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 is based on a thorough examination that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires filled out by parents and teachers.
It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. NIMH offers guidelines on how to talk with your doctor about the disorder.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step towards 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 professional who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP doesn't have any knowledge of ADHD, they may refer you to psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment.
A mental health professional would typically employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. Then, he or she will ask you questions about your symptoms and look at your medical history and family history to confirm that any other conditions are not causing your symptoms of ADHD.
Because people with ADHD tend to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often struggle with following directions or listening during class or on the job. They often lose things essential to their tasks or activities, like tools, wallets, keys and wallets. They may also have trouble staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking too much or squirming in the seat.
When determining whether someone has adult ADHD, it is important to eliminate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and abuse of substances. Stress and physical ailments such as thyroid issues can also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The DSM-5 now requires doctors to determine the severity of the symptoms a person's experiences are before identifying him or her with the condition. Mild moderate, severe, and mild are the classifications for adult ADHD.
Many people with ADHD go their whole lives without ever receiving a diagnosis because it is not apparent during childhood. A diagnosis can change the course of a person's life, as they can now see the reasons why they struggled in school and never reached their maximum potential at work or home. They may feel guilty for blameing other people or themselves for their troubles and could be resentful over missed opportunities if they were properly treated.
Treatment
The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to consult the healthcare professional to get an assessment. This can be done in person or via video conference. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The doctor will want to know your medical history and family-related mental health issues. This is due to the fact that there are many physical and mental conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions need to be ruled out in order to establish a diagnosis.
The professional will ask you about your work and lifestyle as well as how your symptoms affect your daily life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you displayed signs of ADHD before age 12 years old. They may also want to interview people who knew you in childhood and ask them about their experiences.
A thorough medical history can aid your doctor to determine whether you require medication or another treatment. Certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning, can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults who have an history of anxiety or depression may need more careful evaluation and treatment because these conditions can be co-existing with ADHD.
If a doctor believes that you need medication, they will prescribe a suitable drug. The type of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. adult diagnosis of adhd used medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. However, they are not suitable for everyone and the first stimulant you try may not be effective or have bothersome adverse effects. Your healthcare provider will need to know if take any other medications that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, as certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is an essential component of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of disappointment or underachievement that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, as well as improve your time management and organizing skills.
It's important to seek out an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental disorders. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD. However you might prefer to consult a specialist therapist. These experts are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adults with ADHD and have experience helping other clients with similar struggles. You can check with your local mental health services or with ADDitude's directory to find a professional who can assist adults with ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step in managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you're struggling to achieve your maximum potential in your work or have trouble maintaining relationships, or experience trouble completing tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis could be just what you require.
The first step in treating ADHD for adults is an extensive medical history review, including 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 apply 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 often suffer from co-occurring disorders, including depression and anxiety. Jaksa states that these disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. Stress and frustration from poor performance can also result in feelings of low self-esteem, he says. "Getting diagnosed can help these individuals get a better understanding of the reasons behind their struggles. This could help reduce or eliminate their anxieties and help them focus more effectively on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.
The most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is usually the combination of behavior therapy and medication. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease the risk of impulsive behavior, and help with the process of organizing. In many instances these drugs can boost motivation and improve mood. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of possible negative effects, which could include insomnia and trouble with eating or drinking enough. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD can have mood swings that could be difficult to manage.
Talk to your doctor about whether or not you're eligible for clinical trials on new medications or treatments. These studies aid researchers in finding more effective ways to prevent, diagnose or treat conditions and diseases.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD can lead to issues in all areas of your life. Your relationships, work and financial health may be negatively impacted by procrastination or poor time management, impulsive spending and other signs. Getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step in lessening the negative effects and regaining control over your life.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD did not receive a diagnosis as children because their family and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or they had minor symptoms that were not noticed. Some adults might have been able to manage their symptoms in childhood, but were unable to manage these issues in adulthood due increased work and family obligations.
In order to be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must discover that your symptoms are causing severe impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. The impairment could result in losing your job due to of a lack of focus and organizational skills or being placed on academic probation at college due to inability to learn for tests.
Women tend to be better at avoiding their symptoms than men, which can make it more difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that affect your work and home life speaking up with your doctor can accelerate the process and allow you to benefit from reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.
Whatever kind of ADHD you have the mental health professional will want to verify that your symptoms started before age 12. They may request that you talk to people who were around you during this period and could conduct a series of tests to assess your attention and memory levels.
After receiving an assessment, the specialist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different treatments before they find the best one. It is suggested that you keep track of your progress and speak with your doctor on a regular basis so they can assist in adjusting your treatment plan according to your needs.