Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who are struggling professionally or personally and are unable to resolve the issue, identifying ADHD can be a significant step towards taking control. A diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation which may include a review of school records and questionnaires completed by parents and teachers.
Most people with ADHD live with symptoms since the age of five, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed with it in adulthood. NIMH offers suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about the disorder.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step in gaining control over the symptoms that cause destruction on people's professional and personal lives. First, you must consult your GP or a mental health specialist who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment.
A mental health professional will usually use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you are suffering from the condition. They will interview you about the symptoms of ADHD and review your medical history and family history to confirm that other medical conditions aren't the cause of them.
People suffering from ADHD tend to be easily distracted and can miss important details. They often have difficulty following instructions in class or at work. They tend to lose things necessary for tasks or activities, including tools, wallets, keys and wallets. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting excessively or squirming in the seat.
It is essential to rule out other medical conditions in determining if a person has adult ADHD. These include anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical issues like thyroid issues can cause ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 now requires professionals to determine how severe a person's symptoms are before identifying him or her with the disorder. Mild, moderate and severe are the classifications for adult ADHD.
Many people suffering from ADHD never receive a diagnosis in childhood because it is not evident. A diagnosis can change the course of a person's life as they understand the reasons why they struggled in school and didn't reach their full potential at work or at home. Some may even feel guilty for blaming their problems on themselves or others, and they can experience regret over missed opportunities that could have been a reality when they were properly treated.
Treatment
To receive treatment for ADHD for adults the first step is to talk with an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be conducted in person or by video call. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, which includes mental health issues within the family. 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 eliminated before an assessment can be made.
The expert will inquire about your job and lifestyle as well as how your symptoms affect your daily life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you showed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They may also speak with people who were close to you as a child and ask them about their memories.
A thorough medical history will aid your doctor to determine if you need medication or other treatment. This is because certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults with an history of anxiety or depression might require more careful evaluation and treatment, because these conditions can be co-existing with ADHD.
If a doctor believes that you need medication, they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The type of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life. Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. However, they're not for everyone and the first stimulant you try might not be effective or cause uncomfortable side effects. Your healthcare provider will be interested in knowing if you take any other medications that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, because certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is an important part of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with feelings of failure or underachievement that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to manage your anger, as well as improve your time management and organizing skills.
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 see a specialist therapist or psychologist. These experts are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adults with ADHD and have experience helping other clients with similar struggles. You can use search engines like ADDitude or your local mental health service to find a professional that works with adults who have ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you are struggling to realize your full potential in the workplace or have trouble maintaining relationships, or experience difficulties completing your tasks at home and at work, an ADHD diagnosis may be just what you need.
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 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 with untreated ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, like anxiety and depression. These disorders can trigger or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. A constant stress and anger over the lack of performance can cause feelings of low self-esteem Jaksa says. "Getting an assessment can help these individuals get a better understanding of the causes of their struggles. This can help to reduce or eliminate their anxieties, and allow them to concentrate more productively on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with a combination of medications in conjunction with behavior therapy. Stimulants can improve concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and aid in organizing. These medications can boost moods and improve motivation in a variety of cases. adult adhd diagnosis of the side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. Certain people who use stimulants to treat ADHD can suffer from mood swings that may be difficult for them to manage.
Talk to your doctor about whether you are suitable for clinical trials of novel treatments or drugs. These studies assist researchers in finding more effective ways to diagnose, prevent or treat diseases.
Counseling
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD it could cause many issues in all areas of your life. The effects of procrastination, among others, can negatively impact your relationships, career, and financial health. The first step to reducing the negative effects and getting back in control is to get a diagnosis and seek treatment.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers were unaware of the condition or they displayed mild symptoms which were not noticed. Some adults might have been able to manage their symptoms in childhood, but struggled with these issues in adulthood due increasing family and work obligations.
In order to be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms are causing severe impairment in at minimum two areas of your 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 are unable to do well on tests.
Women are better in hiding their symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms that affect your work and home life speaking up with your doctor can speed up the process and allow you to benefit from reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws.
Whatever type of ADHD you suffer from Your mental health professional will see that your symptoms were present prior to age 12. They may ask to speak to people who were close to you at this time, and they may conduct a series of tests to measure your memory and attention.
After receiving a diagnosis, the doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. The majority of patients will try a few different treatments before finding the right one. Keep a log of your progress and visit your physician regularly to alter your treatment plan if needed.