Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who have difficulty in their personal or professional lives can benefit from diagnosing ADHD. A thorough assessment is required to determine if you have a diagnosis. This includes analyzing school records and questionnaires filled out by caregivers and teachers.
It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. Visit NIMH for advice on how to talk to your health care provider about the disorder.
Diagnosis
It is important to get diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. This will help you manage the symptoms that can cause a lot of trouble in your professional and personal life. The first step is to speak with your GP or find a mental health professional who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD, he or she may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment.
A mental health professional will usually use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer 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 the symptoms of ADHD.
Because people with ADHD have a tendency to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often have trouble following instructions or listening in class or on the job. They often lose important items for tasks or activities such as wallets, keys and other tools. They may also have trouble staying focused during long lectures or reading assignments. Fidgeting, excessive talk or texting or squirming are other signs of adult ADHD.
It is crucial to rule out other medical conditions in determining if a person has adult ADHD. This includes depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Stress and other physical ailments like thyroid issues could be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. In the DSM-5 professionals are now required to consider the severity of a person's symptoms when determining if they are suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people suffering from ADHD live their entire lives without ever being diagnosed because it's not evident in childhood. For adults, a diagnosis could be a life-changing experience because they finally understand why they struggled in school and could not achieve their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty for blaming their problems on others or themselves and may experience grief over lost opportunities that could have been had in the event that they had been properly treated.
Treatment
The first step to receive treatment for ADHD as an adult is to see a healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done either in person or via video conference. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are able 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 similar to ADHD. These conditions must be eliminated in order to establish a diagnosis.
The professional will ask you about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms impact your life. They will be particularly interested in whether you displayed symptoms of ADHD before the age of 12. They may also speak with those who were close to you as a child and ask them about their memories.
A detailed medical history can aid your doctor to determine whether you require medication or another treatment. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, and lead poisoning, can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults who have a history of depression or anxiety will require evaluation and treated more carefully because these conditions frequently coexist.
If a medical professional believes you need medication, they will prescribe the appropriate drug. The type of medication you will require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. However, they're not right for everyone and the first stimulant you try may not be effective or cause bothersome side effects. Your doctor may inquire whether you're taking any other medications. This includes over-the-counter drugs or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is a crucial element of the treatment process for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal better with feelings of frustration and failure that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn how to manage your anger as well as improve your organization and time management skills.
If you have mental illness it is essential to locate a doctor who is specialized in that condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to see psychologists or specialist therapists. These specialists are likely to be more familiar with the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have worked with others who have similar issues. You can search ADDitude or your local mental health services to find a professional who assists adults with ADHD.
Medication
If you're an adult who has struggled with ADHD, getting a diagnosis is the first step towards addressing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've been unable to realize your full potential at work, find it difficult to maintain relationships, or struggle to finish tasks at home, a diagnosis of ADHD may provide the solution you've been seeking.
ADHD treatment for adults starts with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've been experiencing. 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 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 conditions can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. He adds that chronic anxiety and frustration resulting from low performance can cause feelings of self-esteem loss. "Getting a diagnose can help these individuals gain a perspective on the reasons behind their struggles. This may reduce or eliminate their worries, and allow them to concentrate more productively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.
The best treatment for adults with ADHD is typically an amalgamation of medication and behavior therapy. adhd diagnosis uk adults help improve concentration, reduce impulsive behavior and aid in the process of organizing. These drugs can boost moods and improve motivation in many cases. The negative effects of stimulants are insomnia and difficulty drinking enough or eating well. Mood swings can also occur in some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD and they are often difficult to manage.
Consult your physician about whether or not you are eligible for clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies assist researchers in finding better methods to prevent, diagnose or treat diseases and conditions.
Counseling
If you have untreated ADHD, it can cause many issues in every area of your life. Procrastination and other signs can negatively impact your relationships and career as well as financial health. Finding a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step towards reducing these negative impacts and regaining control over your life.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis as children because their parents and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or they experienced mild symptoms that weren't recognized. Some adults might be able to manage their symptoms as children but were unable to manage their symptoms in adulthood due to increased work and family obligations.
To diagnose how to get an adult adhd diagnosis need to find that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your everyday life. The effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a decline in organization and focus, or being placed on academic probation in college because you're unable to concentrate on your tests.
Women are better at hiding symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your life at work and at home, being forthright about them with your doctor will help accelerate the process and allow you to take advantage of reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws.
Regardless of the type of ADHD you suffer from Your mental health professional will see that your symptoms started before age 12. They may request that you talk with people who were around you during this period and could take a number of tests to assess your memory and attention levels.
After receiving a diagnosis, the therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test different treatments before they find the one that works best for them. It is suggested that you keep a journal of your progress and check in with your doctor regularly so they can help you adjust your treatment program when needed.