Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult

Adults who have difficulty in their personal or professional lives can benefit from diagnosing ADHD. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment which may include a review of school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers.

The majority of people with ADHD suffer from symptoms since the age of three, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed as an adult. NIMH has suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about the condition.

Diagnosis

It is essential to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. This will help you manage 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 who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor is not familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for assessment.

Typically the mental health professional will employ the six-question ADHD screener to determine whether you may be suffering from the disorder, says Adler. Then, he will talk to you about your symptoms and review your family history and medical history to make sure that other medical conditions are not causing your ADHD-like symptoms.

Because people who suffer from ADHD tend to miss details and get easily distracted, they often struggle with following directions or listening during class or on the job. They often lose important items needed for their tasks such as keys, wallets, and tools. They may also have difficulty staying focused when reading or listening to long speeches. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting too much or squirming in their seats.

It is essential to rule out other conditions in determining if a person has adult ADHD. These include depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical ailments such as thyroid issues can cause adhd diagnosis adults symptoms. In the DSM-5 professionals are required to take into consideration the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them as having ADHD. Mild moderate, severe, and mild are the classifications for adult ADHD.

Many people with ADHD go their whole lives without ever being diagnosed because it is not apparent in childhood. A diagnosis can alter the course of a person's life as they understand the reasons why they struggled in school and didn't reach their full potential at work or at home. They might even feel guilty for blaming their issues 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

To seek treatment for ADHD in adults The first step is to talk with a healthcare professional. This can be done in person or via video chat. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The doctor will require information about your medical history and family-related mental health issues. This is because a variety of physical and emotional conditions can trigger symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD and need to be addressed before an assessment is made.

The expert will also inquire about your work and lifestyle, and how your symptoms influence your life. They will be particularly interested in whether you had signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They might also talk to people who were close to you as when you were a child and inquire about their childhood memories.

A thorough medical history will aid your doctor to determine whether you require medication or another treatment. This is due to the fact that certain medical conditions, including sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning, can trigger symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression will need to be evaluated and treated with greater care, as these conditions often occur in conjunction.

If a doctor believes you need medication, they will prescribe the right medication. The type of medicine you need depends on your symptoms and how they affect your life. Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. However, they're not for everyone and the first stimulant you try might not be effective or cause bothersome adverse side effects. Your healthcare provider may ask whether you are taking other medications. This includes over-the-counter drugs or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.

Counseling is an essential part of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal better with feelings of anger and failure that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can teach you how 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 disorders. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to consult psychologists or specialist therapists. These experts are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adult ADHD and have had experience in helping other clients with similar struggles. You can inquire with your local mental health clinic or ADDitude's directory to find a professional who is working with adults suffering from ADHD.

Medication

A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you've struggled to achieve your full potential at work, have found it difficult to maintain relationships, or struggle to finish tasks at home and at work, a diagnosis of ADHD may provide the solution you've been looking for.

ADHD treatment for adults starts with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychologist or psychiatrist will then 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 untreated professional functioning.

Adults with untreated ADHD are often co-morbid with disorders such as depression and anxiety. Jaksa states that these disorders can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. He says that anxiety and frustration resulting from inadequate performance can trigger feelings of low self-esteem. "Getting a diagnose can help these individuals get a better understanding of the root of their issues. This may reduce or eliminate their anxieties, and allow them to focus more effectively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.

Adults with ADHD are usually treated with a combination of medications and behavior therapy. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease impulse-driven behavior and aid in organization. These drugs can improve moods and boost motivation in many cases. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of possible adverse effects, such as problems with sleeping and drinking or eating enough. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD may have mood swings that could be difficult to manage.

Consult your physician about whether or not you're a candidate for clinical trials on new medications or treatments. These studies help researchers discover more effective ways to diagnose, prevent or treat diseases.

Counseling

Untreated ADHD can lead to problems in all aspects of your life. The effects of procrastination, among others, can negatively impact your relationships and career as well as financial health. The first step to reducing the negative effects and regaining control is to get diagnosed and seek treatment.

Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children because their parents and teachers were unaware of the condition or they experienced mild symptoms that weren't recognized. Some might have had the ability to manage their symptoms during childhood, but struggled in adulthood as their family and work responsibilities increased.

To determine ADHD, mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your daily life. Impairment can result in losing your job because of lack of concentration and organizational skills, or being put on academic probation at college due to inability to learn for tests.

Women are generally better at hiding their symptoms than men, which could make it harder to receive a diagnosis. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that affect your life at work and at home, being forthright about them with your doctor can help speed up the process and enable you to take advantage of reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.

No matter what kind of ADHD you suffer from, your mental health professional will determine if your symptoms began prior to the age of 12. They may suggest that you speak with people who were close to you at this time, and may conduct a series of tests to test your memory and attention.

After receiving an diagnosis, your specialist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different therapies before they can find the one that is most effective for them. It is suggested that you keep a journal of your progress and check in with your doctor regularly so they can help you adjust your treatment plan as needed.