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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who are struggling in their professional or personal lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A thorough examination is necessary to make a diagnosis. This includes reviewing the school records and filling out questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers.
It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. Visit NIMH for advice on how to talk to your health care provider regarding the disorder.
Diagnosis
It is essential to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. This will help you get control of the symptoms that can cause havoc in your personal and professional life. The first step is to speak with your GP or seek out a mental health professional who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP is unfamiliar with ADHD, he or she could refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment.
A mental health professional will typically use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you have the condition. They will interview you about the symptoms of ADHD and review your medical and family history to determine if other conditions aren't contributing to them.
People suffering from ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and can miss crucial details. They often have difficulty adhering to instructions in classes or at work. They frequently lose essential items for tasks or activities like keys, wallets and other tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Fidgeting, over-talking or texting or squirming are other signs of adult ADHD.
When determining whether someone has adult ADHD It is crucial to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, anxiety and abuse of substances. Stress and other physical ailments like thyroid problems can be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to assess how severe a person's symptoms are when determining if they have diagnosed the disorder. Mild moderate, severe and mild are the three categories for adults with ADHD.
Many people with ADHD live their entire lives without ever being diagnosed because it is not apparent during childhood. A diagnosis can alter the course of an adult's life, as they can now see why they struggled at school and never reached their full potential at work or home. Some may even feel guilty for blaming their issues on others or themselves and can feel sadness over the missed opportunities that could have been achieved if they had been properly treated.
Treatment
To get treatment for ADHD in adults the first step is to consult a healthcare professional. This can be conducted in person or by video chat. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues that are present in the family. a cool way to improve is because there are a variety of mental and physical ailments 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 work and lifestyle, as well as how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you displayed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years. They may also wish to interview people who were close to you in your childhood and ask them about their experiences.
A detailed medical history can aid your doctor in determining whether you require medication or other treatment. This is because certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults with an underlying history of depression or anxiety may need more careful evaluation and treatment because these conditions often coexist with ADHD.
If the professional believes you need medication, they will prescribe a suitable drug. The type of medication you will require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily life. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. However, they are not suitable for everyone and the first one you try might not be effective or have bothersome adverse effects. Your doctor will want to know if you use any other medication that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, since certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is an important component of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with feelings of failure, underachievement and frustration that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can teach you how to manage your anger, improve your time management and organizing skills.
It's important to seek out the services of a doctor who is specialized in mental disorders. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However you might prefer to consult a specialist psychotherapist. 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 check with your local mental health service or with ADDitude's directory to find a specialist who is working with adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you're struggling to achieve your full potential at work or in maintaining relationships, or have difficulties completing your tasks at home and at work, an ADHD diagnosis could be the answer you've been looking for.
The first step to treat ADHD for adults is a thorough medical history, including your symptoms. The psychiatrist or psychologist determines if you meet the criteria 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 like anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these conditions can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. Stress and frustration from the lack of performance can lead to feelings of self-doubt, he adds. "Getting an assessment can help them get a better understanding of the root causes of their struggles, which may reduce or eliminate some of their anxieties and help them concentrate more on the areas where they excel," Jaksa says.
The best treatment for adults with ADHD is typically an amalgamation of therapy and medication. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease impulse-driven behavior and aid in the process of organizing. In many cases these drugs can enhance motivation and mood. Some of the side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. The mood swings can also happen in some people who take stimulants for ADHD and they can be difficult to manage.
Talk to your doctor about whether you are suitable for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or medications. These studies help researchers find better methods to prevent, diagnose, or treat conditions and diseases.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all areas of your life. Your relationships, work and financial health may be negatively impacted by procrastination, poor time management, impulsive spending, and other signs. The first step to reduce the negative effects and getting control back is to obtain a diagnosis and seek treatment.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children, because their family and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or they experienced mild symptoms that weren't recognized. Certain adults may have been able manage their symptoms in childhood, but had difficulty with them in adulthood due to increasing family and work obligations.
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 effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a decline in organization and focus, or being placed on academic probation at college because you're unable to study for tests.
Women are more adept at hiding symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive a diagnosis. If, however, you are suffering from ADHD symptoms that are affecting your life at work and at home speaking up with your doctor will help speed up the process and let you take advantage of reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD that you have, will be interested in knowing whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They may ask to speak to people who were close to you at this time, and they may also administer a series tests to assess your memory and attention.
If you're given a diagnosis your therapist will recommend a combination of medication and non-medication therapies to treat your symptoms. The majority of people will test a few different treatments before finding the right one. It is suggested that you keep a diary of your progress and speak with your doctor regularly so they can assist in adjusting your treatment plan as needed.
