Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who are struggling professionally or personally in any way, recognizing ADHD is a significant step in getting control. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination, often including reviews of school records and questionnaires filled out by teachers and caregivers.
It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. Visit NIMH for tips on talking to your doctor about the disorder.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step to gain control over symptoms that wreak destruction on people's personal and professional lives. The first step is to speak with your GP or find a mental health professional with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor does not have any experience with ADHD or other disorders, they could recommend you to psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment.
A mental health professional will usually employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. The doctor will ask you questions about the symptoms of ADHD and examine your medical history and family history to determine if other medical conditions aren't the cause of them.
Since people with ADHD have a tendency to miss details and get easily distracted, they frequently have trouble following instructions or listening to lectures or on the job. get diagnosed with adhd lose things necessary for tasks or activities, like tools, wallets, and keys. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long lectures or reading assignments. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting or squirming are other symptoms of adult ADHD.
When determining whether someone has adult ADHD It is crucial to eliminate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, depression and addiction to drugs. Stress and physical conditions like thyroid problems can also cause ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 now requires professionals to assess the severity of a person's symptoms are when diagnosing him or her with the condition. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe.
Many people suffering from ADHD go their whole lives without ever receiving a diagnosis because it's not evident in childhood. A diagnosis can change the course of an adult's life as they understand the reasons why they struggled in school and never reached their maximum potential at work or home. They may feel guilty for being blamed for their troubles and may also be devastated by missed opportunities when they were treated with respect.
Treatment
To receive treatment for ADHD in adults, the first step is to consult an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be done either in person or by video call. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, which includes mental health issues that are present in the family. This is due to the fact that there are a variety of mental and physical ailments that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions need to be ruled out in order to establish a diagnosis.
The expert will also inquire about your work and lifestyle, and how your symptoms influence your life. They will be especially interested in if you had signs of ADHD before the age of 12. They may also want to interview people who were close to you as a child and ask them about their experiences.
A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining whether you need medications or other treatments. Certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression will need to be evaluated and treated with greater care, as these conditions often occur in conjunction.
If the professional believes you need medication they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The type of medication you need will depend on your symptoms and the way they affect your life. The most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. However, they are not for everyone, and the first one you try may not be effective or cause 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 a crucial part of the treatment process for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal with the feelings of disappointment frustration, underachievement, and anger that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, improve your time management and organizing abilities.
It is crucial to find the services of a doctor who is specialized in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD. However it is recommended to consult a specialist therapist. 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 check with your local mental health clinic or with ADDitude's directory to find a specialist who can assist adults with ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step towards managing your symptoms and improving life. If you are struggling to realize your maximum potential in your work or in maintaining relationships, or have difficulties completing your tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis could be just what you require.
The first step to treat ADHD for adults is an extensive medical history review, which includes your symptoms. The psychologist or psychiatrist determines whether you meet the criteria for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), 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 like anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these conditions can worsen or cause symptoms of ADHD. He adds that chronic stress and frustration due to inadequate performance can trigger feelings of low self-esteem. "Getting diagnosed can help them understand the causes of their struggles. This can help to reduce or eliminate their anxieties and enable them to concentrate more productively on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.
The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is usually a combination of medication and behavior therapy. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in organizing. These medications can boost moods and improve motivation in many instances. Side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD can have mood swings that could be difficult for them to manage.
Discuss with your health care provider about whether you would be a good candidate for clinical trials of novel treatments or drugs. These studies aid researchers in discovering more effective ways to diagnose and treat or prevent diseases.
Counseling
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to various problems in all areas of your life. Procrastination and other symptoms can have a negative impact on your relationships, career, and financial health. The first step in reducing the negative effects and getting control back is to obtain a diagnosis and seek treatment.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis as children, because their parents and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or they experienced mild symptoms that were not noticed. Some might have been able to manage their symptoms in childhood but struggled later in life when their family and work obligations increased.
To be diagnosed with ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms are causing severe impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. Impairment can mean losing your job because of lack of concentration and organizational skills, or being placed on academic probation at college due to your inability to learn for tests.
Women are better at avoiding symptoms than men. This makes it harder for them to receive a diagnosis. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that are affecting your home and work life speaking up with your doctor will help speed up the process and let you take advantage of reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.
Regardless of the type of ADHD you suffer from, your mental health professional will verify that your symptoms began before age 12. They may request that you talk to people who were around you during this time period. They may also take a number of tests to determine your attention and memory abilities.
After receiving a diagnosis, the therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. A majority of patients will try a variety of different treatments before they find the one that works for them. Keep a journal of your progress, and consult your doctor regularly to adjust your treatment plan as necessary.