Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who are struggling in their personal or professional lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment which may include a review of school records and questionnaires completed by parents and teachers.
It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. See NIMH for suggestions on talking to your health care provider about the condition.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that cause havoc on a person's professional and personal lives. The first step is to talk with your GP or consult a mental health professional who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. If your doctor is not familiar with ADHD and/or ADHD, they may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment.
A mental health professional will typically employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you have the condition. He or she will then ask you questions about your ADHD-like symptoms and examine your medical history and family history to determine if other conditions aren't causing them.
Since people who suffer from ADHD have a tendency to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often have trouble following instructions or listening to lectures or on the job. They are more likely to lose items that are essential for their work or activities, like tools, wallets, keys and wallets. They may also have trouble staying focused when they are reading long speeches or assignments. Fidgeting, over-talking or texting or squirming are other signs of adult ADHD.
It is important to rule other conditions out when determining whether someone suffers from adult ADHD. This includes depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical conditions like thyroid issues can be a source of ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 now requires doctors to consider how severe a person's symptoms are when diagnosing the disorder. Mild moderate, severe and mild are the categories used to describe adult ADHD.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed in childhood, because it's not obvious. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing event because they finally understand why they struggled in school and never seemed to attain their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty about blameing other people or themselves for their troubles and could be devastated by missed opportunities when they were treated with respect.
Treatment
The first step in getting treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit the healthcare professional to have an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video call. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The professional will ask about your medical history, including mental health issues that are present in the family. This is because many physical and emotional issues can cause symptoms similar to those that occur in ADHD, and these must be eliminated before the diagnosis can be made.
The professional will also ask about your lifestyle and work and how your issues impact your daily life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you showed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They might also talk to those who were close to you as when you were a child and ask them about their memories.
A detailed medical history can aid your doctor in determining whether you require medication or another treatment. This is because some medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid issues and lead poisoning, can trigger symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression need to be evaluated and treated with greater care because these conditions frequently coexist.
If a doctor believes that you require medication, they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The kind of medication you need depends on your symptoms and the way they affect your life. The most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. They are not suitable for everyone and the first medication you try may not work or cause unwanted adverse effects. Your doctor may inquire whether you are taking other medication. This includes over-the-counter medications or supplements as well as prescription drugs. Certain types of drugs can interfere with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is also an important element of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with feelings of failure, underachievement and frustration that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also teach you how to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management skills.
If you have an illness of the mind it is crucial to find a healthcare professional who specializes in the field. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to consult an expert psychologist or therapist. These professionals are likely to be more familiar with the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have worked with other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can inquire with your local mental health service 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 ADHD getting a diagnosis is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you're struggling to realize your full potential at work or have trouble maintaining relationships, or have difficulties completing your tasks at home and at work, an ADHD diagnosis might be just what you require.
The first step in treating ADHD in adults is thorough medical history review, which includes your symptoms. 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 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 are frequently co-morbid with other disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Read Far more can cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. adhd uk diagnosis and frustration from the lack of performance can result in feelings of low self-esteem, he says. "Getting a diagnose can help them gain a perspective on the root of their issues. This may alleviate or eliminate their anxiety, and allow them to focus on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.
The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is typically an amalgamation of therapy and medication. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease the risk of impulsive behavior, and help with organization. In many instances, these medications can also boost motivation and improve mood. The negative effects of stimulants are insomnia and difficulties drinking enough or eating well. The mood swings can also happen in those who take stimulants to treat ADHD and can be difficult to manage.
Talk to your doctor about whether you're suitable for clinical trials of new treatments or drugs. These studies aid researchers in discovering more effective methods to detect, prevent or treat diseases.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD can cause issues in all areas of your life. Procrastination and other symptoms can affect your relationships, career, and financial health. The first step to reduce the negative effects and regaining control is to get a diagnosis and seek treatment.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis as children because their teachers and family were unaware of the condition or they experienced mild symptoms that weren't recognized. Others might have been able to manage their symptoms during childhood, but struggled in adulthood when their work and family obligations increased.
To diagnose ADHD, mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two areas of your everyday life. Impairment can result in losing your job because of lack of focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at college due to inability to study for tests.
Women tend to be better at avoiding their symptoms than men, which can make it harder for them to get a diagnosis. If you have ADHD symptoms that impact your life at work or at home, you can accelerate the process of diagnosis by being open with your doctor. You may also be eligible for 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 if your symptoms began before the age of 12. They may ask you to talk to people who knew you at this period and could conduct a series of tests to evaluate your attention and memory abilities.
After receiving an diagnosis, your specialist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. The majority of patients will try various treatments before they find the best one. It is recommended that you keep a journal of your progress and check in with your doctor on a regular basis so they can assist in adjusting your treatment plan according to your needs.