Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult

Adults who are struggling in their professional or personal lives can benefit from diagnosing ADHD. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination which may include a review of school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers.

Most people with ADHD have symptoms since childhood, and it is not uncommon to be diagnosed in adulthood. Visit NIMH for advice on how to talk with your health professional about the disorder.

Diagnosis

Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step to gain control over symptoms that wreak havoc on one's professional and personal lives. The first step is to speak with your GP or find a mental health professional with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP is unfamiliar with ADHD and/or ADHD, they could refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment.

A mental health professional would typically employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. Then, he will ask you questions about your symptoms and look at your family history and medical background to ensure that there are no other conditions not causing the symptoms of ADHD.

Because people with ADHD are more likely to overlook details and become easily distracted, they frequently struggle with following directions or listening during class or at work. They frequently lose essential items for tasks or activities like keys, wallets and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused when they are reading long speeches or assignments. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting excessively or squirming in the seat.

In determining if someone suffers from adult ADHD, it is important to eliminate other conditions that can adhd be diagnosed in adults cause similar symptoms, including anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, depression and addiction to drugs. Stress and physical ailments like thyroid problems can also mimic ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 now requires doctors to consider the severity of a person's symptoms are when diagnosing them with the disorder. Mild moderate, severe, and mild are the classifications for adult ADHD.

Many people with ADHD never receive a diagnosis in childhood because it is not evident. A diagnosis can alter the course of a person's life because they now understand why they struggled at school and failed to reach their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty about 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 to receive treatment for adhd adult diagnosis as an adult is to consult a medical professional to get an assessment. This can be done in person or via video calls. In the UK only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The professional will ask about your medical history, including mental health issues that are present in the family. This is due to the fact that there are a variety of physical and mental conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions need to be eliminated in order to determine if you have ADHD.

The professional will ask you about your lifestyle and work and how to get diagnosed with adhd uk your symptoms impact your life. They will be particularly interested in whether you showed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They might also interview those who knew you in your childhood and ask about their memories.

A detailed medical history can aid your doctor to determine if you need medication or another treatment. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea and lead poisoning can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression need to be evaluated and treated more carefully, as these conditions often are in synergy.

If the professional believes you require medication, they will prescribe a suitable drug. The type of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your daily life. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. They are not for everyone and the first medication you try might not be effective or cause unwanted negative side consequences. Your healthcare provider will be interested in knowing if you use any other medication such as over-the-counter medications and supplements, because certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants.

Counseling is also an important component of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with feelings of failure, underachievement and frustration that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to manage your anger, and improve your time management and organizational skills.

It is crucial to find an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to see psychologists or specialist therapists. These experts are likely to be more familiar with the challenges of treating adults with ADHD and have experience helping other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can search ADDitude or visit your local mental health service to find a specialist who assists 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 in the workplace or have trouble maintaining relationships, or are having trouble completing tasks at home then an ADHD diagnosis might be just what you need.

ADHD treatment for adults begins with thorough interviews and a thorough review of your medical history, including 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 with untreated ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Jaksa states that these disorders can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. He says that stress and frustration due to poor performance can lead to feelings of low self-esteem. "Getting a diagnose can help these individuals gain a perspective on the causes of their struggles. This may alleviate or eliminate their anxiety and enable them to concentrate more productively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.

The best treatment for adults with ADHD is usually an amalgamation of therapy and medication. Stimulants improve concentration, reduce impulse-driven behavior and aid in the process of organizing. In many cases they can boost motivation and improve mood. Side effects of stimulants include sleepiness and having trouble drinking enough or eating well. People who take stimulants to treat ADHD can have mood swings that could be difficult to manage.

Discuss with your health care provider about whether you would be suitable for clinical trials of new treatments or medicines. These studies assist researchers in finding more effective methods to prevent, diagnose, or treat illnesses and conditions.

Counseling

Untreated ADHD can lead to problems in all areas of your life. Procrastination and other signs can have a negative impact on your relationships, career, and financial health. The first step to reduce the negative effects and getting back in control is to get a diagnosis and seek treatment.

Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD did not receive a diagnosis when they were children because their family and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or they had minor symptoms that weren't noticed. Certain adults may have been able to manage their symptoms as children but had difficulty with them in adulthood due to increased work and family obligations.

To be diagnosed as having ADHD, mental health professionals must discover that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two areas of your life. In the event of impairment, it could result in losing your job because of a lack of concentration and organizational skills, or being put on academic probation in college due to the inability to study for tests.

Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men. This makes it harder for women to be diagnosed. If, however, you are suffering from ADHD symptoms that are affecting your work and home life and family life, speaking openly about them with your doctor will help speed up the process and allow you to get reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.

No matter what type of ADHD you have the mental health professional will want to determine if your symptoms were present prior to age 12. They may ask to speak to people who were close to you at this time, and may also administer a series tests to test your memory and attention.

After receiving a diagnosis, the therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication therapy to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different treatments before they find the one that works best for them. Keep a log of your progress, and visit your physician regularly to alter your treatment plan if needed.