Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who find themselves struggling in their work or personal life, diagnosing ADHD can be a significant step towards taking control. A thorough evaluation is needed to make a diagnosis. This involves examining school records and questionnaires that are completed by caregivers and teachers.
Most people suffering from ADHD suffer from symptoms from the age of five, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed with it as an adult. See NIMH for advice on how to talk to your health care provider about the disorder.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that can cause havoc on a person's professional and personal lives. The first step is to talk with your GP or consult an expert in mental health who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD, he or she may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment.
A mental health professional would typically use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. He or she will then interview you about the symptoms of ADHD and examine your medical history and family history to confirm that other medical conditions aren't the cause of them.
Since people who suffer from ADHD tend to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often have difficulty following instructions or listening to lectures or at work. They are more likely to lose items necessary for tasks or activities, including tools, wallets, and keys. They might also have difficulty staying focused when listening to or reading long speeches. Other signs 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. This includes depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical conditions like thyroid problems can also mimic ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to consider the severity of the symptoms a person's experiences are when determining if they have diagnosed the disorder. Mild moderate, severe, and mild are the three categories for adults with ADHD.
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed in childhood because it is not obvious. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing revelation because they finally understand why they struggled in school and failed to attain their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty for blameing other people or themselves for their problems and may also be grieved over missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly.
Treatment
The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit the healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or through a video calls. In the UK only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will require information about your medical history and family-related mental health issues. This is because there are a variety of physical and mental conditions which can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions need to be eliminated in order to make a diagnosis.
The professional will also ask about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms impact your daily life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you showed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They might also talk to those who were close to you as an infant and ask them about their experiences.
A thorough medical history will help your doctor decide whether you require medication or any other treatment. This is due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid issues and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have an underlying 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 you need medication, he/she will prescribe the appropriate drug. The type of medicine you require is determined by your symptoms and the way they affect your life. Stimulants, which are the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They are not suitable for all people and the first treatment you try might not work or cause undesirable adverse consequences. Your doctor will be interested in knowing if you use any other medication, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, since certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is also an essential part of the treatment process for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal with the feelings of failure, underachievement and frustration that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can also teach you how to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management skills.
If you suffer from a mental illness it is crucial to find a doctor who is specialized in the field. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However, you may prefer to seek out a specialist therapist. These specialists are likely to be more knowledgeable about the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have had experience in helping other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can check with your local mental health service or consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a specialist who works with adults with ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step to managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you've found it difficult to achieve your maximum potential at work, have found it difficult to maintain relationships, or have trouble finishing tasks at home, a diagnosis of ADHD may provide the answer you have been looking for.
The first step to treat ADHD in adults is an extensive medical history, including your symptoms. The psychiatrist or psychologist 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 are often afflicted with disorders like anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. Chronic stress and frustration over poor performance can also result in feelings of self-doubt, Jaksa says. "Getting a diagnose can help them get a better understanding of the reasons behind their struggles. recommended could help reduce or eliminate their worries, and allow them to focus more effectively on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.
The best treatment for adults with ADHD is usually a combination of therapy and medication. Stimulants can improve concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and help with organization. These drugs can boost moods and improve motivation in a variety of cases. People who take stimulants should be aware of potential negative effects, which could include insomnia and trouble with drinking or eating enough. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD can suffer from mood swings that may be difficult for them to manage.
Discuss with your health care provider regarding whether you would be an ideal candidate for clinical trials of novel treatments or drugs. These studies help researchers find more effective ways to prevent, diagnose or treat illnesses and conditions.
Counseling
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to many issues throughout your life. Your relationships, work and financial health can 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 an assessment and seek treatment.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children, either because their family and teachers were not aware of the disorder, or because they had mild symptoms that were not noticed. Others might have managed their symptoms as children but struggled later in life as their family and work responsibilities increased.
In order to be diagnosed with 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 lack in focus and organization skills, or being placed on academic probation in college due to your inability to do well on tests.
Women are better in hiding their symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms that are affecting your home and work life speaking up with your doctor can help accelerate the process and allow you to get reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional, regardless of the type of ADHD that you have, will want to know the time when your symptoms began. the age of 12. They may request that you speak to people who knew you during this time period. They may also conduct a series of tests to assess your memory and attention levels.
When you receive the diagnosis the therapist will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication therapies to manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different treatments before settling on the most effective one. Keep a journal of your progress and consult your physician regularly to alter your treatment plan if needed.