Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult

Adults who are struggling in their professional or personal lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment, often including reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by parents and teachers.

Most people suffering from ADHD have symptoms from childhood, and it is not uncommon to be diagnosed at an adult age. See NIMH for suggestions on talking with your health professional about the disorder.

Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step to gain control over the symptoms that cause destruction on people's personal and professional lives. The first step is to consult your GP or a mental health professional who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. If your doctor is not familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment.

A mental health professional will typically employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you have the condition. They will ask you questions about your symptoms that are similar to ADHD and examine your medical history and family history to confirm that other medical conditions aren't the cause of them.

Because people who suffer from ADHD have a tendency to overlook details and become easily distracted, they often struggle with following directions or listening to lectures or on the job. They often lose things necessary for tasks or activities, including keys, wallets and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused when they are reading long speeches or assignments. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking frequently or squirming around in their seats.

When determining whether a person has adult ADHD it is essential to exclude other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and substance abuse. Stress and physical issues like thyroid problems can also cause ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5 professionals are required to assess the severity of an individual's symptoms when diagnosing them with ADHD. Mild moderate, severe and mild are the categories used to describe adult ADHD.

Many people with ADHD have a lifelong struggle without ever getting diagnosed with adhd a diagnosis because it is not apparent in childhood. For adults, a diagnosis could be a life-changing experience because they can finally understand why they struggled in school and failed to reach their potential at work or at home. They might feel guilty about blaming others or themselves for their problems and could be grieved 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 healthcare. This can be done in person or by video conference. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The specialist will require information about your medical history as well as family mental health issues. This is due to the fact that a number of physical and emotional issues can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD and need to be addressed before a diagnosis can be made.

The expert will inquire about your job and lifestyle and how your symptoms impact your daily life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you displayed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They may also speak with people who were close to you as when you were a child and inquire about their childhood memories.

A thorough medical history will help the doctor decide whether you need medications or other treatments. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, and lead poisoning, can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults who have an history of depression or anxiety may need more careful evaluation and treatment because these conditions are often associated with ADHD.

If a medical professional believes that you need medication they will prescribe a suitable drug. The kind of medication you need will depend on your symptoms and the way they affect your life. Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They are not suitable for everyone, and the first drug you try may not work or cause undesirable negative side 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, as certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants.

Counseling is also an essential component of the treatment 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 also teach you to manage your anger and improve your time management and organization skills.

If you have mental illness it is essential to locate a healthcare professional who specializes in the field. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However it is recommended to consult a specialist therapist. These specialists are likely to have more experience with adult ADHD and their challenges, as well as having worked with other clients. You can search ADDitude or visit your local mental health services to find a professional who assists adults with ADHD.

Medication

A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step in managing your symptoms and improving life. If you've struggled to achieve your maximum potential at work, have found it difficult to maintain relationships, or struggle to finish tasks at home, a diagnosis of ADHD could be the solution you've been searching for.

The first step to treat ADHD for adults is a thorough medical history review, which includes your symptoms. The psychologist or psychiatrist will 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 professional functioning.

Adults who suffer from untreated ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. He says that stress and Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult frustration due to low performance can cause feelings of low self-esteem. "Getting an assessment can help these individuals gain a perspective on the reasons behind their struggles. This could help reduce or eliminate their anxieties and help them focus more effectively on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.

Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with a combination of medications in conjunction with behavior therapy. Stimulants can improve concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and aid in achieving organization. In many instances these drugs can improve mood and increase motivation. Some of the side effects of stimulants include sleepiness and having trouble eating or drinking enough. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD might have mood swings that could be difficult for them to manage.

Speak to your doctor about whether or not you are an eligible participant in clinical trials of new medications or treatments. These studies assist researchers in finding more effective methods to detect, prevent or treat diseases.

Counseling

Untreated ADHD can cause issues in all areas of your life. Procrastination and other signs can negatively impact your relationships and career as well as financial health. Getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step towards reduce the negative impact and regaining control over your life.

Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children due to the fact that their families and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or because they displayed mild symptoms which weren't noticed. Certain adults may have been able to manage their symptoms in childhood, but were unable to manage them in adulthood due to the increased demands of work and family.

In order to be diagnosed as having ADHD, mental health professionals must find that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two aspects of your life. Impaired can be losing your job due to a lack in organization and focus, or Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult being placed on academic probation in college because you're unable to concentrate on your tests.

Women tend to be better in hiding their symptoms than men, which can make it harder to receive an accurate diagnosis. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your home or work life it is possible to speed up the diagnosis process by being upfront 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 want to verify that your symptoms started prior to the age of 12. They may suggest that you talk to people who were close to you at this time, and may also conduct a series of tests to test your attention and memory.

After receiving a diagnosis, the specialist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication therapy to help manage your symptoms. A majority of patients will try a variety of different methods before they discover the one that is most effective for them. It is suggested that you keep a diary of your progress and check in with your doctor regularly so they can help you adjust your treatment program as needed.