Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult

Adults who have difficulty in their personal or professional lives can benefit from diagnosing ADHD. A thorough evaluation is needed to make a diagnosis. This includes analyzing the school records and filling out questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers.

Most people suffering from ADHD suffer from symptoms since the age of three, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed at an adult age. NIMH offers suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about the disorder.

Diagnosis

Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step towards gaining control over symptoms that wreak havoc on a person's professional and personal lives. The first step is to speak with your GP or find an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor Getting Diagnosed With ADHD is not familiar with ADHD, he or she could refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment.

Typically, a mental health professional will employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine whether you might have the disorder, says Adler. Then, he will talk to you about your symptoms and look at your medical history and family history to confirm that other medical conditions are not causing your symptoms of ADHD.

Since people who suffer from ADHD have a tendency to overlook details and become easily distracted, they often have trouble following instructions or listening in class or on the job. They often lose things necessary for tasks or activities, like keys, wallets and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused when listening to long speeches. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting frequently or squirming around in the seat.

When determining whether someone has adult ADHD, it is important to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, anxiety and abuse of substances. Stress and physical issues such as thyroid issues can be a source of ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 now requires doctors to determine the severity of the symptoms a person's experiences are when diagnosing him or her with the condition. adult adhd diagnosis ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe.

Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed 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 never reached their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty about blameing other people or themselves for their problems and getting diagnosed with ADHD could be devastated by missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly.

Treatment

To seek treatment for ADHD in adults The first step is to consult an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be done in person or via video chat. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The doctor will want to know your medical history as well as family-related mental health issues. This is because there are a variety of physical and mental conditions which can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions need to be eliminated in order to establish a diagnosis.

The doctor will inquire 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 years. They may also want to interview people who knew you in your childhood and ask them about their experiences.

A thorough medical history will help the doctor decide whether you need medication or other treatments. This is because certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, sleep apnea and lead poisoning, can trigger symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression require evaluation and treated more carefully because these conditions frequently are in synergy.

If a doctor believes you require medication, he/she will prescribe the appropriate drug. The type of medication you require is determined by your symptoms and the way they affect your life. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. However, they are not suitable for everyone and the first stimulant you try might not be effective or trigger unpleasant side effects. Your doctor will want to know if you are taking any other medications that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, because certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.

Counseling is an essential aspect of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal with the feelings of disappointment, underachievement and frustration that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, improve your time management and organizational abilities.

If you have mental illness it is crucial to find a healthcare professional who specializes in that condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to consult a specialist therapist or psychologist. These professionals will likely be more familiar with adults with ADHD and the challenges they face and also have experience working with other clients. You can contact your local mental health services or consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a specialist who is working with adults suffering from ADHD.

Medication

A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving life. If you've found it difficult to realize your maximum potential at work, have found it difficult to maintain relationships, or struggle to finish tasks at home A diagnosis of ADHD could be the solution you've been looking for.

The first step to treat ADHD for adults is thorough medical history review, including your symptoms. The psychologist or psychiatrist will determine if the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for ADHD are applicable 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 have coexisting disorders, like anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. A constant stress and anger over the lack of performance can lead to feelings of low self-esteem he adds. "Getting a diagnose can help these individuals get a better understanding of the reasons behind their struggles. This can help to reduce or eliminate their worries, and allow them to focus more effectively on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.

The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is typically a combination of therapy and medication. The stimulants help improve concentration, reduce impulse-driven behavior and aid in organization. In many instances, these medications can also boost motivation and improve mood. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of possible side effects, which include insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD may suffer from mood swings that may be difficult to manage.

Talk to your doctor about whether or not you're eligible for clinical trials of new medications or treatments. These studies assist researchers in finding more effective ways to diagnose and treat or prevent diseases.

Counseling

Untreated ADHD can cause issues in all areas of your life. Procrastination and other signs can affect your relationships and career as well as financial health. The first step in reducing the negative effects and getting control back is to obtain diagnosed and seek treatment.

Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers weren't aware of the condition or they had mild symptoms that were not noticed. Some adults may have been able to manage their symptoms as children but were unable to manage these issues in adulthood due increased work and family obligations.

To be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in at least two aspects of your life. In the event of an impairment, you could lose your job due to a deficit in focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at college because you are unable to do well on tests.

Women are more adept at avoiding symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive a diagnosis. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your home or work life, you can accelerate the process of diagnosing by being open with your doctor. You might also be eligible for reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws.

Regardless of the type of ADHD you have the mental health professional will want to verify that your symptoms started prior to age 12. They may ask to talk to people who were close to you at the time, and they may conduct a series of tests to assess your attention and memory.

After receiving a diagnosis, the doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test several different treatments before finding the right one. Keep a record of your progress, and consult your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan if needed.