Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who have difficulty in their professional or personal lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment, often including reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers.
It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. Check out NIMH for tips on talking to your health care provider about the condition.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. This will help you gain control over the symptoms that can cause a lot of trouble in your personal and professional life. The first step is to consult your GP or an expert in mental health who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. If your doctor is not familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment.
Typically the mental health professional will employ the six-question ADHD screener to determine whether you might have the condition, says Adler. Then, he or she will talk to you about your symptoms, and examine your family history and medical history to confirm that any other conditions are not causing the symptoms of ADHD.
Since people who suffer from ADHD tend to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they frequently have difficulty following instructions or listening during class or on the job. They tend to lose things necessary for tasks or activities, like keys, wallets and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused when listening to or reading long speeches. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting excessively or squirming in their seats.
When determining whether a person has adult ADHD It is crucial to exclude other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, including anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, anxiety and addiction to drugs. Stress and physical ailments like thyroid problems can also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The DSM-5 now requires professionals to consider the severity of the symptoms a person's experiences are when diagnosing the disorder. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people suffering from ADHD live their entire lives without ever being diagnosed because it's not obvious in the early years. For adults, a diagnosis could be a life-changing experience as they realize the reason why they struggled in school and could not attain their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty for blameing other people or themselves for their struggles, and they may be resentful over missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly.
Treatment
To get treatment for ADHD in adults the first step is to talk with an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be done in person or via video chat. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The professional will ask about your medical history, which includes mental health issues that are present in the family. This is due to the fact that there are many mental and physical conditions that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions must be eliminated in order to determine if you have ADHD.
The expert will inquire about your lifestyle and work, as well as how your symptoms affect your daily life. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis are particularly interested in whether or not you showed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They may also want to interview those who knew you in your childhood and ask them about their experiences.
A thorough medical history can aid your doctor in determining if you need medication or other treatment. Certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults who have a history of depression or anxiety may need more careful assessment and treatment, as these conditions can be co-existing with ADHD.
If a doctor believes that you need medication, they will prescribe a suitable drug. The type of medication you require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your life. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. However, they're not suitable for everyone and the first stimulant you try may not be effective or cause bothersome side effects. Your doctor may inquire whether you are taking other medications. This includes prescription drugs or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is also an important component of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal better with feelings of anger and failure that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management skills.
It's important to seek out the services of a doctor who is specialized in mental illnesses. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to see an expert psychologist or therapist. These specialists are likely to be more familiar with adults with ADHD and their struggles and also have experience working with other clients. You can contact your local mental health service or ADDitude's directory to find a professional who works with adults with ADHD.
Medication
If you're an adult who has been struggling with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and is diagnosed, it's the first step towards addressing your symptoms and improving your life. If you're struggling to realize your maximum potential in your work, have difficulty maintaining relationships, or are having difficulties completing your tasks at home then an ADHD diagnosis might be the answer you've been looking for.
ADHD treatment for adults starts with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've experienced. The psychologist or psychiatrist determines if you satisfy the criteria for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which is 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 are often afflicted with disorders like anxiety and depression. Jaksa states that these disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. He also says that constant anxiety and frustration resulting from low performance can cause feelings of low self-esteem. "Getting a diagnosis can help them understand the root causes of their difficulties which can help alleviate or eliminate some of their anxieties and allow them to concentrate more effectively on the areas where they excel," Jaksa says.
The most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is typically the combination of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants improve concentration, reduce impulsive behavior and aid in organization. These drugs can improve moods and boost motivation in many instances. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of potential negative effects, which could include insomnia and trouble with drinking or eating enough. Mood swings can also occur in those who take stimulants for ADHD and they are often difficult to manage.
Talk to your health care provider about whether you are suitable for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or medicines. These studies help researchers find more effective ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat conditions and diseases.
Counseling
If you have untreated ADHD it could cause a variety of problems in every area of your life. Your relationships, career and financial health may be negatively impacted by procrastination, poor time management, impulsive spending, and other signs. The first step to reduce the negative effects and regaining control is to get an assessment and seek treatment.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children, because their parents and teachers were unaware of the condition or they had mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Some may have been able to manage their symptoms in childhood but struggled in adulthood when their family and work obligations increased.
To determine if you have ADHD, mental health professionals need to find that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two areas of your everyday life. The impairment could mean losing your job because of an inability to focus and organizational skills or being placed on academic probation in college due to your inability to learn for tests.
Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms than men, which may make it harder to receive an accurate diagnosis. If, however, you are suffering from ADHD symptoms that are affecting your work and home life, being forthright about them with your doctor can accelerate the process and allow you to benefit from reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.
Whatever type 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 suggest that you speak with people who were close to you at the time, and they may also administer a series tests to test your attention and memory.
When you receive the diagnosis the therapist will suggest a combination of medication and non-medical treatments to treat your symptoms. Most people will try several different therapies before they can find the one that works for them. It is recommended to keep a diary of your progress and check in with your doctor on a regular basis so they can help adjust your treatment plan according to your needs.