Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who are struggling with their personal or professional lives, diagnosing ADHD could be a crucial step in getting control. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination, often including reviews of school records and questionnaires filled out by parents and teachers.
Most people suffering from ADHD have symptoms since childhood, and it is not unusual to be diagnosed with it at an adult age. See NIMH for tips on talking to your doctor about the disorder.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step in gaining control over the symptoms that cause destruction on people's personal and professional lives. The first step is to talk with your GP or find a mental health professional who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for assessment.
A mental health professional will usually employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. Then, he or she will talk to you about your symptoms and look at your medical history and family background to ensure that other medical conditions are not causing your symptoms of ADHD.
Because people with ADHD tend to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often have trouble following instructions or listening in class or at work. They often lose things necessary for tasks or activities, such as tools, wallets, and keys. They may also have trouble staying focused during long lectures or reading assignments. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting, or squirming, are other signs of adult ADHD.
In determining if someone suffers from adult ADHD It is crucial to exclude other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, anxiety and addiction to drugs. Stress and physical conditions such as thyroid issues can cause ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5 professionals are required to consider the severity of an individual's symptoms when diagnosing them with ADHD. Mild, moderate and severe are the categories used to describe adult ADHD.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed in childhood because it is not readily apparent. For adults, a diagnosis can be a life-changing revelation because they finally understand why they struggled in school and could not reach their potential at work or at home. They may feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on others or themselves, and they can experience grief over lost opportunities that could have been had if they had been properly treated.
Treatment
To seek treatment for ADHD for adults, the first step is to speak with an expert in healthcare. This can be done in person or through a video call. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will need to know your medical history as well as family-related mental health issues. This is due to the fact that there are a variety of physical and mental conditions which can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions must be ruled out in order to determine if you have ADHD.
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 had signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years. They might also interview people who knew you in childhood and ask about their experiences.
A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining whether you require medications or other treatments. This is because some medical conditions, including sleep apnea, thyroid issues and lead poisoning can cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults with a history of depression or anxiety might require a more thorough evaluation and treatment because these conditions can be co-existing with ADHD.
If a doctor believes you require medication, they will prescribe the appropriate medication. The type of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your daily life. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. However, they are not right for everyone and the first one you try may not be effective or have uncomfortable adverse effects. Your healthcare provider will need to know if are taking any other medications that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, as certain kinds of drugs may interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is a crucial component of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal better with feelings of anger, failure and underachievement that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management abilities.
If you have an illness of the mind, it's important to find a doctor who is specialized in the field. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However, you may prefer to consult a specialist psychotherapist. These professionals will likely be more familiar with adults with ADHD and their challenges and also have previous experience working with clients. You can check with your local mental health services or ADDitude's directory to find a professional who works with adults with ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you're struggling to realize your full potential at work or in maintaining relationships, or are having difficulties completing your tasks at home and at work, an ADHD diagnosis may be just what you need.
ADHD treatment for adults begins with an extensive interview and a review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've experienced. The psychologist or psychiatrist will then 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 are often afflicted with disorders such as anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these conditions can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. He says that anxiety and frustration resulting from low performance can cause feelings of low-self-esteem. "Getting a diagnose can help them understand the causes of their struggles. This could help reduce or eliminate their anxieties and enable them to concentrate more productively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.
The most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is usually the combination of behavior therapy and medication. Stimulants can boost concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and aid in organizing. In many instances these drugs can boost motivation and improve mood. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of potential side effects, which include insomnia and difficulty drinking or eating enough. People who take stimulants to treat ADHD can suffer from mood swings that may be difficult for them to manage.
Speak to your doctor about whether or not you are eligible for clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies help researchers find more effective ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases and conditions.
Counseling
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD it could cause many issues in every area of your life. Your career, relationships and financial health can be negatively affected by procrastination, poor time management, impulsive spending, and other signs. Getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step towards reduce the negative impact and regaining control of your life.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis when they were children because their family and teachers were unaware of the condition or they had minor symptoms that weren't recognized. Some may have had the ability to manage their symptoms in childhood but struggled in adulthood when their work and family obligations increased.
To diagnose ADHD Mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms cause significant impairment in two areas of your daily life. Impairment can result in losing your job due to of a lack of focus and organizational skills or being placed on academic probation in college due to the inability to do well on tests.
Women are better in hiding their symptoms than men. This can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. If you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your work or home life it is possible to accelerate the process of diagnosis by being upfront with your doctor. You may also be able to get reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws.
Regardless of the kind of ADHD you suffer from, your mental health professional will want to see that your symptoms began prior to the age of 12. They may ask you to speak to people who knew you during this time period. They may also perform a series of tests to assess your attention and memory levels.
If you're given a diagnosis, your therapist will recommend the use of a combination of medication and non-medical treatments to treat your symptoms. adhd diagnosis uk adults of people will test a few different treatments before they find the best one. Keep a journal of your progress, and consult your doctor regularly to adjust your treatment plan if needed.