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 diagnosis is based on a thorough examination which may include a review of school records and questionnaires filled out by parents and teachers.

Most people with ADHD suffer from symptoms since the age of three, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed at an adult age. NIMH provides tips on how to talk with your doctor about the disorder.

Diagnosis

Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step in gaining control over the symptoms that can cause havoc on a person's professional and personal lives. The first step is to talk to your GP or seek out an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD, he or Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult she may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment.

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

Since people with ADHD are more likely to miss details and get easily distracted, they often struggle with following directions or listening to lectures or at work. They tend to lose things essential to their tasks or activities, such as keys, wallets and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused during long lectures or reading assignments. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking excessively or squirming in their seats.

It is crucial to rule other conditions out in determining if a person has adult ADHD. These include anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Stress and certain physical conditions like thyroid issues could be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. In the DSM-5 professionals are required to assess the severity of a person's symptoms when determining if they are suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe.

Many people suffering from ADHD have a lifelong struggle without ever receiving a diagnosis because it's not evident during childhood. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing experience because they finally understand why they struggled in school and never seemed to attain their full potential at work or at home. Some may even feel guilty for blaming their problems on others or themselves and may experience regret over missed opportunities that could have been achieved in the event that they had been properly treated.

Treatment

To receive treatment for ADHD for adults The first step is to talk with an expert in healthcare. This can be accomplished in person or by video conference. In the UK only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The professional will want to know your medical history as well as your family's mental health issues. This is due to the fact that there are many mental and physical ailments that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions need to be ruled out in order to determine if you have ADHD.

The professional will ask you about your job and lifestyle and how your symptoms affect your life. They will be especially interested in if you displayed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They may also speak with those who were close to you as a child and ask them about their memories.

A detailed medical history can help your doctor decide whether you require medication or any other treatment. This is because certain medical conditions, including sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults with a history anxiety or depression require evaluation and treated with greater care, as these conditions often coexist.

If a medical professional believes you need medication, he or she will prescribe the appropriate medication. The type of medication you require is determined by the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. However, they are not right for everyone and the first one you try may not be effective or trigger bothersome adverse effects. Your healthcare provider may ask whether you are taking other medications. This includes over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and prescription drugs. Certain kinds of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants.

Counseling is a crucial part of the treatment process for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of disappointment frustration, underachievement, and anger that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you how to manage your anger as well as improve your organization and time management skills.

It is crucial to find an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to see a specialist therapist or psychologist. These specialists are likely to be more familiar with adults with ADHD and the challenges they face and also have previous experience working with clients. You can contact your local mental health clinic or ADDitude's directory to find a professional who is working with adults suffering from ADHD.

Medication

If you are an private adult adhd diagnosis who has been struggling with ADHD, getting a diagnosis is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've been unable to achieve your maximum potential at work, are finding it difficult to maintain relationships or struggle to finish tasks at home and at work, a diagnosis of ADHD might be the solution you've been looking for.

The first step in treating ADHD for adults is an extensive medical history review, 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 are often co-morbid with disorders such as depression and anxiety. These disorders can trigger or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. He says that stress and frustration due to low performance can cause feelings of self-esteem loss. "Getting a diagnosis can help these individuals get a better understanding of the root causes of their issues and may help to alleviate or reduce some of their worries and allow them to focus more productively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa says.

The best treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is typically an amalgamation of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants can improve concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and aid in organizing. In many instances they can enhance motivation and mood. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of the potential adverse effects, such as problems with sleeping and drinking or eating enough. Mood swings can also occur in those who take stimulants for ADHD, and these can be difficult to manage.

Talk to your doctor about whether or not you're a candidate for clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies assist researchers in finding more effective methods to prevent, diagnose or treat illnesses and conditions.

Counseling

If you're suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to a variety of problems in every area of your life. Procrastination and other signs can affect your relationships as well as your career and financial health. The first step to reduce the negative effects and regaining control is to get diagnosed and seek treatment.

Many adults who are diagnosed with adhd adult diagnosis were not diagnosed as children, either because their family and teachers were not aware of the disorder, or because they showed mild symptoms that were not spotted. Some adults might be able to manage their symptoms as children but were unable to manage these issues in adulthood due the increased demands of work and family.

In order to be diagnosed with ADHD mental health professionals must discover that your symptoms are causing severe impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. The impairment could mean losing your job because of lack of focus and organizational skills or being placed on academic probation at college due to your inability to study for tests.

Women are better at hiding symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms that are affecting your work and home life, being forthright about them with your doctor can help accelerate the process and let you take advantage of reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.

Whatever type of ADHD you have Your mental health professional will want to verify that your symptoms were present prior to age 12. They may ask to speak with people who were close to you at the time, and may conduct a series of tests to measure your attention and memory.

After receiving a diagnosis, the doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different treatments before they find the one that is most effective for them. Keep a record of your progress and make sure to consult your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as necessary.