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 diagnosis is based on a thorough examination which may include a review of school records and questionnaires completed 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 condition.

Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step to gain control over the symptoms that can cause destruction on people's personal and professional lives. The first step is to consult your GP or a mental health specialist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. If your GP doesn't have any knowledge of ADHD, they may recommend 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 suffer from the condition. He or she will then interview you about the symptoms of ADHD and review your medical and family history to determine if other conditions aren't contributing to them.

Since people with ADHD have a tendency to miss details and get easily distracted, they frequently struggle with following directions or listening in class or on the job. They are more likely to lose items necessary for tasks or activities, such as tools, wallets, keys and wallets. They may also have difficulty staying focused while listening to long speeches. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting too much or squirming in the seat.

When determining whether someone has adult ADHD it is essential to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, anxiety and abuse of substances. Stress and physical conditions such as thyroid issues can mimic ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5 professionals are now required to take into consideration the severity of an individual's symptoms when determining if they are suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.

Many people suffering from ADHD have a lifelong struggle without ever getting a diagnosis because it's not obvious in the early years. A diagnosis can alter the course of an adult's life as they understand the reasons why they struggled in school and never reached their full potential at work or home. They may feel guilty about being blamed for their problems and could be devastated by missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly.

Treatment

The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to consult a healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be conducted in person or by video chat. In the UK only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will require information about your medical history as well as family-related mental health issues. This is because a variety of emotional and physical conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD and need to be addressed before an assessment can be made.

The professional will also ask about your work and lifestyle, and how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you had symptoms of ADHD before the age of 12 years old. They may also wish to interview people who knew you as a child and ask about their experiences.

A thorough medical history will help the doctor decide whether you require medication or other treatments. Some medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea and lead poisoning can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults with a history depression or anxiety will require evaluation and treated more carefully because these conditions frequently occur in conjunction.

If the professional believes you require medication, they will prescribe a suitable medication. The type of medicine you require is determined by the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They are not for everyone and the first medication you try might not be effective or cause undesirable negative side negative effects. Your healthcare provider may ask whether you're taking any other medications. This includes over-the-counter drugs or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. Certain types of drugs can interact 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, disappointment and inadequacy that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also teach you how to manage your anger and Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult improve your time management and organization abilities.

It is crucial to find a healthcare professional that specializes in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to see a specialist therapist or psychologist. These specialists are likely to have more experience with adult ADHD and their challenges as well as having worked with other clients. You can contact your local mental health services or with ADDitude's directory to find a professional who works with adults with ADHD.

Medication

If you're an adult who has been struggling with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and is diagnosed, getting Diagnosed with adhd as an adult it's the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you're struggling to realize your maximum potential in your work or have trouble maintaining relationships, or have trouble completing tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis could be just what you require.

ADHD treatment for adults starts with thorough interviews and a thorough review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've been experiencing. 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 who suffer from untreated ADHD frequently have coexisting disorders, like anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these conditions can worsen or cause symptoms of ADHD. A constant stress and anger over the lack of performance can cause feelings of self-doubt, he says. "getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult a diagnosis will help them understand the root causes of their difficulties and may help to reduce or eliminate some of their anxieties and allow them to concentrate more effectively on the areas where they excel," Jaksa says.

The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is typically the combination of behavior therapy and medication. Stimulants improve concentration, reduce impulsive behavior and aid in the process of organizing. In many instances these drugs can improve mood and increase motivation. Some of the side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulties eating or drinking enough. Also, mood swings can occur in some people who take stimulants for ADHD and they can be difficult to manage.

Talk to your doctor about whether you would be an ideal candidate for clinical trials of novel treatments or drugs. These studies aid researchers in discovering more effective ways to diagnose and treat illnesses, as well as prevent them from occurring.

Counseling

Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all areas of your life. Procrastination and other symptoms can negatively impact your relationships and career as well as financial health. Getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step in lessening the negative effects and regaining control over your life.

Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed when they were children because their parents and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or they had mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Certain adults may be able to manage their symptoms as children, but had difficulty with them in adulthood due to increasing family and work obligations.

To be diagnosed with ADHD mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. The effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a decline in organization and focus or being placed on academic probation at college due to your inability to do well on tests.

Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men, which can make it more difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis. If you have ADHD symptoms that affect your home or work life you can accelerate the process of diagnosing by being upfront with your doctor. You may also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws.

Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD you have will be looking to determine if your symptoms began before the age of 12. They might ask you to talk with people who knew you at this time and may also perform a series of tests to determine your attention and memory abilities.

When you receive the diagnosis, your therapist will recommend a combination of medication and non-medical treatments to manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test a few different treatments before settling on the most effective one. It is recommended to keep track of your progress and check in with your physician regularly so that they can help adjust your treatment program according to your needs.