Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who are struggling in their work or personal life, diagnosing ADHD is a significant step towards taking control. A thorough examination is necessary to determine if you have a diagnosis. This includes analyzing school records as well as questionnaires that are completed by caregivers and teachers.
Most people with ADHD live with symptoms since the age of five, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed as an adult. See NIMH for tips on talking with your health professional regarding the disorder.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step to gain control over symptoms that wreak destruction on people's personal and professional lives. The first step is to talk with your GP or seek out an expert in mental health who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP doesn't have any knowledge of ADHD and is unable to help, they can recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment.
Typically the mental health professional will use a six-question ADHD screener to determine whether you may be suffering from the condition, according to Adler. Then, the doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and look at your medical history and family history to make sure that there are no other conditions not causing your ADHD-like symptoms.
Because people with ADHD tend to overlook details and become easily distracted, they often struggle with following directions or listening during class or on the job. They tend to lose things essential to their tasks or activities, like tools, wallets, keys and wallets. They may also have trouble staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking too much or squirming in the seat.
It is crucial to rule out other medical conditions in determining if a person has adult ADHD. These include depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical ailments like thyroid problems can be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. The DSM-5 now requires doctors to determine how severe a person's symptoms are when diagnosing them with the disorder. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis in their childhood because it's not evident. A diagnosis can change the course of a person's life, as they can now see why they struggled at school and didn't reach their maximum potential at work or home. They may feel guilty about being blamed for their problems, and they may be devastated by missed opportunities when they were treated with respect.
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 accomplished in person or by video conference. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will need to know your medical history as well as family-related mental health issues. This is because a variety of physical and emotional issues can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD and must be addressed before the diagnosis is made.
The professional will also ask about your lifestyle and work and how your symptoms impact your daily life. They will be especially interested in if you displayed signs of ADHD before the age of 12 years old. They might also interview those who knew you in your childhood and ask them about their experiences.
A thorough medical history will help the doctor decide whether you need medications or other treatments. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, and lead poisoning, can trigger ADHD symptoms. adult adhd diagnosis uk with a history of anxiety or depression might require a more thorough assessment and treatment, as these conditions are often associated with ADHD.
If a medical professional believes that you need medication, they will prescribe a suitable medication. The kind of medication you require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your daily routine. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. However, they are not suitable for everyone and the first one you try might not be effective or have bothersome side effects. Your doctor may inquire whether you are taking other medications. This includes over-the-counter medications or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of medications may interfere with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is also an essential element of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of disappointment, underachievement and frustration that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you how to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management abilities.
If you have a mental illness it is crucial to find a doctor who is specialized 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. These experts are likely to be more knowledgeable about the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have had experience in helping other clients with similar struggles. You can search ADDitude or visit your local mental health services to find a specialist who is working with adults who suffer from ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've found it difficult to realize your full potential at work, find 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 searching for.
The first step to treat ADHD for adults is thorough medical history, including your symptoms. 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 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 with untreated ADHD are often afflicted with disorders like anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these conditions can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. Chronic stress and frustration over inadequate performance can result in feelings of self-doubt, he adds. "Getting diagnosed can help these individuals gain a perspective on the causes of their struggles. This can help to reduce or eliminate their worries, and allow them to focus more effectively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.
The best treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is usually the combination of behavior therapy and medication. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and help with organization. In many instances, these medications can also enhance motivation and mood. People who take stimulants should be aware of potential side effects, which include insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. Mood swings can also occur in people who are taking stimulants for ADHD and they can be difficult to manage.
Talk to your health care provider regarding whether you're a good candidate for clinical trials of new treatments or medicines. These studies aid researchers in finding better methods to prevent, diagnose or treat illnesses and conditions.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all aspects of your life. Procrastination and other symptoms can negatively impact your relationships, career, and financial health. The first step to reduce the negative effects and getting back in control is to get diagnosed and seek treatment.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD did not receive a diagnosis when they were children because their parents and teachers were unaware of the condition or they experienced mild symptoms that weren't recognized. Some might have been able to manage their symptoms as children but struggled later in life as their family and work responsibilities increased.
To determine ADHD, mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your daily life. Impairment can result in losing your job because of a lack of focus and organization skills or being put on academic probation at college due to inability to do well on tests.
Women are generally better at hiding their symptoms than men, which can make it harder for them to get an accurate diagnosis. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that impact your work or home life, you can accelerate the process of diagnosing by being open with your doctor. You may also be eligible for reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional regardless of the kind of ADHD that you have, will be interested in knowing if your symptoms began before the age of 12. They may request that you talk with people who knew you at this period and could perform a series of tests to evaluate your attention and memory abilities.
If you're given the diagnosis your therapist will recommend a combination of medication and non-medication therapies to help manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test different therapies before they can find the one that works best for them. Keep a record of your progress, and consult your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as needed.