Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who find themselves struggling professionally or personally in any way, recognizing ADHD can be a significant step in taking control. A thorough examination is necessary to determine if you have an accurate diagnosis. This includes reviewing school records as well as questionnaires that are completed by caregivers and teachers.
It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. Visit NIMH for advice on how to talk to your doctor about the disorder.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step towards gaining control over symptoms that wreak destruction on people's professional and personal lives. The first step is to consult your GP or a mental health specialist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. If your GP is unfamiliar with ADHD and/or ADHD, they could refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment.
A mental health professional will usually employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. He or she will then ask you questions about your symptoms that are similar to ADHD and examine your medical history and family history to confirm that other medical conditions aren't the cause of them.
Because people with ADHD tend to overlook details and become easily distracted, they frequently have trouble following instructions or listening to lectures or at work. They tend to lose things that are essential for their work or activities, including tools, wallets, keys and wallets. They may also have trouble staying focused while listening to long speeches. Fidgeting, excessive talk or texting, or squirming, are other signs of adult ADHD.
It is crucial to rule out other medical conditions when determining whether someone suffers from adult ADHD. These include depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical ailments such as thyroid issues can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to assess the severity of a person's symptoms are before identifying the condition. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people who suffer from ADHD never receive a diagnosis in childhood, because it's not readily apparent. A diagnosis can alter the course of a person's life as they understand why they struggled at school and failed to reach their maximum potential at work or home. They may feel guilty about being blamed for their struggles and may also be devastated by missed opportunities when they were treated with respect.
Treatment
The first step to receive treatment for ADHD as an adult is to consult a healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video conference. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues within the family. This is because a variety of physical and emotional conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD and need to be eliminated before the diagnosis can be made.
The professional will also ask about your work and lifestyle, and how your symptoms influence your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you showed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They might also talk to people who were close to you as an infant and inquire about their childhood memories.
A detailed medical history can aid your doctor in determining if you need medication or another treatment. This is because certain medical conditions, including sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults with a history anxiety or depression will require evaluation and treated more carefully, as these conditions often occur in conjunction.
If a medical professional believes that you require medication they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The kind of medication you will require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily routine. The most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. However, they are not for everyone and the first stimulant you try may not be effective or have uncomfortable side effects. Your doctor will be interested in knowing if you are taking any other medications that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, as certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is also an essential element of the treatment process for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal with the feelings of disappointment frustration, underachievement, and anger that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to manage your anger, and improve your time management and organizing skills.
It is essential to find an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental illnesses. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to consult an expert psychologist or therapist. These professionals will likely be more familiar with adults with ADHD and their challenges as well as having worked with other clients. You can search ADDitude or contact your local mental health clinic to find a professional who is working with adults who suffer from ADHD.
Medication
If you are an adult who has had to deal with ADHD, getting a diagnosis is the first step toward managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've found it difficult to reach your full potential at work, have found it difficult to maintain relationships or struggle to finish tasks at home A diagnosis of ADHD might be the solution you've been seeking.
The first step in treating ADHD in adults is thorough medical history, including your symptoms. The psychologist or psychiatrist will then 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 are often afflicted with disorders like anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these disorders can worsen or cause symptoms of ADHD. Stress and frustration from inadequate performance can result in feelings of low self-esteem he says. "Getting a diagnosis will help them gain perspective on the root of their difficulties which can help alleviate or eliminate some of their anxieties and allow them to concentrate more on the areas where they excel," Jaksa says.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated best by a combination of medication along with behavior therapy. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in the process of organizing. In many instances these drugs can improve mood and increase motivation. People who take stimulants should be aware of the potential negative effects, which could include insomnia and trouble with drinking or eating enough. Mood swings can also occur in some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD, and these can be difficult to manage.
Talk to your health care provider about whether you're a good candidate for clinical trials of new treatments or medicines. adult diagnosis of adhd assist researchers in finding better methods to prevent, diagnose or treat conditions and diseases.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD can lead to issues in all areas of your life. Your relationships, career and financial health may be negatively impacted by procrastination and poor time management, impulsive spending, and other signs. The first step to reducing the negative effects and regaining control is to get a diagnosis and seek treatment.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers were not aware of the condition or they had mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Some may have been able to manage their symptoms during childhood, but struggled later in life as their family and work responsibilities increased.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. Impairment can mean losing your job because of an inability to focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at college due to inability to learn for tests.
Women are more adept at avoiding their symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. If you have ADHD symptoms that affect your life at work or at home it is possible to accelerate the process of diagnosis by being upfront with your doctor. You may also be eligible for reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD that you have will be interested in knowing whether your symptoms started before 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 memory and attention.
After receiving an assessment, the therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test several different treatments before they find the best one. It is recommended that you keep a diary of your progress and consult with your physician regularly so that they can help adjust your treatment program according to your needs.