Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult

Adults who have difficulty in their personal or professional lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A thorough assessment is required for determining the diagnosis. This includes reviewing school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers.

Most people suffering from ADHD suffer from symptoms since childhood, and it is not uncommon to be diagnosed as an adult. Visit NIMH for suggestions on talking with your health professional regarding the disorder.

Diagnosis

It is crucial to be diagnosed with ADHD at an early age. This will help you gain control over the symptoms that can cause havoc in your professional and personal life. First, you must consult your GP or a mental health professional who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP doesn't have any knowledge of ADHD and is unable to help, they can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment.

A mental health professional will typically use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you are suffering from the condition. They will interview you about your ADHD-like symptoms and review your medical and family history to ensure that other conditions aren't causing them.

Since people with ADHD are more likely to miss details and get easily distracted, they frequently have trouble following instructions or listening in class or on the job. They often lose important items needed for their tasks such as keys, wallets, and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused when they are reading long speeches or assignments. Fidgeting, over-talking or texting, or squirming, are other symptoms of adult ADHD.

It is essential to rule out other conditions when determining whether someone suffers from adult ADHD. This includes depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and other physical ailments such as thyroid issues can be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. The DSM-5 now requires doctors to determine the severity of the symptoms a person's experiences are before identifying them with the disorder. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe.

Many people suffering from ADHD go their whole lives without ever being diagnosed because it's not obvious during childhood. For adults, a diagnosis can be a life-changing experience because they can finally understand the reasons why they struggled at school and could not reach their potential at work or at home. Some may even feel guilty for blaming their problems on themselves or others, and they can experience sadness over the missed opportunities that could have been a reality if they had been properly treated.

Treatment

The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit a medical professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video calls. Only psychiatrists, Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult psychologists and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. 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 emotional issues can trigger symptoms similar to those that occur in ADHD and must be eliminated before an assessment can be made.

The professional will also ask about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether you displayed signs of ADHD before the age of 12. They might also interview those who knew you as a child and ask about their memories.

A thorough medical history can help the doctor decide whether you need medications or other treatments. This is because some medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults with a history anxiety or depression will require evaluation and treated with more care, as these conditions often are in synergy.

If a doctor believes you need medication, he or she will prescribe the appropriate drug. The type of medication you need will depend on your symptoms and the way they affect your life. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They aren't for everyone, and the first drug you try may not work or cause undesirable adverse consequences. Your healthcare provider will want to know if you take any other medications such as over-the-counter medications and supplements, since certain kinds of drugs may interact with diagnosing adhd in adults stimulants.

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

It's important to seek out an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental illnesses. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to consult an expert psychologist or therapist. These experts are likely to be more knowledgeable about the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have worked with others who have similar issues. You can check with your local mental health clinic or with ADDitude's directory to find a professional who can assist adults with ADHD.

Medication

A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step in managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you are struggling to realize your maximum potential in your work, have difficulty maintaining relationships, or are having difficulties completing your tasks at home then an ADHD diagnosis might be just what you need.

The first step to treat ADHD in adults is a thorough medical history review, including your symptoms. The psychiatrist or psychologist determines if you meet the requirements for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which is 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 frequently have coexisting disorders, including depression and anxiety. These disorders can trigger or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. He adds that chronic stress and frustration due to low performance can cause feelings of low self-esteem. "Getting an assessment will help them understand the root of their issues. This could help alleviate or eliminate their anxiety and help them concentrate more productively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.

Adults with ADHD are typically treated with a combination of medications and behavior therapy. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and aid in achieving organization. These medications can boost moods and improve motivation in many cases. People who take stimulants should be aware of possible negative effects, which could include insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD can have mood swings that could be difficult for them to manage.

Consult your physician about whether or not you are a candidate for clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies help researchers find better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases and conditions.

Counseling

If you are suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to a variety of problems in all areas of your life. Your career, relationships and financial health may be negatively impacted by procrastination or poor time management, excessive spending and other symptoms. The first step in reducing the negative effects and getting control back is to obtain diagnosed and seek treatment.

Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children due to the fact that their families and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or because they showed mild symptoms that were not spotted. Some adults might have been able to manage their symptoms as children but were unable to manage their symptoms in adulthood due to increasing family and work obligations.

To be diagnosed as having ADHD, mental health professionals must discover that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in at least two areas of your life. Impairment can mean losing your job because of a lack of focus and organizational skills or being placed on academic probation in college due to the inability to study for tests.

Women are better in hiding their symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If, however, you are suffering from ADHD symptoms that are affecting your home and work life, being forthright about them with your doctor will help accelerate the process and let you take advantage of reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.

Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD you suffer from, will be looking to determine the time when your symptoms began. the age of 12. They might ask you to talk to people who were close to you at the time, and may also conduct a series of tests to test your attention and memory.

When you receive the diagnosis, your therapist will recommend a combination of medications and non-medical treatments to treat your symptoms. A majority of patients will try a variety of different treatments before they find the one that works for them. Keep a journal of your progress and make sure to consult your doctor regularly to adjust your treatment plan as needed.