Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who are struggling in their work or personal life and are unable to resolve the issue, identifying ADHD could be a crucial step in gaining control. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination which may include a review of school records and questionnaires filled out by teachers and caregivers.
The majority of people with ADHD live with symptoms from the age of three, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed with it in adulthood. See NIMH for tips on talking with your health professional about the disorder.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step to gain control over the symptoms that can cause havoc on one's professional and personal lives. The first step is to speak with your GP or consult a mental health professional with experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP doesn't have any knowledge of ADHD and is unable to help, they can recommend you to psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment.
Typically the mental health professional will use a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you are susceptible to the disorder, says Adler. He or she will then interview you about the symptoms of ADHD and examine your medical and family history to ensure that other medical conditions aren't the cause of them.
Since people with ADHD tend to miss details and get easily distracted, they frequently struggle with following directions or listening in class or on the job. They are often unable to locate important items for tasks or activities such as wallets, keys and other tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused when reading or listening to long speeches. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking excessively or squirming in the seat.
It is important to rule other conditions out in determining if a person has adult ADHD. These include depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical conditions like thyroid issues can mimic ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5 professionals are now required to assess the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them with ADHD. 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's not obvious during childhood. A diagnosis can alter the course of a person's life because they now understand the reasons why they struggled in school and didn't reach their maximum potential at work or home. They might feel guilty about being blamed for their problems, and they may be resentful over missed opportunities when they were treated with respect.
Treatment
To receive treatment for ADHD in adults The first step is to talk with an expert in healthcare. This can be done in person or by video conference. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will need to know your medical history and family mental health issues. This is due to the fact that there are many physical and mental conditions which can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions must be ruled out to establish a diagnosis.
The expert will inquire about your lifestyle and work, as well as how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you showed signs of ADHD before the age of 12. They might also talk to people who were close to you as when you were a child and inquire about their childhood memories.
A thorough medical history can help your doctor decide if you need medication or other treatment. Some medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, and lead poisoning, can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults with a history anxiety or depression require evaluation and treated with greater care since these conditions can occur in conjunction.
If a medical professional believes you need medication, they will prescribe the right medication. The kind of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your life. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They aren't for everyone, and the first drug you try might not work or cause undesirable negative side consequences. Your healthcare provider might ask if you are taking any other medications. This includes over-the-counter drugs or supplements as well as prescription drugs. diagnosed with adhd as an adult 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 better with feelings of anger, disappointment and inadequacy that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn how to manage your anger as well as improve your time management and organization skills.
It's important to seek out an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However it is recommended to consult a specialist therapist. These specialists are likely to be more familiar with adult ADHD and their challenges, as well as having previous experience working with clients. You can check with your local mental health service or ADDitude's directory to find a professional who can assist adults with ADHD.
Medication
If you are an adult who has struggled with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and is diagnosed, it's the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've been unable to achieve your full potential at work, are finding it difficult to maintain relationships or struggle to complete tasks at home and at work, a diagnosis of ADHD might be the answer you have been looking for.
The first step in treating ADHD in adults is a thorough medical history review, including your symptoms. The psychiatrist or psychologist determines if you meet the requirements 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 often have coexisting disorders, like anxiety and depression. Jaksa states that these disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. Chronic stress and frustration over the lack of performance can result in feelings of self-doubt, he adds. "Getting a diagnose can help them understand the root of their issues. This can help to reduce or eliminate their anxieties and enable them to concentrate more productively on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated by a combination of medication in conjunction with behavior therapy. Stimulants can improve concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in organizing. These medications can improve moods and boost motivation in a variety of cases. People who take stimulants should be aware of potential negative effects, which could include insomnia and trouble with eating or drinking enough. Also, mood swings can occur in people who are taking stimulants to treat ADHD, and these 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 finding more effective ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases and conditions.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD can lead to issues in all areas of your life. Your relationships, career and financial health can be negatively impacted by procrastination, poor time management, impulsive spending and other symptoms. The first step in reducing the negative effects and getting back in control is to get an assessment and seek treatment.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children due to the fact that their families and teachers were unaware of the condition or they showed mild symptoms that were not spotted. Some adults may be able to manage their symptoms as children, but were unable to manage their symptoms in adulthood due to the increased demands of work and family.
To diagnose ADHD Mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms cause significant impairment in two areas of your daily life. In the event of an impairment, you could lose your job due to a deficit in focus and organization skills, or being placed on academic probation in college because you are unable to study for tests.
Women are more adept at hiding symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. If, however, you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that are affecting your home and work life, being forthright about them with your doctor will help speed up the process and let you get reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.
Regardless of the type of ADHD you suffer from, your mental health professional will determine if your symptoms were present prior to age 12. They might ask you to talk with people who were around you during this time and may also conduct a series of tests to determine your memory and attention levels.
After you are given the diagnosis, your therapist will recommend a combination of medication and non-medication therapies to manage your symptoms. The majority of patients will try various treatments before finding the right one. Keep a record of your progress and consult your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as necessary.