Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who are struggling with their personal or professional lives, diagnosing ADHD could be a crucial step in taking control. A thorough assessment is required to make a diagnosis. This includes reviewing school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers.
It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. See NIMH for advice on how to talk to your doctor about the condition.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step towards gaining control over symptoms that wreak destruction on people's professional and personal lives. The first step is to speak with your GP or find an expert in mental health who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP does not have any experience in treating ADHD and is unable to help, they can refer you to either psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment.
A mental health professional would typically use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you are suffering from the condition. He or she will then interview you about your ADHD-like symptoms and review your medical 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 be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often struggle with following directions or listening during class or on the job. They frequently lose essential items required for tasks or activities such as keys, wallets, and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Fidgeting, over-talking or texting or squirming are other signs of adult ADHD.
It is essential to rule out other medical conditions in determining if a person has adult ADHD. These include depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Stress and other physical ailments such as thyroid issues can be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to determine the severity of a person's symptoms are before identifying him or her with the disorder. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people with ADHD live their entire lives without ever getting a diagnosis because it's not obvious during childhood. A diagnosis can change the course of a person's life because they now understand why they struggled at school and never reached their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty for blameing other people or themselves for their troubles and may also be devastated by missed opportunities if they were properly treated.
Treatment
The first step in getting treatment for ADHD as an adult is to consult a medical professional for an assessment. This can be done either in person or via video conference. In how to get an adult adhd diagnosis , psychiatrists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The professional will ask about your medical history, including mental health issues in the family. This is because many physical and emotional conditions can trigger symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD and need to be eliminated before an assessment can be made.
The expert will also inquire about your lifestyle and work and how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you displayed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They may also speak with people who were close to you as a child and inquire about their childhood memories.
adhd diagnosis uk adults will help the doctor decide whether you need medications or other treatments. Certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning, can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults with a history of anxiety or depression might require more careful evaluation and treatment, because these conditions can be co-existing 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 the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your life. Stimulants, which are the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. They are not for everyone, and the first drug you try may not work or cause undesirable side negative effects. Your doctor may inquire whether you are taking other medication. This includes over-the-counter medications, supplements, and prescription drugs. Certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is an important component of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of failure, underachievement and frustration that are often 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 illnesses. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However you might prefer to seek out a specialist therapist. These professionals are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adults with ADHD and have had experience in helping others who have similar issues. You can use search engines like ADDitude or contact your local mental health clinic to find a specialist who assists adults with ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you are struggling to reach your maximum potential in your work or in maintaining relationships, or are having difficulties completing your tasks at home then an ADHD diagnosis might be just what you require.
ADHD treatment for adults starts with thorough interviews and a thorough review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've experienced. The psychologist or psychiatrist determines whether you meet the requirements 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 who suffer from untreated ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, like anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. He says that stress and anger due to poor performance can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss. "Getting a diagnosis will help them gain perspective on the root of their struggles, which may reduce or alleviate some of their anxiety and allow them to concentrate more on areas in which they excel," Jaksa says.
The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is typically a combination of therapy and medication. Stimulants can improve concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and help with organization. These drugs can improve moods and increase motivation in many instances. Side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. Also, mood swings can occur in people who are taking stimulants for ADHD and can 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 assist researchers in finding better ways to diagnose, prevent or treat diseases.
Counseling
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to many issues throughout your life. Your relationships, work and financial health could be negatively impacted by procrastination, poor time management, impulsive spending, and other signs. The first step in reducing the negative effects and getting back in control is to get a diagnosis and seek treatment.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers were unaware of the condition or they showed mild symptoms that were not spotted. Some adults might be able to manage their symptoms in childhood, but had difficulty with these issues in adulthood due the increased demands of work and family.
To diagnose ADHD, mental health professionals need to find that your symptoms cause significant impairment in two areas of your daily life. In the event of impairment, it could result in losing your job due to of a lack of focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at college due to the inability to study for tests.
Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms than men, which could make it more difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. If you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your home or work life it is possible to accelerate the process of diagnosing by being open 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 you suffer from will want to know the time when your symptoms began. the age of 12. They might ask you to speak with people who were close to you at this time, and they might conduct a series of tests to assess your attention and memory.
When you receive an diagnosis your therapist will recommend a combination of medications and non-medical treatments to help manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test a few different treatments before they find the best one. Keep a log of your progress, and visit your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as necessary.