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 diagnosis is based on a thorough examination 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 uncommon to be diagnosed in adulthood. See NIMH for advice on how to talk to your health care provider about the disorder.

Diagnosis

It is important to get diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. This will allow you to gain control over the symptoms that can cause chaos in your personal and professional life. First, you should consult your GP or a mental health specialist who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. If your doctor is not familiar with ADHD and/or ADHD, they might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for assessment.

Typically, a mental health professional will use an eight-question ADHD screener to determine if you might have the condition, says Adler. He or she will then ask you questions about your symptoms that are similar to ADHD and examine your medical and family history to confirm that other medical conditions aren't the cause of them.

Because people with ADHD are more likely to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often have difficulty following instructions or listening to lectures or at work. They are more likely to lose items necessary for tasks or activities, such as tools, wallets, and keys. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long lectures or reading assignments. Other symptoms of adult adhd diagnosis ADHD include fidgeting, talking or Getting diagnosed with ADHD texting frequently or squirming around in their seats.

It is essential to rule out other conditions when determining whether someone suffers from adult ADHD. This includes anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical issues such as thyroid issues can be a source of ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5, professionals are now required to consider the severity of a person's symptoms when determining if they are suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.

Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed in childhood, because it's not readily apparent. For adults, a diagnosis could be a life-changing revelation as they realize the reason why they struggled in school and could not attain their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty for blaming others or themselves for their troubles and could be resentful over missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly.

Treatment

The first step to receive treatment for ADHD as an adult is to see a medical professional to have an assessment. This can be done in person or through a video chat. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The professional will ask about your medical history, which includes mental health issues in the family. This is because there are many physical and mental conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions must be ruled out to determine if you have ADHD.

The professional will also ask 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 before the age of 12. They may also want to interview people who were close to you as a child and ask about their experiences.

A thorough medical history will help the doctor decide whether you need medication or other treatments. Some medical conditions such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning, can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression need to be assessed and treated more carefully because these conditions frequently coexist.

If a doctor believes you need medication, he or she will prescribe the appropriate medication. The type of medicine you require is determined by the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. However, they are not suitable for everyone, and the first one you try may not be effective or have unpleasant adverse side effects. Your healthcare provider will need to know if are taking any other medications such as over-the-counter medications and supplements, since certain kinds of drugs may interact with ADHD stimulants.

Counseling is also an essential component of the treatment process for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal with feelings of failure or underachievement that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, and improve your time management and organizing abilities.

It's important to seek out an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to consult an expert psychologist or therapist. These specialists are likely to be more knowledgeable about the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have experience helping other clients with similar struggles. You can inquire with your local mental health service or with ADDitude's directory to find a specialist who can assist adults with ADHD.

Medication

A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step towards managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you're struggling to reach your maximum potential in your work or in maintaining relationships, or have trouble completing tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis might be just what you need.

ADHD treatment for adults begins with an extensive interview and a review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've experienced. The psychiatrist or psychologist determines whether you meet the criteria 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 are frequently co-morbid with other disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. Stress and frustration from the lack of performance can result in feelings of low self-esteem he says. "Getting a diagnosis will help them understand the root of their difficulties which can help reduce or eliminate some of their anxieties and allow them to concentrate more on areas in which they excel," Jaksa says.

The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is usually a combination of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants can improve concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in organizing. In many instances these drugs can enhance motivation and mood. People who take stimulants should be aware of the potential negative effects, which could include insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. Mood swings can also occur in those who take stimulants to treat ADHD and are often difficult to manage.

Talk to your health care provider about whether you are a good candidate for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or drugs. These studies help researchers find better methods to prevent, diagnose, or treat illnesses and conditions.

Counseling

If you're suffering from untreated ADHD it could cause a variety of problems in every area of your life. Your career, relationships and financial health may be negatively affected by procrastination, poor time management, impulsive spending, and other signs. The first step to reduce the negative effects and regaining control is to get an assessment and seek treatment.

Many adults diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis as children, because their parents and teachers were unaware of the condition or they had minor symptoms that weren't noticed. Others might have managed their symptoms as children but struggled later in life when their family and work obligations increased.

To determine if you have ADHD Mental health professionals must find that your symptoms cause significant impairment in two areas of your daily life. The effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a decline in organization and focus, or being placed on academic probation at college due to your inability to concentrate on your tests.

Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your work or home life you can accelerate the process of diagnosis by being honest with your doctor. You may also be able to get reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.

Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD that you have, will be interested in knowing whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They might ask you to talk with people who knew you at this period and could conduct a series of tests to assess your attention and memory abilities.

After receiving a diagnosis, the therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different methods before they discover the one that is most effective for them. It is suggested that you keep track of your progress and check in with your doctor on a regular basis so they can assist in adjusting your treatment program according to your needs.