Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who are struggling in their work or personal life in any way, recognizing ADHD can be a significant step in taking control. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment which may include a review of school records and questionnaires completed by parents and teachers.
Most people suffering from ADHD live with symptoms since the age of three, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed as an adult. Check out NIMH for suggestions on talking to your doctor about the condition.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that cause havoc on one's professional and personal lives. The first step is to speak with your GP or consult a mental health professional who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP is unfamiliar with ADHD or other disorders, they might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for assessment.
Typically an expert in mental health will use the six-question ADHD screener to determine if you are susceptible to the condition, says Adler. The doctor will ask you questions about the symptoms of ADHD and look over your medical and family history to determine if other medical conditions aren't the cause of them.
Since people who suffer from ADHD have a tendency to overlook details and become easily distracted, they frequently struggle with following directions or listening during class or on the job. They are often unable to locate important items for tasks or activities such as keys, wallets and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused when they are reading long speeches or assignments. Fidgeting, over-talking or texting or squirming are other signs of adult ADHD.
It is important to rule out other conditions when determining if someone has adult ADHD. These include anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical issues such as thyroid issues can mimic ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5, professionals are now required to assess the severity of a person's symptoms when determining if they are suffering from ADHD. Mild moderate, severe, and mild are the three categories for adults with ADHD.
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Many people suffering from ADHD go their whole lives without ever being diagnosed because it's not obvious in childhood. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing revelation because they finally understand why they struggled in school and failed to reach their potential at work or at home. They might feel guilty about blaming others or themselves for their problems and may also be resentful over missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly.
Treatment
To seek treatment for ADHD for adults the first step is to consult a healthcare professional. This can be accomplished in person or by video call. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will want to know your medical history and family mental health issues. This is because many physical and emotional issues can trigger symptoms similar to those that occur in ADHD and must be addressed before an assessment can be made.
The professional will also ask about your lifestyle and work and how your issues affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you showed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They may also wish to interview people who were close to you as a child and ask them about their experiences.
A thorough medical history will help the doctor decide whether you require medication or other treatments. This is because certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning can cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults with a history of depression or anxiety might require more careful assessment and treatment, as these conditions can be co-existing with ADHD.
If a doctor believes that you need medication they will prescribe a suitable drug. The kind of medication you will require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your daily life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. They are not suitable for everyone, and the first drug you try might not work or cause unwanted adverse consequences. Your doctor may inquire if you are taking any other medication. This includes over-the-counter medications or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of drugs can interfere with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is a crucial component of the treatment process for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of frustration, failure and underachievement that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn how to manage your anger and improve your time management and organization skills.
It is essential to find an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to see a specialist therapist or psychologist. These professionals will likely be more familiar with adults with ADHD and their struggles, as well as having previous experience working with clients. You can inquire with your local mental health service or with ADDitude's directory to find a specialist who works with adults with ADHD.
Medication
If you are an adult who has had to deal with ADHD and is diagnosed, it's the first step toward managing 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 have trouble finishing tasks at home and at work, a diagnosis of ADHD may provide the solution you've been looking for.
ADHD treatment for adults starts with thorough interviews and a thorough review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've experienced. The psychologist or https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment 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 frequently co-morbid with other disorders, such as anxiety and depression. These disorders can trigger or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. He also says that constant stress and frustration due to inadequate performance can trigger feelings of low-self-esteem. "Getting a diagnose will help them gain a perspective on the root of their issues. This may reduce or eliminate their anxieties, and allow them to focus more effectively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.
The most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is typically an amalgamation of therapy and medication. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease impulse-driven behavior and aid in organizing. In many cases these drugs can improve mood and increase motivation. People who take stimulants should be aware of potential adverse effects, such as insomnia and difficulty drinking or eating enough. The mood swings can also happen in some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD and they can be difficult to manage.
Speak to your doctor about whether or not you're eligible for clinical trials on new medications or treatments. These studies aid researchers in discovering more effective ways to diagnose and treat or prevent diseases.
Counseling
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD it could cause a variety of problems in all areas of your life. Your career, relationships and financial health may be negatively impacted by procrastination or poor time management, impulsive spending and other symptoms. The first step to reducing the negative effects and getting back in control is to get an assessment and seek treatment.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children, either because their family and teachers were unaware of the condition or they showed mild symptoms that were not spotted. Others might have managed their symptoms during childhood, but struggled in adulthood as their family and work responsibilities increased.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms are causing severe impairment in at least two aspects of your life. The impairment could result in losing your job because of lack of concentration and organizational skills, or being placed on academic probation at college due to your inability to study for tests.
Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men. This can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. If you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your work or home life it is possible to accelerate the process of diagnosing by being open with your doctor. You may also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws.
Whatever type of ADHD you suffer from, your mental health professional will want to see that your symptoms started prior to age 12. They might ask you 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 you are given the diagnosis, your therapist will recommend a combination of medications and non-medical treatments to manage your symptoms. A majority of patients will try a variety of different therapies before they can find the one that is most effective for them. Keep a log of your progress and make sure to consult your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as necessary.
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