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 thorough evaluation is needed to determine if you have the diagnosis. This includes analyzing school records as well as questionnaires filled out by caregivers and teachers.

Most people with ADHD suffer from symptoms from childhood, and it is not uncommon to be diagnosed in adulthood. NIMH has guidelines on how to talk with your doctor about the condition.

Diagnosis

It is essential to be diagnosed with ADHD as you reach adulthood. This will allow you to gain control over the symptoms that can cause chaos in your personal and professional life. The first step is to talk to your GP or find a mental health professional with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor is not familiar with ADHD and/or ADHD, they could refer you to a 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. Then, he or she will talk to you about your symptoms and look at your family history and medical history to make sure that other medical conditions are not causing your ADHD-like symptoms.

People suffering from ADHD tend to be easily distracted and miss important details. They have a difficult time following instructions in class or at work. They tend to lose things essential to their tasks or activities, like tools, wallets, and keys. They may also have trouble staying focused during long lectures or reading assignments. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting or squirming are other signs of adult ADHD.

In determining if someone suffers from adult ADHD It is crucial to exclude other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, anxiety and abuse of substances. Stress and certain physical conditions like thyroid issues could be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to determine the severity of the symptoms a person's experiences are when determining if they have diagnosed them with the condition. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe.

Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed in childhood because it is not obvious. For adults, a diagnosis can be a life-changing revelation because they can finally understand why they struggled in school and failed to reach their potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty for blaming their problems on themselves or others and may experience grief over lost opportunities that could have been a reality in the event that they had been properly treated.

Treatment

To receive treatment for ADHD for adults the first step is to speak with an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be done in person or via video call. In the UK only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues that are present in the family. This is because a variety of physical and Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult emotional conditions can cause symptoms similar to those that occur in diagnosing adhd in adults and Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult need to be eliminated before an assessment is made.

The expert will inquire about your work and lifestyle as well as how your symptoms affect your 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 an infant and ask them about their experiences.

A detailed medical history can aid your doctor to determine whether you require medication or other treatment. This is because certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid issues and lead poisoning can cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults with a history anxiety or depression will 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 drug. The type of medication you will require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your life. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. However, they are not suitable for everyone and the first stimulant you try might not be effective or have bothersome adverse effects. Your doctor will want to know if you use any other medication, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, since certain kinds of drugs may interact with ADHD stimulants.

Counseling is an important component of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of failure or underachievement that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can teach you how to manage your anger, improve your time management and organization abilities.

If you have a mental illness it is crucial to find a healthcare professional who specializes in that condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to see an expert psychologist or therapist. They are likely to have more experience with adult ADHD and the challenges they face as well as having previous experience working with clients. You can search ADDitude or contact your local mental health services to find a professional who works with adults who have ADHD.

Medication

A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step in managing your symptoms and improving life. If you've found it difficult to reach your maximum potential at work, are finding it difficult to maintain relationships or have trouble finishing tasks at home and at work, a diagnosis of ADHD might be the solution you've been seeking.

The first step in treating ADHD in adults is an extensive medical history, including your symptoms. 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 with untreated ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, including anxiety and depression. These conditions can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. A constant stress and anger over inadequate performance can cause feelings of low self-esteem he says. "Getting an assessment can help these individuals understand the reasons behind their struggles. This can help to reduce or eliminate their anxieties, and allow them to focus more effectively on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.

Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated by a combination of medication and behavior therapy. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and help with organization. These medications can improve moods and increase motivation in many cases. Side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulties eating or drinking enough. Also, mood swings can occur in those who take stimulants to treat ADHD and are often difficult to manage.

Speak to your doctor about whether or not you are a candidate for clinical trials of new medications or treatments. These studies aid researchers in discovering better methods to detect and treat or prevent diseases.

Counseling

If you are suffering from untreated ADHD, it can cause various problems in all areas of your life. Procrastination and other signs can negatively impact your relationships, career, and financial health. Finding a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step towards reduce the negative impact and regaining control over your life.

Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children because their teachers and family were unaware of the disorder or they experienced mild symptoms that weren't recognized. Some may have been able to manage their symptoms during childhood, but struggled as they grew older when their family and work responsibilities increased.

To be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two areas of your life. Impairment can result in losing your job due to of a lack of focus and organizational skills or being placed on academic probation at college due to the inability to do well on tests.

Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. If, however, you are experiencing ADHD symptoms that are affecting your work and home life speaking up with your doctor can accelerate the process and enable you to take advantage of reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.

Regardless of the type of ADHD you suffer from Your mental health professional will want to verify that your symptoms were present prior to the age of 12. They may request that you talk with people who knew you at this time period. They may also perform a series of tests to evaluate your attention and memory levels.

After receiving a diagnosis, the specialist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different treatments before they find the one that works for them. It is recommended that you keep a diary of your progress and speak with your physician regularly so that they can help adjust your treatment program according to your needs.