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 filled out by caregivers and teachers.

It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with 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 help you get control of the symptoms that can cause a lot of trouble in your personal and professional life. The first step is to speak with your GP or consult a mental health professional with expertise in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP doesn't have any experience in treating ADHD and is unable to help, they can refer you to either a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment.

A mental health professional will usually employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you have the condition. Then, the doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and review your family history and medical history to confirm that there are no other conditions not causing your symptoms of ADHD.

People suffering from ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and can miss crucial details. They may have trouble following instructions in class or at work. They often lose important items required for tasks or activities like keys, wallets and other tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused when listening to or reading long speeches. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking excessively or squirming in the seat.

It is crucial to rule out other conditions when determining if someone has adult ADHD. These include depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical issues like thyroid issues can mimic ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5 professionals are now required to take into consideration the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them as having ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe.

Many people suffering from adhd diagnosis uk go their whole lives without ever being diagnosed because it is not apparent during childhood. For adults, a diagnosis could be a life-changing revelation because they can finally understand the reasons why they struggled at school and failed to achieve their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty for blaming their problems on themselves or others and may experience regret over missed opportunities that could have been a reality if they had been properly treated.

Treatment

The first step to receive treatment for ADHD as an adult is to consult the healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video calls. In the UK, only psychologists, Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult psychiatrists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues within the family. This is because a variety of physical and emotional issues can trigger symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD, and these must be eliminated before a diagnosis can be made.

The professional will also ask about your lifestyle and work, and how your symptoms impact your daily life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you showed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They may also wish to interview people who were close to you in your childhood and ask them about their experiences.

A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining whether you require medication or other treatments. Certain medical conditions, getting diagnosed with Adhd as an adult like thyroid disorders, sleep apnea and lead poisoning can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults with a history of anxiety or depression might require a more thorough evaluation and treatment because these conditions are often associated with ADHD.

If a medical professional believes that you require medication they will prescribe a suitable medication. The kind of medication you require is determined by your symptoms and how they impact your life. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. They aren't for everyone, and the first drug you try may not work or cause unwanted adverse negative effects. Your doctor will need to know if use any other medication that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, because certain kinds of drugs may interact with ADHD stimulants.

Counseling is a crucial aspect of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with feelings of failure frustration, underachievement, and anger that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can also teach you how to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management skills.

It is crucial to find the services of a doctor who is specialized in mental disorders. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to see psychologists or specialist therapists. They are likely to be more familiar with adult ADHD and their challenges as well as having previous experience working with clients. You can search ADDitude or visit your local mental health services to find a professional who assists adults with ADHD.

Medication

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

The first step in treating ADHD for adults is thorough medical history review, which includes 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 often suffer from co-occurring disorders, including anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these conditions can worsen or cause symptoms of ADHD. He also says that constant stress and anger due to low performance can cause feelings of self-esteem loss. "Getting diagnosed can help them get a better understanding of the reasons behind their struggles. This may reduce or eliminate their anxieties and help them focus more effectively on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.

The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is usually the combination of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants can boost concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and aid in achieving organization. In many cases they can boost motivation and improve mood. People who take stimulants should be aware of possible adverse effects, such as problems with sleeping and eating or drinking enough. Also, mood swings can occur in some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD, and these can be difficult to manage.

Discuss with your health care provider regarding whether you would be a good candidate for clinical trials of new treatments or medications. These studies help researchers discover more effective ways to diagnose and treat or prevent diseases.

Counseling

If you have untreated ADHD, it can cause various problems in every area of your life. Procrastination and other symptoms can negatively impact your relationships and career as well as financial health. The first step in reducing the negative effects and getting diagnosed with adhd back in control is to get diagnosed and seek treatment.

Many adults diagnosed with ADHD did not receive a diagnosis as children, because their parents and teachers were unaware of the condition or they had minor symptoms that weren't noticed. Some adults may have been able manage their symptoms in childhood, but struggled with these issues in adulthood due increased work and family obligations.

To diagnose ADHD Mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms are causing 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 your college because you're unable to do well on tests.

Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If, however, you are suffering from ADHD symptoms that are affecting your work and home life speaking up with your doctor can accelerate the process and allow you to get reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.

Regardless of the kind of ADHD you have, your mental health professional will want to verify that your symptoms were present prior to the age of 12. They might ask you to talk with people who were around you during this period and could perform a series of tests to evaluate your attention and memory levels.

If you're given a diagnosis the therapist will suggest the use of a combination of medication and non-medical treatments to treat your symptoms. Most people will try a few different treatments before they find the best one. Keep a journal of your progress, and consult your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as needed.