Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who are struggling in their personal or professional lives can benefit from diagnosing ADHD. A diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation, often including reviews of school records and questionnaires filled out by teachers and caregivers.
Most people suffering from ADHD suffer from symptoms since childhood, and it is not uncommon to be diagnosed with it as an adult. NIMH has suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about the disorder.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step to gain control over symptoms that wreak destruction on people's professional and personal lives. The first step is to speak with your GP or consult an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP does not have any knowledge of ADHD and is unable to help, they can refer you to either psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment.
A mental health professional would typically use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you are suffering from the condition. Then, he will talk to you about your symptoms, and examine your medical history and family history to make sure that any other conditions are not causing your ADHD-like symptoms.
Since people who suffer from ADHD tend to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they frequently have trouble following instructions or listening in class or at work. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis are more likely to lose items essential to their tasks or activities, including tools, wallets, and keys. They may also have trouble staying focused when reading or listening to long speeches. Fidgeting, excessive talk or texting or squirming are other symptoms of adult ADHD.
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 other physical ailments like thyroid problems can also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The DSM-5 now requires doctors to consider how severe a person's symptoms are when determining if they have diagnosed him or her with the disorder. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe.
Many people with ADHD live their entire lives without ever receiving a diagnosis because it's not obvious in the early years. A diagnosis can alter the course of a person's life, as they can now see the reasons why they struggled in school and failed to reach their full potential at work or at home. They might feel guilty about blameing other people or themselves for their struggles, and they may be devastated by missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly.
Treatment
The first step in getting treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit a healthcare professional to get an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video call. In the UK only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues that are present in the family. This is because many physical and emotional conditions can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD, and these must be eliminated before the diagnosis can be made.
The expert will also inquire about your lifestyle and work and how your issues impact your daily life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you had signs of ADHD before the age of 12. They might also talk to people who were close to you as an infant and inquire about their childhood memories.
A thorough medical history will aid your doctor to determine if you need medication or another treatment. This is because certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression need to be assessed and treated more carefully because these conditions frequently are in synergy.
If a medical professional believes you need medication, they will prescribe the appropriate drug. The kind of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. They aren't for all people and the first treatment you try may not work or cause unwanted negative side effects. Your healthcare provider will need to know if use any other medication, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is an essential part of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope better with feelings of frustration and failure that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to manage your anger, and 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 you might prefer to consult a specialist therapist. These specialists are likely to have more experience with adult ADHD and their struggles as well as having experience working with other clients. You can use search engines like ADDitude or contact your local mental health service to find a professional that works with adults who have ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you are struggling to reach your maximum potential in your work or have trouble maintaining relationships, or have difficulty completing tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis might be just what you require.
The first step in treating ADHD for adults is a thorough medical history review, which includes your symptoms. The psychiatrist or psychologist determines whether you meet the requirements 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 often suffer from co-occurring disorders, including depression and anxiety. Jaksa says that these disorders can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. He adds that chronic anxiety and frustration resulting from low performance can cause feelings of low self-esteem. "Getting diagnosed will help them understand the root of their issues. This may reduce or eliminate their worries, and allow them to focus on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.
The best treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is typically an amalgamation of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants can improve concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and help with organization. These drugs can boost moods and improve motivation in many cases. Side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulties drinking enough or eating well. Also, mood swings can occur in some people who take stimulants for ADHD and they are often difficult to manage.
Talk to your doctor about whether you're an ideal candidate for clinical trials of novel treatments or medications. These studies help researchers discover better methods to detect, prevent or treat diseases.
Counseling
If you have untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to various problems throughout your life. Procrastination and other signs can negatively impact your relationships and career as well as financial health. The first step to reduce the negative effects and getting control back is to obtain diagnosed and seek treatment.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children, either because their family and teachers weren't aware of the condition or they had mild symptoms that were not spotted. Some adults may have been able manage their symptoms as children but were unable to manage these issues in adulthood due the increased demands of work and family.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, mental health professionals must find that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two areas of your life. The impairment could result in losing your job because of an inability to focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at college due to the inability to learn for tests.
Women are more adept at hiding symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your work or home life you can speed up the diagnosis process by being upfront with your doctor. You may also be able to get reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.
No matter what type of ADHD you suffer from Your mental health professional will determine if your symptoms began before age 12. They may suggest that you speak with people who were close to you at the time, and may also administer a series tests to measure your attention and memory.
When you receive the diagnosis the therapist will suggest a combination of medication and non-medical treatments to treat your symptoms. The majority of people will test a few different treatments before settling on the most effective one. It is suggested that you keep a journal of your progress and consult with your doctor on a regular basis so they can help you adjust your treatment program when needed.