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 diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation which may include a review of school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers.
The majority of people with ADHD have symptoms from the age of three, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed with it in adulthood. See NIMH for advice on how to talk to your doctor about the disorder.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step in gaining control over the symptoms that can cause destruction on people's professional and personal lives. The first step is to consult your GP or an expert in mental health who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP is unfamiliar with ADHD and/or ADHD, they might 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 or she will talk to you about your symptoms and review your medical history and family history to confirm that any other conditions are not causing the symptoms of ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and can miss important details. They have a difficult time following directions in class or at work. They often lose important items needed for their tasks such as keys, wallets, and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused during long lectures or reading assignments. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking frequently or squirming around in their seats.
It is important to rule out other medical conditions when determining whether someone suffers from adult ADHD. These include anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical ailments like thyroid issues could be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. In the DSM-5 professionals are now required to take into consideration the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them with ADHD. Mild moderate, severe and mild are the classifications for adult ADHD.
Many people suffering from ADHD live their entire lives without ever getting a diagnosis because it is not apparent in the early years. For adults, a diagnosis could be a life-changing experience because they finally understand the reason why they struggled in school and failed to achieve their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty about blaming others or themselves for their struggles and may also be grieved over missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly.
Treatment
To receive treatment for ADHD for adults The first step is to speak with a healthcare professional. 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 specialist will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues that are present in the family. This is due to the fact that a number of physical and emotional conditions can cause symptoms similar to those that occur in ADHD, and these must be addressed before an assessment is made.
The professional will ask you about your job and lifestyle, as well as how your symptoms impact your daily life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you had signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They may also want to interview those who knew you as a child and ask them about their experiences.
A thorough medical history will help your doctor decide whether you require medication or other treatment. Certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning, can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults who have an underlying history of anxiety or depression might require a more thorough evaluation and treatment, because these conditions are often associated with ADHD.
If a medical professional believes you need medication, they will prescribe the appropriate drug. The type of medication you require is determined by your symptoms and the way they impact your life. The most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. However, adhd uk diagnosis are not right for everyone and the first one you try might not be effective or trigger bothersome adverse effects. Your doctor may inquire if you are taking any other medications. This includes over-the-counter medications or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. Certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is a crucial element of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal with the feelings of failure, underachievement and frustration that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, as well as improve your time management and organization abilities.
If you suffer from mental illness it is essential to locate a healthcare professional who specializes in this condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to consult an expert psychologist or therapist. They are likely to be more familiar with adults with ADHD and the challenges they face and also have worked with other clients. You can search ADDitude or contact your local mental health clinic to find a professional that is working with adults who suffer from ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you're struggling to reach your full potential in the workplace, have difficulty maintaining relationships, or are having difficulties completing your tasks at home and at work, an ADHD diagnosis could be just what you need.
The first step in treating ADHD in adults is a thorough medical history review, including your symptoms. The psychiatrist or psychologist will then determine if 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 who suffer from untreated ADHD are often afflicted with disorders like anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these disorders can worsen or cause symptoms of ADHD. He says that anxiety and frustration resulting from poor performance can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss. "Getting an assessment will help them understand the root of their issues. This can help to alleviate or eliminate their anxiety and help them concentrate more productively on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.
The most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is usually a combination of therapy and medication. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease the risk of impulsive behavior, and help with organizing. These drugs can improve moods and boost motivation in many instances. People who take stimulants should be aware of possible negative effects, which could include insomnia and trouble with eating or drinking enough. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD can suffer from mood swings that may be difficult for them to manage.
Talk to your doctor about whether you would be an ideal candidate for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or medications. These studies aid researchers in finding better methods to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases and conditions.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all areas of your life. Your career, relationships and financial health may be negatively impacted by procrastination or poor time management, impulsive spending and other symptoms. Finding a doctor and seeking treatment is the first step towards reduce the negative impact and regaining control of your life.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children, either because their family and teachers were unaware of the disorder or because they showed mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Certain adults may have been able manage their symptoms as children, but were unable to manage them in adulthood due to increased work and family obligations.
To determine ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your everyday life. The impairment could result in losing your job due to of a lack of focus and organizational skills or being put on academic probation at college due to the inability to study for tests.
Women are more adept at avoiding symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that impact your home or work life it is possible to accelerate the process of diagnosing by being upfront with your doctor. You might also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD you have, will be interested in knowing whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They may request that you talk to people who knew you during this period and could take a number of tests to evaluate your attention and memory abilities.
After you are given the diagnosis, your therapist will recommend the use of a combination of medication and non-medication therapies to manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test different therapies before they can find the one that works best for them. Keep a log of your progress, and consult your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan if needed.