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 taking control. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers 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 in gaining control over the symptoms that can cause havoc on one's personal and professional lives. The first step is to talk with your GP or find a mental health professional who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP doesn't have any experience with ADHD, they may recommend you to psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment.
Typically an expert in mental health will employ an eight-question ADHD screener to determine whether you are susceptible to the condition, says Adler. He or she will then interview you about the symptoms of ADHD and review your medical and family history to ensure that 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 difficulty following instructions or listening during class or at work. They are often unable to locate important items for tasks or activities like keys, wallets and other tools. They may also have trouble staying focused when listening to long speeches. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting or squirming are other signs of adult ADHD.
It is essential to rule out other medical conditions when determining whether someone suffers from adult ADHD. These include depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical conditions like thyroid problems can also mimic ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to assess the severity of a person's symptoms are when diagnosing the disorder. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people suffering from ADHD have a lifelong struggle without ever being diagnosed because it is not apparent in the early years. A diagnosis can alter the course of a person's life because they now understand the reasons why they struggled in school and never reached their maximum potential at work or home. Some may even feel guilty for blaming their problems on others or themselves and may experience sadness over the missed opportunities that could have been achieved in the event that they had been 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 through a video calls. In the UK only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will need to know your medical history and family-related mental health issues. This is because there are a variety of physical and mental conditions which can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions need to be ruled out in order to make a diagnosis.
The expert will also inquire about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms influence your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you displayed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They might also interview people who knew you in childhood and ask about their experiences.
A thorough medical history can help your doctor decide if you need medication or any other treatment. This is because some medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid issues and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults with an history of anxiety or depression may need more careful evaluation and treatment, because these conditions can be co-existing with ADHD.
If a professional believes that you need medication, they will prescribe the appropriate drug. The kind of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your daily routine. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. They are not suitable for everyone and the first medication you try might not be effective or cause undesirable adverse negative effects. Your doctor may inquire whether you are taking other medications. This includes prescription drugs or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. adhd diagnosing of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is an essential aspect of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of disappointment, underachievement and frustration that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management skills.
If you have a mental illness it is crucial to find an expert in healthcare who is trained in this condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD. However you might prefer to consult a specialist therapist. They are likely to be more familiar with adult ADHD and their challenges and also have worked with other clients. You can inquire with your local mental health services or with ADDitude's directory to find a professional who works with adults with ADHD.
Medication
If you are an adult who has been struggling with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, getting a diagnosis is the first step toward managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you are struggling to realize your maximum potential in your work, have difficulty maintaining relationships, or experience difficulties completing your tasks at home then an ADHD diagnosis might be the answer you've been looking for.
The first step to treat ADHD in adults is an extensive medical history review, including your symptoms. The psychologist or psychiatrist will then determine if 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 with untreated ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. He says that stress and frustration due to inadequate performance can trigger feelings of self-esteem loss. "Getting a diagnose can help these individuals get a better understanding of the reasons behind their struggles. This may reduce or eliminate their worries and enable them to concentrate more productively on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.
The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is usually the combination of therapy and medication. The stimulants help improve concentration, reduce the risk of impulsive behavior, and help with organization. In many instances, these medications can also enhance motivation and mood. People who take stimulants should be aware of potential negative effects, which could include insomnia and trouble with drinking or eating enough. Mood swings can also occur in some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD and they can be difficult to manage.
Speak to your doctor about whether or not you're eligible for clinical trials on new medications or treatments. These studies help researchers find more effective methods to prevent, diagnose or treat diseases and conditions.
Counseling
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to various problems in every area of your life. Your relationships, work and financial health may be negatively impacted by procrastination and poor time management, impulsive spending and other symptoms. Getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step towards reducing these negative impacts and regaining control of your life.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD did not receive a diagnosis as children, because their parents and teachers were unaware of the disorder or they had minor symptoms that weren't noticed. Some adults may have been able to manage their symptoms as children, but were unable to manage these issues in adulthood due increased work and family obligations.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two areas of your life. Impairment can mean losing your job because 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 hiding their symptoms than men, which can make it difficult 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 honest with your doctor. You might also be able to get reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional regardless of the kind of ADHD you have, will want to know the time when your symptoms began. the age of 12. They may ask to speak with people who were close to you at the time, and they may conduct a series of tests to test your memory and attention.
After receiving an diagnosis, your doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication therapy to help manage your symptoms. The majority of patients will try various treatments before they find the best one. It is suggested that you keep a diary of your progress and check in with your physician regularly so that they can help you adjust your treatment plan according to your needs.