Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who have difficulty in their professional or personal lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A thorough assessment is required to make a diagnosis. This involves examining school records as well as questionnaires filled out by teachers and caregivers.
It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. NIMH offers tips on how to talk with your doctor about the disorder.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that can cause destruction on people's professional and personal lives. The first step is to speak with your GP or seek out an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP is unfamiliar with ADHD, he or she could refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment.
A mental health professional will typically employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you are suffering from the condition. Then, the doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and look at your medical history and family history to make sure that there are no other conditions not causing your symptoms of ADHD.
People with ADHD tend to be easily distracted and miss crucial details. They may have trouble following instructions in class or at work. They often lose things essential to their tasks or activities, like tools, wallets, keys and wallets. They may also have trouble staying focused when listening to or reading long speeches. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking too much or squirming in the seat.
It is essential to rule other conditions out when determining whether someone suffers from adult ADHD. This includes anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Stress and certain physical conditions like thyroid problems can also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The DSM-5 now requires doctors to consider the severity of a person's symptoms are when diagnosing the disorder. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed in childhood, because it's not evident. For adults, a diagnosis can be a life-changing revelation because they finally understand the reason 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 others or themselves and may experience sadness over the missed opportunities that could have been had when they were properly treated.
Treatment
To seek treatment for ADHD in adults The first step is to talk with an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be conducted in person or by video calls. In the UK only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The professional will need to know your medical history as well as family mental health issues. This is due to the fact that a number of physical and emotional issues can trigger symptoms similar to those that occur in ADHD and must be ruled out before a diagnosis can be made.
The professional will ask you about your lifestyle and work as well as how your symptoms impact your daily life. They will be particularly interested in whether you showed symptoms of ADHD before the age of 12 years old. They may also interview those who were close to you as when you were a child and ask them about their experiences.
A thorough medical history will aid your doctor to determine whether you require medication or any other treatment. Some medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea and lead poisoning can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults with a history anxiety or depression need to be evaluated and treated more carefully because these conditions frequently occur in conjunction.
If a doctor believes you require medication, he or she will prescribe the appropriate drug. The type of medication you require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily routine. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They aren't for all people and the first treatment you try might not be effective or cause unwanted side negative effects. Your doctor will be interested in knowing if you are taking any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, because certain kinds of drugs may interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is a crucial component of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal with the feelings of failure frustration, underachievement, and anger that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn how to manage your anger and improve your time management and organization skills.
If adult adhd diagnosis uk have mental illness it is crucial to find an expert in healthcare who is trained in the field. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to see a specialist therapist or psychologist. These experts are likely to be more familiar with the challenges of treating adult ADHD and have had experience in helping other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can contact your local mental health clinic or ADDitude's directory to find a professional who can assist adults with ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step to managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you've found it difficult to reach your maximum potential at work, are finding it difficult to maintain relationships, or struggle to complete tasks at home, a diagnosis of ADHD could be the answer you have been searching for.
The first step to treat ADHD in adults is a thorough medical history, including your symptoms. The psychologist or psychiatrist 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 with untreated ADHD are often afflicted with disorders such as depression and anxiety. Jaksa states that these disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. A constant stress and anger over inadequate performance can cause feelings of low self-esteem he adds. "Getting a diagnose will help them get a better understanding of the root of their issues. This may reduce or eliminate their anxieties and help them focus more effectively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated by a combination of medication in conjunction with behavior therapy. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease impulse-driven behavior and aid in organizing. These medications can boost moods and improve motivation in many instances. Some of the side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulties eating or drinking enough. Mood swings can also occur in some people who take stimulants for ADHD and they are often difficult to manage.
Speak to your doctor about whether or not you're eligible for clinical trials on new medications or treatments. These studies assist researchers in finding better methods to detect and treat illnesses, as well as prevent them from occurring.
Counseling
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD it could cause many issues in every area of your life. Procrastination and other symptoms can have a negative impact on your relationships, career, and financial health. The first step to reduce the negative effects and regaining control is to get diagnosed and seek treatment.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD did not receive a diagnosis as children, because their family and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or they experienced mild symptoms that were not noticed. Some may have had the ability to manage their symptoms during childhood, but struggled as they grew older when their work and family obligations increased.
To determine ADHD Mental health professionals need to find that your symptoms cause significant impairment in two areas of your daily life. The effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a lack in organization and focus or being placed on academic probation in college because you are unable to concentrate on your tests.
Women tend to be better in hiding their symptoms than men, which can make it more difficult to receive a diagnosis. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms that affect your life at work and at home and family life, speaking openly about them with your doctor can accelerate the process and allow you to benefit from reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws.
No matter what kind of ADHD you suffer from the mental health professional will want to see that your symptoms began prior to the age of 12. They may ask to talk to people who were close to you at this time, and may also conduct a series of tests to measure your attention and memory.
After receiving an assessment, the therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication therapy to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try a few different treatments before they find the best one. Keep a journal of your progress and make sure to consult your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan if needed.