Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult

Adults who are struggling professionally or personally, diagnosing ADHD can be a significant step towards getting control. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination which may include a review of school records and questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers.

The majority of people with ADHD have symptoms since the age of five, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed with it at an adult age. See NIMH for advice on how to talk to your health care provider regarding the disorder.

Diagnosis

It is crucial to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. This will allow you to gain control over the symptoms that can cause havoc in your personal and professional life. The first step is to talk with your GP or find an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor is not familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment.

A mental health professional will typically employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you have the condition. The doctor will interview you about the symptoms of ADHD and look over your medical history and family history to determine if other conditions aren't contributing to them.

People with ADHD tend to be easily distracted and forgetting crucial details. They may have trouble following instructions in class or at work. They tend to lose things necessary for tasks or activities, like tools, wallets, keys and wallets. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long lectures or reading assignments. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting frequently or squirming around in their seats.

It is essential to rule out other conditions in determining if a person has adult ADHD. These include depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical conditions like thyroid problems can also mimic adhd diagnosis private symptoms. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to consider how severe a person's symptoms are when determining if they have diagnosed them with the condition. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe.

Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed in their childhood because it's not evident. A diagnosis can change the course of an adult's life as they understand the reasons why they struggled in school and didn't reach their full potential at work or home. They may feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on others or themselves and can feel regret over missed opportunities that could have been had if they had been properly treated.

Treatment

The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to see a healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video calls. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will need to know your medical history as well as family mental health issues. This is due to the fact that a number of physical and emotional issues can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD and need to be eliminated before a diagnosis is made.

The expert will inquire about your lifestyle and work, as well as how your symptoms impact your life. They will be especially interested in if you showed signs of ADHD before the age of 12. They might also interview those who knew you in your childhood and ask about their experiences.

A thorough medical history will help your doctor decide whether you require medication or any other treatment. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, and lead poisoning, can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults who have a history of depression or anxiety might require a more thorough evaluation and treatment, because these conditions often coexist with ADHD.

If a doctor believes you require medication, he/she will prescribe the appropriate medication. The type of medication you will require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your life. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. However, they are not for everyone and women the first stimulant you try may not be effective or have unpleasant adverse effects. Your healthcare provider will need to know if use any other medication such as over-the-counter medications and supplements, as certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.

Counseling is also an important component of the treatment process for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with feelings of failure frustration, underachievement, and anger that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can also teach you how to manage your anger as well as improve your time management and organization abilities.

It is essential to find a healthcare professional that specializes in mental disorders. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to consult psychologists or specialist therapists. These specialists are likely to be more knowledgeable about the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have worked with others who have similar issues. You can check with your local mental health clinic or ADDitude's directory to find a professional who is working with adults suffering from ADHD.

Medication

A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards managing your symptoms and improving life. If you've found it difficult to achieve your full potential at work, have found it difficult to maintain relationships, or have trouble finishing tasks at home, a diagnosis of ADHD could be the solution you've been looking for.

ADHD treatment for adults begins with an extensive interview and a review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychologist or psychiatrist determines if you satisfy the criteria for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which is 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 co-morbid with disorders such as anxiety and depression. These disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. He says that stress and frustration due to low performance can cause feelings of low self-esteem. "Getting a diagnose can help these individuals understand the root of their issues. This may alleviate or eliminate their anxiety and help them focus on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.

Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with a combination of medications along with behavior therapy. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease the risk of impulsive behavior, and help with organizing. In many cases they can boost motivation and improve mood. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of the potential adverse effects, such as insomnia and difficulty drinking or eating enough. The mood swings can also happen in some people who take stimulants for ADHD and are often difficult to manage.

Discuss with your health care provider regarding whether you would be an ideal candidate for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or medications. These studies aid researchers in discovering more effective methods to detect and treat or prevent diseases.

Counseling

Untreated ADHD can lead to problems in all areas of your life. Procrastination and other signs can have a negative impact on your relationships and career as well as financial health. The first step in reducing the negative effects and regaining control is to get an assessment and seek treatment.

Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children, either because their family and teachers were not aware of the disorder, or because they displayed mild symptoms which weren't noticed. Others might have been able to manage their symptoms in childhood but struggled as they grew older when their family and work responsibilities increased.

To determine ADHD mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your daily life. In the event of impairment, it could mean losing your job because of an inability to focus and organization skills or being put on academic probation at college due to your inability to study for tests.

Women are better at avoiding symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive a diagnosis. However, if you are suffering from ADHD symptoms that are affecting your home and work life and family life, speaking openly about them with your doctor can help speed up the process and enable you to take advantage of reasonable accommodations under the ADA and 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 may request that you talk with people who knew you at this period and could perform a series of tests to determine your attention and memory abilities.

After you are given an diagnosis, your therapist will recommend a combination of medications and non-medication treatments to treat your symptoms. Most people will try several different treatments before they find the one that works for them. It is suggested that you keep a diary of your progress and check in with your doctor regularly so they can help adjust your treatment plan as needed.