Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult

Adults who are struggling in their professional or personal lives can benefit from diagnosing ADHD. A diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation, often including reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers.

It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. Check out NIMH for suggestions on talking to your health care provider about the disorder.

Diagnosis

It is crucial to be diagnosed with ADHD at an early age. This will help you gain control over the symptoms that can cause chaos in your personal and professional life. First, you must consult your GP or a mental health specialist who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD and/or ADHD, they may refer you to a 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, the doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and look at your family history and medical background to ensure that any other conditions are not causing your symptoms of ADHD.

Because people who suffer from ADHD tend to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they frequently struggle with following directions or listening to lectures or on the job. They frequently lose essential items for tasks or activities such as keys, wallets, and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Fidgeting, over-talking or texting or squirming are other signs of adult adhd diagnosis uk ADHD.

In determining if someone suffers from adult ADHD it is essential to eliminate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, depression and substance abuse. Stress and other physical ailments like thyroid problems can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. The DSM-5 now requires professionals to determine how severe a person's symptoms are before identifying the condition. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe.

Many people suffering from ADHD have a lifelong struggle without ever getting a diagnosis because it's not obvious in childhood. A diagnosis can change the course of an adult'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 might even feel guilty for blaming their issues on themselves or others, and they can experience grief over lost opportunities that could have been achieved if they had been properly treated.

Treatment

To get treatment for ADHD in adults, the first step is to talk with an expert in healthcare. This can be done in person or via video calls. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will want to know your medical history and your family's mental health issues. This is due to the fact that there are many mental and physical ailments which can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions must be ruled out in order to determine if you have ADHD.

The doctor will also inquire about your lifestyle and work and how your symptoms influence your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you showed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They may also wish to interview people who were close to you in your childhood and ask about their experiences.

A detailed medical history can aid your doctor in determining whether you require medication or another treatment. Some medical conditions such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression will need to be evaluated and treated with greater care since these conditions can occur in conjunction.

If a doctor believes that you require medication they will prescribe a suitable medication. The type of medication you need will depend on your symptoms and how they affect your life. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. However, they are not suitable for everyone and the first stimulant you try may not be effective or have uncomfortable adverse effects. Your doctor 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 a crucial component 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 control your anger, improve your time management and organizational abilities.

It is essential to find a healthcare professional that specializes in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to consult psychologists or specialist therapists. These specialists are likely to be more familiar with adults with ADHD and their struggles, as well as having experience working with other clients. You can inquire with your local mental health clinic or with ADDitude's directory to find a professional who works with adults with ADHD.

Medication

If you're an adult who has struggled with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder getting a diagnosis is the first step towards addressing your symptoms and improving your life. If you are struggling to reach your full potential in the workplace or in maintaining relationships, or experience difficulties completing your tasks at home then an ADHD diagnosis may be just what you need.

ADHD treatment for adults begins with thorough interviews and a thorough review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychologist or psychiatrist determines if you meet the requirements 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 frequently have coexisting disorders, like depression and anxiety. These disorders can cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. Stress and frustration from poor performance can also lead to feelings of low self-esteem Jaksa says. "Getting a diagnosis can help these individuals gain perspective on the root causes of their difficulties which can help alleviate or reduce some of their worries and help them focus more productively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa says.

Adults with ADHD are typically treated by a combination of medication and behavior therapy. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in achieving organization. In many cases they can improve mood and increase motivation. Side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulty drinking or eating enough. People who take stimulants to treat ADHD might suffer from mood swings that may be difficult to manage.

Discuss with your health care provider regarding whether you would be a good candidate for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or medications. These studies assist researchers in finding better ways to prevent, diagnose or treat diseases and conditions.

Counseling

Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all aspects of your life. Procrastination and other signs can negatively impact your relationships as well as your career and financial health. The first step to reduce the negative effects and regaining control is to get an assessment and seek treatment.

Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children due to the fact that their families and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or because they showed mild symptoms that were not noticed. Some adults might have been able to manage their symptoms in childhood, but were unable to manage their symptoms in adulthood due to the increased demands of work and family.

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. Impairment can mean losing your job because of a lack of concentration and organizational skills, or being placed on academic probation in college due to inability to do well on tests.

Women are generally better at hiding their symptoms than men, which could make it more difficult for them to get a diagnosis. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that are affecting your work and home life speaking up with your doctor Getting Diagnosed With ADHD will help accelerate the process and enable you to get reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.

Whatever type of ADHD you suffer from Your mental health professional will want to see that your symptoms began before age 12. They may suggest that you speak with people who were close to you at the time, and they may also conduct a series of tests to assess your memory and attention.

If you're given the diagnosis your therapist will recommend a combination of medication and non-medication therapies to manage your symptoms. The majority of patients will try a few different treatments before they find the best one. It is suggested that you keep a diary of your progress and consult with your doctor on a regular basis so they can assist in adjusting your treatment program as needed.