Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who are struggling with their personal or professional lives, diagnosing ADHD could be a crucial step towards taking control. A diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation which may include a review of school records and questionnaires filled out by teachers and caregivers.
It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. Check out NIMH for tips on talking with your health professional about the condition.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step in gaining control over the symptoms that can cause havoc on a person's professional and personal lives. First, you must consult your GP or a mental health specialist who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor does not have any experience with ADHD, they may recommend you to psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment.
Typically an expert in mental health will use the six-question ADHD screener to determine whether you are susceptible to the condition, says Adler. Then, he will interview you about your symptoms, and examine your family history and medical history to make sure that there are no other conditions not causing your ADHD-like symptoms.
People with ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and miss crucial details. They may have trouble following instructions in class or at work. They often lose things that are essential for their work or activities, including 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 exclude other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and abuse of substances. Stress and certain physical conditions like thyroid problems can be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to determine the severity of a person's symptoms are before identifying him or her with the condition. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people suffering from ADHD live their entire lives without ever getting a diagnosis because it is not apparent 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 didn't reach their maximum potential at work or home. They may feel guilty for blaming others or themselves for their troubles, and they may 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 see a medical professional to get an assessment. This can be done in person or via video chat. In the UK, only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will inquire about your medical history, which includes mental health issues in the family. This is because many physical and emotional conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD and must be addressed before the diagnosis can be made.
The expert will also inquire about your lifestyle and work, and how your symptoms influence your life. They will be particularly interested in whether you displayed symptoms of ADHD before the age of 12. They might also interview people who were close to you in childhood and ask about their experiences.
A thorough medical history can aid the doctor in determining if you need medication or other treatments. This is due to the fact that certain medical conditions, like thyroid problems, sleep apnea and lead poisoning, can trigger symptoms of ADHD. Adults with an history of depression or anxiety might require a more thorough evaluation and treatment because these conditions are often associated with ADHD.
If a doctor believes you require medication, he or she will prescribe the appropriate medication. The kind of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They are not suitable for everyone and the first medication you try may not work or cause unwanted negative side effects. Your doctor may inquire whether you're taking any other medication. This includes prescription drugs or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is an important part of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of anger, failure and underachievement that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, as well as improve your time management and organizational abilities.
If you suffer from an illness of the mind, it's important to find an expert in healthcare who is trained in this condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However it is recommended to consult a specialist psychotherapist. These experts are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adult ADHD and have had experience in helping others who have similar issues. 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 had to deal with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder getting a diagnosis is the first step toward managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you've been unable to realize 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 looking for.
The first step to treat ADHD in adults is thorough medical history review, including your symptoms. adhd diagnosis in adults or psychiatrist determines if you meet the requirements for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. 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 afflicted with disorders such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can cause 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 diagnosis can help them get a better understanding of the root causes of their issues, which may alleviate or reduce some of their worries and help them concentrate more on areas in which they excel," Jaksa says.
The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is typically a combination of therapy and medication. Stimulants improve concentration, reduce impulsive behavior and aid in organizing. In many cases, these medications can also improve mood and increase motivation. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of possible adverse effects, such as insomnia and trouble with eating or drinking enough. Certain people who use stimulants to treat ADHD can experience mood swings that can be difficult to manage.
Talk to your health care provider regarding whether you would be an ideal candidate for clinical trials of new treatments or medications. These studies help researchers find better ways to prevent, diagnose or treat conditions and diseases.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all areas of your life. The effects of procrastination, among others, can affect your relationships, career, and financial health. The first step in reducing the negative effects and getting control back is to obtain a diagnosis and seek treatment.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD did not receive a diagnosis as children because their teachers and family weren't aware of the disorder or they experienced mild symptoms that weren't recognized. Some adults may have been able to manage their symptoms as children, but were unable to manage these issues in adulthood due increasing family and work obligations.
To determine if you have ADHD, mental health professionals must find that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your daily life. In the event of an impairment, you could lose your job due to a decline in focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at your college because you are unable to concentrate on your tests.
Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your work or home life you can 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.
Regardless of the kind of ADHD you have Your mental health professional will determine if your symptoms were present prior to the age of 12. They may suggest that you speak with people who were close to you at the time, and may also conduct a series of tests to test your attention and memory.
After receiving a diagnosis, the therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test a few different treatments before they find the best one. It is suggested that you keep track of your progress and consult with your physician regularly so that they can assist in adjusting your treatment plan when needed.