Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult

For adults who are struggling professionally or personally in any way, recognizing ADHD is a significant step towards gaining control. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment 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 has suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about the condition.

Diagnosis

Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step to gain control over symptoms that wreak 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 doesn't have any experience in treating ADHD and is unable to help, they can recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment.

A mental health professional will usually employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. Then, he will ask you questions about your symptoms and look at your family history and medical background to ensure that other medical conditions are not causing your symptoms of ADHD.

People with ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and can miss important details. They often have difficulty following directions in class or at work. They are often unable to locate important items required for tasks or activities like keys, wallets, and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused when listening to long speeches. Fidgeting, excessive talk or texting or squirming are other signs of adult ADHD.

It is crucial to rule other conditions out when determining if someone has adult ADHD. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment includes anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Stress and other physical ailments like thyroid issues could also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The DSM-5 now requires doctors to assess the severity of a person's symptoms are when determining if they have diagnosed them with the condition. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.

Many people suffering from ADHD live their entire lives without ever receiving a diagnosis because it's not obvious in childhood. A diagnosis can alter the course of a person's life because they now understand why they struggled at school and never reached their maximum potential at work or home. They might feel guilty about blaming others or themselves for their problems, and they may be resentful over missed opportunities if they were properly treated.

Treatment

To receive treatment for ADHD in adults, the first step is to speak with a healthcare professional. This can be done in person or via video conference. In the UK only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will need to know your medical history as well as family mental health issues. This is due to the fact that there are a variety of physical and mental conditions which can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions need to be eliminated in order to determine if you have ADHD.

The expert will inquire about your job and lifestyle as well as how your symptoms affect your daily life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you showed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years. They may also interview people who were close to you as a child and ask them about their memories.

A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining if you need medication or other treatments. Certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults who have a history of depression or anxiety will require evaluation and treated with greater care, as these conditions often coexist.

If the professional believes you require medication they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The kind of medication you need depends on your symptoms and how they impact your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. They aren't for everyone and the first medication you try may not work or cause unwanted adverse effects. Your doctor may inquire whether you're taking any other medication. This includes over-the-counter drugs or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of medications may interfere with ADHD stimulants.

Counseling is also an important element of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal better with feelings of anger and failure that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, and improve your time management and organizational skills.

It is crucial to find an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental illnesses. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to see a specialist therapist or psychologist. These specialists are likely to be more familiar with adults with ADHD and the challenges they face, as well as having worked with other clients. You can inquire with your local mental health clinic or ADDitude's directory to find a specialist who can assist adults with ADHD.

Medication

If you are an adult who has struggled with ADHD, getting a diagnosis is the first step toward managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you've struggled to reach your full potential at work, are finding it difficult to maintain relationships or have trouble finishing tasks at home A diagnosis of ADHD might be the solution you've been seeking.

ADHD treatment for adults starts with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've experienced. The psychiatrist or psychologist will 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 often co-morbid with disorders like anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. Chronic stress and frustration over poor performance can also cause feelings of low self-esteem he adds. "Getting diagnosed will help them gain a perspective on the reasons behind their struggles. This can help to reduce or eliminate their worries, and allow them to focus on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.

Adults with ADHD are typically treated with a combination of medications in conjunction with behavior therapy. The stimulants help improve concentration, reduce impulsive behavior and aid in organization. In many instances they can boost motivation and improve mood. Side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulties drinking or eating enough. Mood swings can also occur in some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD and are often difficult to manage.

Consult your physician about whether or not you're an eligible participant in clinical trials of new medications or treatments. These studies aid researchers in discovering better methods to detect and treat or prevent diseases.

Counseling

Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all aspects of your life. Procrastination and other signs can affect your relationships and career as well as financial health. Finding a doctor 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 as children because their parents and teachers were unaware of the condition or they experienced mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Some might have been able to manage their symptoms during childhood, but struggled as they grew older when their work and family responsibilities increased.

To determine ADHD, mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two areas of your daily life. Impaired can be losing your job due to a lack in focus and organization skills, or being placed on academic probation in college due to your inability to study for tests.

Women are generally better in hiding their symptoms than men, which could make it more difficult to receive a diagnosis. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that impact your life at work or at home, you can speed up the diagnosis process by being open with your doctor. You might 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 suffer from, will be interested in knowing whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They may ask you to talk with people who were around you during this time period. They may also perform a series of tests to determine your memory and attention levels.

If you're given an diagnosis the therapist will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication treatments to treat your symptoms. Most people will try several different methods before they discover the one that works for them. Keep a journal of your progress and consult your physician regularly to alter your treatment plan as necessary.