Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who find themselves struggling with their personal or professional lives, diagnosing ADHD could be a crucial step in getting control. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers.
Most people with ADHD have symptoms from the age of three, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed in adulthood. Visit NIMH for advice on how to talk to your health care provider about the disorder.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step to gain control over the symptoms that cause havoc on one's personal and professional lives. First, diagnosis adhd must consult your GP or a mental health professional who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP does not have any knowledge of ADHD or other disorders, they could recommend you to psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment.
A mental health professional will typically use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you are suffering from the condition. Then, he will ask you questions about your symptoms and review your family history and medical background to ensure that any other conditions are not causing your symptoms of ADHD.
Because people who suffer from ADHD are more likely to overlook details and become easily distracted, they often struggle with following directions or listening to lectures or at work. They frequently lose essential items for tasks or activities such as keys, wallets, and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting, or squirming, are other signs of adult ADHD.
When determining whether a person has adult ADHD it is essential to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and addiction to drugs. Stress and physical issues like thyroid issues can mimic ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 now requires professionals to consider how severe a person's symptoms are when diagnosing him or her with the condition. Mild moderate, severe, and mild are the classifications for adult ADHD.
Many people with ADHD have a lifelong struggle without ever getting a diagnosis because it's not evident in childhood. For adults, a diagnosis could be a life-changing event because they can finally understand why they struggled in school and failed to reach their potential at work or at home. They might even feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on themselves or others, and they can experience grief over lost opportunities that could have been achieved in the event that they had been properly treated.
Treatment
To get treatment for ADHD in adults the first step is to speak with an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be conducted in person or by video call. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. 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 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 job and lifestyle, as well as how your symptoms impact your daily life. They will be especially interested in if you showed symptoms of ADHD before age 12. They may also wish to interview those who knew you in your childhood and ask about their memories.
A thorough medical history can help the doctor decide whether you require medication or other treatments. This is due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning can cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults with a history anxiety or depression need to be assessed and treated with more care because these conditions frequently are in synergy.
If a medical professional believes you require medication, they will prescribe the right medication. The type of medication you will require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. However, they are not suitable for everyone, and the first one you try may not be effective or have bothersome adverse side effects. Your healthcare provider will be interested in knowing if you are taking any other medications such as over-the-counter medications and supplements, as certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is an essential component of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal with the feelings of disappointment, 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 skills.
It is essential to find the services of a doctor who is specialized in mental disorders. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to see an expert psychologist or therapist. These specialists are likely to be more familiar with adults with ADHD and the challenges they face and also have previous experience working with clients. You can contact your local mental health services or ADDitude's directory to find a professional who works with adults with ADHD.
Medication
If you are an adult who has struggled with ADHD, getting a diagnosis is the first step toward managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you are struggling to reach your maximum potential in your work or in maintaining relationships, or are having difficulty completing tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis may be just what you need.
ADHD treatment for adults starts with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've experienced. The psychologist or psychiatrist determines whether you meet the requirements for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), 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 who suffer from untreated ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, like depression and anxiety. Jaksa says that these conditions can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. A constant stress and anger over the lack of performance can result in feelings of self-doubt, Jaksa says. "Getting an assessment can help these individuals get a better understanding of the causes of their struggles. This could help reduce or eliminate their worries, and allow them to focus on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.
The best treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is typically an amalgamation of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants can boost concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and help with organization. In many cases these drugs can boost motivation and improve mood. Side effects of stimulants include sleepiness and having trouble drinking enough or eating well. Also, mood swings can occur in some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD, and these can be difficult to manage.
Talk to your doctor about whether you're suitable for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or medicines. These studies aid researchers in discovering better ways to diagnose, prevent or treat diseases.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all areas of your life. Procrastination and other signs can have a negative impact on your relationships as well as your 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 diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers were unaware of the disorder, or because they displayed mild symptoms which were not noticed. Others might have managed their symptoms as children but struggled as they grew older when their work and family responsibilities increased.
To determine ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms cause significant impairment in two areas of your everyday life. The effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a lack in focus and organization skills, or being placed on academic probation at your college because you're unable to do well on tests.
Women tend to be better at avoiding their symptoms than men, which could make it harder for them to get an accurate diagnosis. If, however, you are experiencing ADHD symptoms that affect your work and home life and family life, speaking openly about them with your doctor will help accelerate the process and let you benefit from reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional, regardless of the type of ADHD that you have will want to know if your symptoms began before the age of 12. They may request that you speak to people who were around you during this period and could conduct a series of tests to assess your attention and memory levels.
After receiving an assessment, the doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different methods before they discover the one that works for them. Keep a record of your progress and make sure to consult your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as needed.