Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult

Adults who are struggling in their professional or personal lives can benefit from diagnosing ADHD. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination which may include a review of school records and questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers.

Most people suffering from ADHD live with symptoms from the age of five, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed as an adult diagnosis of adhd. NIMH has suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about the disorder.

Diagnosis

It is important to get diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. This will allow you to get control of the symptoms that can cause havoc in your professional and personal life. The first step is to talk to your GP or find an expert in mental health who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor does not have any knowledge of ADHD, they may refer you to either a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment.

Typically, a mental health professional will employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you may be suffering from the condition, says Adler. They will ask you questions about your ADHD-like symptoms and look over your medical and family history to determine if other medical conditions aren't the cause of them.

People with ADHD tend to be easily distracted and miss important details. They often have difficulty following directions in class or at work. They often lose things necessary for tasks or activities, including tools, wallets, and keys. They may also have trouble staying focused when listening to long speeches. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking excessively or squirming in their seats.

It is important to rule out other medical conditions in determining if a person has adult ADHD. These include depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical conditions such as thyroid issues can be a source of ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to assess the severity of the symptoms a person's experiences are before identifying him or her with the condition. Mild moderate, severe, and mild are the classifications for adult ADHD.

Many people suffering from ADHD have a lifelong struggle without ever receiving a diagnosis because it's not evident in childhood. For adults, a diagnosis can be a life-changing revelation because they can finally understand the reasons why they struggled at school and failed to reach their potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty about being blamed for their problems and may also be resentful over missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly.

Treatment

To seek treatment for ADHD in adults the first step is to speak with an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be accomplished in person or by video call. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The specialist will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues that are present in the family. This is due to the fact that there are many physical and mental conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions must be ruled out in order to determine if you have ADHD.

The expert will also inquire about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms affect your life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you showed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They might also interview people who knew you as a child and ask about their experiences.

A thorough medical history will aid your doctor in determining whether you require medication or other treatment. Certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning, can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults who have a history of depression or anxiety will need to be evaluated and treated with greater care, as these conditions often coexist.

If a professional believes that you need medication, they will prescribe the appropriate medication. The type of medication you require is determined by your symptoms and the way they impact your life. Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. However, Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult they are not for everyone and the first one you try may not be effective or cause unpleasant adverse side effects. Your healthcare provider will be interested in knowing if you use any other medication, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.

Counseling is a crucial element of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of anger, disappointment and inadequacy that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can teach you how to control your anger, improve your time management and organizational skills.

It is crucial to find a healthcare professional that specializes in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However you might prefer to consult a specialist psychotherapist. These specialists are likely to have more experience with adult ADHD and the challenges they face, as well as having experience working with other clients. You can check with your local mental health services or consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a specialist who can assist adults with ADHD.

Medication

If you're an adult who has been struggling with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, getting a diagnosis is the first step towards addressing your symptoms and improving your life. If you're struggling to achieve your full potential in the workplace or have trouble maintaining relationships, or experience trouble completing tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis might be just what you require.

ADHD treatment for adults begins with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've experienced. The psychiatrist or psychologist determines if you satisfy the requirements 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 often have coexisting disorders, like depression and anxiety. Jaksa says that these disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. Chronic stress and frustration over inadequate performance can result in feelings of low self-esteem, he says. "Getting diagnosed will help them understand the reasons behind their struggles. This can help to reduce or eliminate their worries, and allow them to focus on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.

Adults with ADHD are typically treated with a combination of medications along with behavior therapy. Stimulants improve concentration, reduce impulse-driven behavior and aid in organizing. In many instances these drugs can boost motivation and improve mood. The negative effects of stimulants are sleepiness and having trouble drinking enough or eating well. Certain people who use stimulants to treat ADHD can suffer from mood swings that may be difficult to manage.

Talk to your health care provider about whether you are a good candidate for clinical trials of new treatments or medicines. These studies help researchers discover better methods to detect and treat or prevent diseases.

Counseling

If you have untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to various problems in all areas of your life. Procrastination and other signs can negatively impact your relationships, career, and financial health. The first step in reducing the negative effects and getting back in control is to get diagnosed and seek treatment.

Many adults diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children, either because their family and teachers were unaware of the disorder, or because they displayed mild symptoms which weren't noticed. Some may have been able to manage their symptoms during childhood, but struggled later in life as their family and work obligations increased.

To determine ADHD, mental health professionals need to find that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your everyday life. The effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a deficit in focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at your college because you are unable to do well on tests.

Women are better at hiding symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If you have ADHD symptoms that impact your life at work or at home, you can speed up the diagnosis process by being open with your doctor. You may also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws.

Whatever type of ADHD you have, your mental health professional will see that your symptoms began prior to the age of 12. They might ask you to talk with people who knew you at this time and may also conduct a series of tests to determine your attention and memory abilities.

After receiving a diagnosis, the therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test different therapies before they can find the one that is most effective for them. Keep a journal of your progress and visit your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan if needed.