Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who are struggling professionally or personally, diagnosing ADHD is a significant step towards gaining control. A thorough examination is necessary to make a diagnosis. This involves examining school records as well as questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers.
It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. Visit NIMH for tips on talking with your health professional regarding the disorder.
Diagnosis
It is essential to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. This will help you manage the symptoms that can cause havoc in your personal and professional life. The first step is to consult your GP or a mental health professional who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor is not familiar with ADHD and/or ADHD, they might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for assessment.
A mental health professional will usually use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. Then, he or she will ask you questions about your symptoms, and examine your family history and medical background to ensure that any other conditions are not causing your ADHD-like symptoms.
People with ADHD tend to be easily distracted and miss crucial details. They may have trouble following directions in class or at work. They often lose important items for tasks or activities like keys, wallets, and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused when they are reading long speeches or assignments. Fidgeting, excessive talk or texting or squirming are other signs of adult ADHD.
It is important to rule out other conditions when determining whether someone suffers from adult ADHD. This includes anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical ailments like thyroid problems can be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. The DSM-5 now requires doctors to consider the severity of a person's symptoms are before identifying the condition. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed in childhood, because it's not evident. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing event as they realize the reason why they struggled in school and failed to attain their full potential at work or at home. They might even feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on others or themselves, and they can experience regret over missed opportunities that could have been achieved when they were 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 via video conference. In the UK only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, which includes mental health issues within the family. This is because a variety of physical and emotional conditions can cause symptoms similar to those that occur in ADHD and need to be ruled out before a diagnosis is made.
The expert will also inquire about your work and lifestyle and how your issues impact your daily life. They will be 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 people who knew you in childhood and ask about their experiences.
A detailed medical history can aid your doctor to determine if you need medication or other treatment. This is because some medical conditions, including thyroid problems, sleep apnea and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have an underlying history of depression or anxiety may need more careful evaluation and treatment, because these conditions are often associated with ADHD.
If a medical professional believes that you require medication they will prescribe a suitable drug. The type of medicine you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. However, they are not for everyone and the first one you try may not be effective or have uncomfortable adverse effects. Your doctor will need to know if are taking any other medications that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, because certain kinds of drugs may interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is also an essential part of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of frustration and failure that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn how to manage your anger and improve your time management and organization skills.
adhd uk diagnosis 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 an expert psychologist or therapist. These professionals will likely be more familiar with adult ADHD and the challenges they face and also have experience working with other clients. You can check with your local mental health service or ADDitude's directory to find a professional who can assist adults with ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you are struggling to achieve your maximum potential in your work or in maintaining relationships, or experience difficulty completing tasks at home then an ADHD diagnosis may be just what you need.
ADHD treatment for adults starts with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've experienced. The psychologist or psychiatrist will then determine if American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for ADHD apply 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 are not treated for ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, like depression and anxiety. These disorders can cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. Stress and frustration from poor performance can also lead to feelings of low self-esteem he adds. "Getting a diagnosis can help them understand the root causes of their issues which can help alleviate or reduce some of their worries and allow them to concentrate more on the areas where they excel," Jaksa says.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with a combination of medications in conjunction with behavior therapy. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and aid in organizing. These drugs can boost moods and improve motivation in a variety of cases. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of the potential adverse effects, such as insomnia and trouble with eating or drinking enough. Certain people who use stimulants to treat ADHD might suffer from mood swings that may be difficult to manage.
Discuss with your health care provider regarding whether you would be a good candidate for clinical trials of new treatments or drugs. These studies assist researchers in finding more effective ways to prevent, diagnose or treat diseases and conditions.
Counseling
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD, it can cause many issues throughout your life. Procrastination and other symptoms can negatively impact your relationships, career, and financial health. Finding a doctor and seeking treatment is the first step in reduce the negative impact and regaining control of your life.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD did not receive a diagnosis when they were children because their family and teachers were unaware of the condition or they experienced mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Some adults might be able to manage their symptoms in childhood, but struggled with their symptoms in adulthood due to increasing family and work obligations.
To be diagnosed as having ADHD, mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. The effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a decline in focus and organization skills, or being placed on academic probation in college because you're unable to study for tests.
Women are better at hiding symptoms than men. This makes it harder for them to receive a diagnosis. If, however, you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that are affecting your home and work life and family life, speaking openly about them with your doctor will help speed up the process and enable you to get reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD you have will be interested in knowing the time when your symptoms began. the age of 12. They may suggest that you speak with people who were close to you at the time, and they might also conduct a series of tests to test your attention and memory.
After receiving a diagnosis, the specialist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different treatments before they find the one that is most effective for them. It is suggested that you keep track of your progress and check in with your doctor regularly so they can assist in adjusting your treatment plan when needed.