 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), 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 suffer from untreated ADHD are frequently co-morbid with other disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Jaksa says that these disorders can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. A constant stress and anger over inadequate performance can cause feelings of self-doubt, Jaksa says. "Getting an assessment can help these individuals get a better understanding of the root causes of their struggles which can help alleviate or alleviate some of their anxiety and allow them to focus more productively on the areas where they excel," Jaksa says.

The best treatment for adults with ADHD is usually the combination of behavior therapy and medication. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease the risk of impulsive behavior, and help with the process of organizing. These medications can boost moods and improve motivation in many instances. Some of the side effects of stimulants include sleepiness and having trouble drinking enough or eating well. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD can suffer from mood swings that may be difficult to manage.

Talk to your doctor about whether or not you're eligible for clinical trials on new medications or treatments. These studies help researchers find better ways to prevent, diagnose or treat illnesses and conditions.

Counseling

Untreated ADHD can lead to problems in all aspects of your life. Your relationships, work and financial health may be negatively affected by procrastination and poor Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult time management, excessive spending and other signs. Getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step towards lessening the negative effects and regaining control over your life.

Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis as children because their family and teachers were unaware of the condition or they experienced mild symptoms that weren't recognized. Some adults might be able to manage their symptoms as children, but struggled with them in adulthood due to 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 severe impairment in at least two aspects of your life. In the event of impairment, it could result in losing your job because of a lack of focus and organizational skills or being placed on academic probation at college due to inability to learn for tests.

Women are more adept at avoiding symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If you have ADHD symptoms that impact your home or work life, you can accelerate the process of diagnosing by being honest with your doctor. You may also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.

Regardless of the kind of ADHD you have the mental health professional will determine if your symptoms began before age 12. They may request that you talk to people who knew you at this time period. They may also take a number of tests to evaluate your attention and memory abilities.

After receiving an assessment, the therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication therapy to help manage your symptoms. The majority of patients will try various treatments before settling on the most effective one. It is recommended that you keep a journal of your progress and consult with your doctor on a regular basis so they can help adjust your treatment plan as needed.