Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who are struggling in their work or personal life and are unable to resolve the issue, identifying ADHD is a significant step in taking control. A thorough examination is necessary for determining the diagnosis. This includes analyzing school records as well as questionnaires that are completed by teachers and caregivers.
Most people with ADHD suffer from symptoms since the age of three, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed at an adult age. Check out NIMH for advice on how to talk to your health care provider about the disorder.
Diagnosis
It is essential to be diagnosed with ADHD at an early age. This will allow you to get control of the symptoms that can cause havoc in your professional and personal life. First, you must consult your GP or an expert in mental health who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD and/or ADHD, they might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment.
Typically an expert in mental health will use an eight-question ADHD screener to determine whether you are susceptible to the disorder, says Adler. Then, he will ask you questions about your symptoms and look at your family history and medical history to confirm that there are no other conditions not causing the symptoms of ADHD.
get an adhd diagnosis ADHD Diagnosis suffering from ADHD tend to be easily distracted and forgetting crucial details. They often have difficulty following directions in class or at work. They are more likely to lose items essential to their tasks or activities, such as keys, wallets and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long lectures or reading assignments. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting, or squirming, are other signs of adult ADHD.
In determining if someone suffers from adult ADHD, it is important to exclude other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, depression and addiction to drugs. Stress and other physical ailments like thyroid problems can also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. In the DSM-5 professionals are now required to assess the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them as having ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people suffering from ADHD never receive a diagnosis in their childhood because it's not evident. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing experience as they realize why they struggled in school and could not achieve their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty for blameing other people or themselves for their struggles and could be devastated by missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly.
Treatment
To receive treatment for ADHD in adults the first step is to talk with a healthcare professional. This can be done in person or via video call. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The professional will want to know your medical history and your family's mental health issues. This is because there are a variety of mental and physical conditions which can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions need to be ruled out to make a diagnosis.
The professional will also ask about your lifestyle and work and how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether you displayed signs of ADHD before age 12 years old. They may also speak with people who were close to you as when you were a child and ask them about their experiences.
A thorough medical history can aid the doctor in determining whether you need medication or other treatments. This is because certain medical conditions, including sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning, can trigger symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression will need to be evaluated and treated more carefully since these conditions can are in synergy.
If a medical professional believes you need medication, they will prescribe the appropriate drug. The type of medication you need depends on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. They aren't for everyone and the first medication you try might not work or cause unwanted negative side effects. Your doctor will want to know if you take any other medications that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, since certain kinds of drugs may interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is an important aspect of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of frustration, disappointment and inadequacy that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management abilities.
If you have an illness of the mind it is essential to locate an expert in healthcare who is trained in this condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to consult a specialist therapist or psychologist. They are likely to have more experience with adult ADHD and their challenges and also have experience working with other clients. You can check with your local mental health services or with ADDitude's directory to find a specialist who can assist adults with ADHD.
Medication
If you are an adult who has struggled with ADHD and is diagnosed, it's the first step towards addressing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've been unable to realize your maximum potential at work, have found it difficult to maintain relationships, or have trouble finishing tasks at home, a diagnosis of ADHD could be the answer you have been searching for.
The first step in treating ADHD in adults is thorough medical history review, 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 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 who are not treated for ADHD often have coexisting disorders, like anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these conditions can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. He says that stress and frustration due to low performance can cause feelings of self-esteem loss. "Getting a diagnose can help them gain a perspective on the root of their issues. This could help alleviate or eliminate their anxiety and help them concentrate more productively on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.
The best treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is usually the combination of medication and behavior therapy. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in organizing. In many cases, these medications can also boost motivation and improve mood. Side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulty drinking enough or eating well. Certain people who use stimulants to treat ADHD may suffer from mood swings that may be difficult for them to manage.
Talk to your health care provider regarding whether you would be an ideal candidate for clinical trials of novel treatments or medicines. These studies aid researchers in finding more effective ways to prevent, diagnose or treat diseases and conditions.
Counseling
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD, it can cause many issues throughout your life. Procrastination and other signs can have a negative impact on your relationships and career as well as financial health. The first step to reducing the negative effects and regaining control is to get a diagnosis and seek treatment.
Many adults 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 weren't recognized. Some adults may have been able manage their symptoms in childhood, but were unable to manage them in adulthood due to the increased demands of work and family.
To be diagnosed with ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms are causing severe impairment in at least two areas of your life. In the event of impairment, it could mean losing your job because of lack of focus and organizational skills or being placed on academic probation at college due to the inability to study for tests.
Women are generally better at hiding their symptoms than men, which can make it more difficult to receive a diagnosis. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms that affect your life at work and at home speaking up with your doctor can speed up the process and allow you to get reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.
Whatever type of ADHD you suffer from the mental health professional will see that your symptoms started prior to age 12. They might ask you to talk to people who were close to you at the time, and may also administer a series tests to assess your memory and attention.
After receiving a diagnosis, the specialist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication therapy to help manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test a few different treatments before settling on the most effective one. Keep a record of your progress, and make sure to consult your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan if needed.