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 is based on a thorough examination that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers.
It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. NIMH offers guidelines on how to talk with your doctor about the disorder.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that can cause havoc on one's professional and personal lives. First, you must consult your GP or a mental health professional who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment.
Typically the mental health professional will employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine whether you might have the disorder, says Adler. Then, the doctor will interview you about your symptoms and review your medical history and family history to confirm that other medical conditions are not causing the symptoms of ADHD.
People with ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and can miss important details. They may have trouble following instructions in class or at work. They are more likely to lose items that are essential for their work or activities, including tools, wallets, keys and wallets. They may also have difficulty staying focused while listening to or reading long speeches. Fidgeting, over-talking or texting, or squirming, are other symptoms of adult ADHD.
In determining if someone suffers from adult ADHD it is essential to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, anxiety and substance abuse. Stress and certain physical conditions like thyroid issues could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In the DSM-5 professionals are now required to assess the severity of an individual's symptoms when diagnosing them as having ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
adhddiagnosis with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis in their childhood because it's not obvious. A diagnosis can alter the course of an adult's life as they understand the reasons why they struggled in school and didn't reach their maximum potential at work or home. They may feel guilty about being blamed for their troubles and may also be resentful over missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly.
Treatment
To seek treatment for ADHD in adults The first step is to talk with an expert in healthcare. This can be accomplished in person or via video call. In the UK, only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses are qualified 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 a variety of mental and physical ailments which can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions need to be ruled out to establish a diagnosis.
The expert will inquire about your work and lifestyle as well as how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you displayed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years. They may also speak with people who were close to you as when you were a child and ask them about their memories.
A detailed medical history can aid your doctor to determine if you need medication or another treatment. This is due to the fact that certain medical conditions, like thyroid problems, sleep apnea and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have an underlying history of depression or anxiety might require a more thorough evaluation and treatment, because these conditions can be co-existing with ADHD.
If a medical professional believes that you need medication, they will prescribe a suitable drug. The kind of medication you need will depend on your symptoms and the way they impact your life. Stimulants, which are the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. However, they are not suitable for everyone and the first one you try might not be effective or cause bothersome adverse side effects. Your healthcare provider might ask whether you are taking other medications. This includes over-the-counter medications or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of medications can interfere with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is also an important component of the treatment process for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal better with feelings of frustration, disappointment and inadequacy that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to manage your anger, and improve your time management and organization abilities.
If you have mental illness, it's important to find an expert in healthcare who is trained in the field. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However, you may prefer to consult a specialist psychotherapist. These professionals are likely to be more familiar with the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have worked with other clients with similar struggles. You can search ADDitude or visit your local mental health services to find a specialist who assists adults with ADHD.
Medication
If you're an adult who has struggled with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder getting a diagnosis is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you've struggled to reach your full potential at work, are finding it difficult to maintain relationships or struggle to finish tasks at home and at work, a diagnosis of ADHD could be the solution you've been looking for.
ADHD treatment for adults starts with an extensive interview and a review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've been experiencing. 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 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 suffer from untreated ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, including anxiety and depression. These disorders can cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. A constant stress and anger over poor performance can also result in feelings of self-doubt, Jaksa says. "Getting a diagnosis will help them gain perspective on the root of their struggles, which may reduce or alleviate some of their anxiety and help them focus more productively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa says.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with a combination of medications along with behavior therapy. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in the process of organizing. These medications can boost moods and improve motivation in a variety of cases. The negative effects of stimulants are insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD might suffer from mood swings that may be difficult for them to manage.
Consult your physician about whether or not you are an eligible participant in clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies aid researchers in discovering more effective ways to diagnose and treat or prevent diseases.
Counseling
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD it could cause a variety of problems in all areas of your life. Your relationships, work and financial health could be negatively impacted by procrastination and poor time management, impulsive spending, and other signs. The first step to reduce the negative effects and getting back in control is to get an assessment and seek treatment.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD did not receive a diagnosis as children, because their parents and teachers were unaware of the condition or they experienced mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Some may have had the ability to manage their symptoms during childhood, but struggled later in life when their family and work obligations increased.
To diagnose ADHD Mental health professionals need to find that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two areas of your daily life. The impairment 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 generally better in hiding their symptoms than men, which may make it more difficult to receive a diagnosis. If you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your home or work life, you can accelerate the process of diagnosis by being open with your doctor. You might also be eligible for reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.
No matter what type of ADHD you suffer from, your mental health professional will verify that your symptoms were present prior to age 12. They may suggest that you speak with people who were close to you at the time, and they might also administer a series tests to assess your attention and memory.
After you are given an diagnosis, your therapist will recommend a combination of medication and non-medication treatments to treat your symptoms. The majority of patients will try a few different treatments before finding the right one. It is suggested that you keep a diary of your progress and consult with your doctor regularly so they can assist in adjusting your treatment plan according to your needs.