Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who are struggling professionally or personally, diagnosing ADHD can be a significant step in taking control. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires filled out by parents 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
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step to gain control over the symptoms that can cause havoc on one's professional and personal lives. The first step is to talk with your GP or seek out a mental health professional who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. If adhd uk diagnosis is not familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for assessment.
Typically the mental health professional will use the six-question ADHD screener to determine if you may be suffering from the condition, according to Adler. They will ask you questions about your ADHD-like symptoms and review your medical and family history to confirm that other conditions aren't contributing to them.
People suffering from ADHD tend to be easily distracted and forgetting crucial details. They may have trouble following directions in class or at work. They frequently lose essential items needed for their tasks such as keys, wallets, and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long lectures or reading assignments. Fidgeting, excessive talk or texting or squirming are other symptoms of adult ADHD.
When determining whether a person has adult ADHD it is essential to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and substance abuse. Stress and physical conditions such as thyroid issues can mimic ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5, professionals are now required to consider the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them as having ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe.
Many people who suffer from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis in childhood, because it's not obvious. A diagnosis can alter the course of an adult's life as they understand the reasons why they struggled in school and failed to reach their maximum potential at work or home. They may feel guilty about blaming others or themselves for their troubles, and they may be devastated by missed opportunities when they were treated with respect.
Treatment
The first step in getting treatment for ADHD as an adult is to see a healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video conference. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The specialist will inquire about your medical history, which includes mental health issues that are present in the family. This is because there are many mental and physical conditions that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions must be ruled out to determine if you have ADHD.
The expert will inquire about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms impact your daily life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you showed symptoms of ADHD before age 12 years old. They may also speak with people who were close to you as an infant and inquire about their childhood memories.
A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining if you need medication or other treatments. Certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults with a history of depression or anxiety might require a more thorough evaluation and treatment because these conditions often coexist with ADHD.
If a medical professional believes that you need medication, they will prescribe a suitable drug. The type of medication you need will depend on your symptoms and how they affect your life. The most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. However, they're not for everyone, and the first one you try may not be effective or trigger unpleasant adverse side effects. Your healthcare provider might ask whether you're taking any other medications. This includes prescription drugs or supplements as well as prescription drugs. Certain types of drugs can interfere with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is an important aspect of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of frustration and failure that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn how to manage your anger as well as improve your time management and organization abilities.
It is essential to find a healthcare professional that specializes in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to consult a specialist therapist or psychologist. These professionals are likely to be more familiar with the challenges of treating adult ADHD and have experience helping others who have similar issues. You can use search engines like ADDitude or your local mental health service to find a professional who is working with adults who suffer from ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step in managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you're struggling to reach your full potential in the workplace 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 thorough interviews and a thorough review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've experienced. The psychiatrist or psychologist determines if you satisfy the criteria 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 with 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. A constant stress and anger over the lack of performance can cause feelings of low self-esteem, Jaksa says. "Getting diagnosed can help them gain a perspective on the reasons behind their struggles. This may reduce or eliminate their anxieties and enable them to concentrate more productively on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.
The best treatment for adults with ADHD is typically an amalgamation of behavior therapy and medication. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and aid in achieving organization. These medications can improve moods and boost motivation in many cases. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of potential adverse effects, such as insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. Certain people who use stimulants to treat ADHD may suffer from mood swings that may be difficult to manage.
Talk to your doctor about whether or not you're an eligible participant in clinical trials of new medications or treatments. These studies aid researchers in finding more effective methods to prevent, diagnose or treat diseases and conditions.
Counseling
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to various problems in every area of your life. The effects of procrastination, among others, can negatively impact your relationships and career as well as financial health. Finding a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step to lessening the negative effects and regaining control over your life.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis as children, because their teachers and family were unaware of the condition or they had mild symptoms that weren't recognized. Some might have had the ability to manage their symptoms during childhood, but struggled later in life when their work and family obligations increased.
In order to be diagnosed as having ADHD, mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two areas of your life. Impaired can be losing your job due to a decline in focus and organization skills, 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 you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your home or work life, you can accelerate the process of diagnosis by being upfront 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 kind of ADHD that you have, will want to know the time when your symptoms began. the age of 12. They may request that you talk with people who were around you during this period and could perform a series of tests to evaluate your memory and attention levels.
After you are given the diagnosis your therapist will recommend the use of a combination of medication and non-medical treatments to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different treatments before they find the best one. Keep a record of your progress and make sure to consult your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as necessary.