Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who are struggling in their professional or personal lives can benefit from diagnosing ADHD. A thorough examination is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. This involves examining school records as well as questionnaires filled out by caregivers and teachers.
It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. NIMH provides tips on how to talk with your doctor about the disorder.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to be diagnosed with ADHD as you reach adulthood. This will help you gain control over the symptoms that can cause havoc in your personal and professional life. First, you must consult your GP or a mental health specialist who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP doesn't have any experience with ADHD and is unable to help, they can recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment.
A mental health professional will usually use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you have the condition. Then, he will ask you questions about your symptoms and review your family history and medical history to confirm that there are no other conditions not causing your symptoms of ADHD.
Since people who suffer from ADHD are more likely to overlook details and become easily distracted, they often have trouble following instructions or listening to lectures or on the job. adhd diagnosis adult are often unable to locate important items required for tasks or activities such as keys, wallets and other tools. They may also have trouble staying focused when they are reading long speeches or assignments. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting, or squirming, are other symptoms of adult ADHD.
It is crucial to rule other conditions out when determining whether someone suffers from adult ADHD. This includes depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical issues like thyroid problems can also mimic ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 now requires professionals to assess the severity of the symptoms a person's experiences are before identifying him or her with the disorder. Mild moderate, severe, and mild are the categories used to describe adult ADHD.
Many people with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis in childhood, because it's not readily apparent. A diagnosis can alter the course of an adult's life because they now understand the reasons why they struggled in school and never reached their full potential at work or home. They may feel guilty about blameing other people or themselves for their problems, and they may be grieved over missed opportunities when they were treated with respect.
Treatment
The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit a medical professional to get an assessment. This can be conducted in person or by video call. In the UK only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will require information about your medical history as well as family mental health issues. This is because a variety of physical and emotional conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD, and these must be ruled out before the diagnosis is made.
The professional will also ask about your lifestyle and work and how your symptoms impact your daily life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you showed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years. They may also speak with people who were close to you as an infant and ask them about their experiences.
A detailed medical history can help your doctor decide whether you require medication or other treatment. This is because some medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning can cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults with an underlying history of depression or anxiety may need more careful evaluation and treatment because these conditions are often associated with ADHD.
If the professional believes you require medication they will prescribe a suitable medication. The kind of medication you require is determined by the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life. Stimulants, which are the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. They aren't for all people and the first treatment you try may not work or cause undesirable negative side consequences. Your doctor will need to know if are taking any other medications such as over-the-counter medications and supplements, since certain kinds of drugs may interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is also an essential component of the treatment process for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of failure, underachievement and frustration that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, improve your time management and organizing abilities.
If you have mental illness it is crucial to find a healthcare professional who specializes in that condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to see psychologists or specialist therapists. These experts are likely to be more familiar with the challenges of treating adults with ADHD and have worked with other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can use search engines like ADDitude or visit your local mental health clinic to find a specialist who assists adults with ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you're struggling to achieve your full potential at work or have trouble maintaining relationships, or have difficulties completing your tasks at home and at work, an ADHD diagnosis could be just what you require.
ADHD treatment for adults begins with thorough interviews and a thorough review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've experienced. The psychiatrist or psychologist determines whether you meet 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 with untreated ADHD are often afflicted with disorders such as anxiety and depression. These disorders can trigger or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. A constant stress and anger over poor performance can also lead to feelings of low self-esteem, he adds. "Getting an assessment can help them get a better understanding of the root of their issues, which may reduce or alleviate some of their anxiety and allow them to concentrate more effectively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa says.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated best with a combination of medications and behavior therapy. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in organizing. In many instances, these medications can also boost motivation and improve mood. Side effects of stimulants include sleepiness and having trouble eating or drinking enough. The mood swings can also happen in some people who take stimulants for ADHD, and these 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 medicines. These studies help researchers find better methods to prevent, diagnose, or treat conditions and diseases.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all aspects of your life. The effects of procrastination, among others, can affect your relationships, career, and financial health. The first step to reduce the negative effects and regaining control is to get diagnosed and seek treatment.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children, either because their family and teachers were not aware of the condition or they had mild symptoms that were not noticed. Some adults may be able to manage their symptoms as children, but struggled with them in adulthood due to the increased demands of work and family.
In order to be diagnosed as having ADHD, mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms are causing severe impairment in at least two areas of your life. In the event of impairment, it could result in losing your job due to of a lack of concentration and organizational skills, or being placed on academic probation at college due to inability to study for tests.
Women are better at hiding symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your home and work life and family life, speaking openly about them with your doctor will help speed up the process and enable you to take advantage of reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.
No matter what type of ADHD you suffer from Your mental health professional will verify that your symptoms were present before age 12. They may request that you speak to people who knew you at this time and may also perform a series of tests to evaluate your attention and memory abilities.
After receiving an diagnosis, your therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication therapy to help manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test various treatments before finding the right one. Keep a log of your progress, and consult your physician regularly to alter your treatment plan if needed.