Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who are struggling professionally or personally, diagnosing ADHD can be a significant step in getting control. A thorough evaluation is needed to make an accurate diagnosis. This includes analyzing school records and questionnaires completed 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 important to get diagnosed with ADHD at an early age. This will allow you to manage the symptoms that can cause havoc in your personal and professional life. The first step is to consult your GP or a mental health specialist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. If your doctor is not familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment.
A mental health professional will usually employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. Then, he will ask you questions about your symptoms, and examine your medical history and family background to ensure that there are no other conditions not causing your symptoms of ADHD.
Since people who suffer from ADHD tend to overlook details and become easily distracted, they often struggle with following directions or listening to lectures or on the job. They often lose important items required for tasks or activities like keys, wallets and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused during long lectures or reading assignments. Fidgeting, over-talking or texting, or squirming, are other signs of adult ADHD.
It is essential to rule out other conditions when determining whether someone suffers from adult ADHD. This includes depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical ailments such as thyroid issues can be a source of ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to determine the severity of a person's symptoms are when diagnosing him or her with the disorder. Mild moderate, severe, and mild are the three categories for adults with ADHD.
Many people suffering from ADHD live their entire lives without ever receiving a diagnosis because it is not apparent in the early years. A diagnosis can change the course of an adult's life because they now understand the reasons why they struggled in school and never reached their maximum potential at work or home. They may feel guilty for blaming their issues on themselves or others and can feel grief over lost opportunities that could have been had if they had been properly treated.
Treatment
The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit the healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video calls. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues that are present in the family. This is due to the fact that a number of physical and emotional conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD and must be addressed before the diagnosis can be made.
The expert will also inquire about your lifestyle and work and how your issues affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you showed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They may also want to interview people who were close to you in childhood and ask about their experiences.
A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining whether you need medication or other treatments. This is due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, sleep apnea and lead poisoning, can trigger symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression may need more careful assessment and treatment, as these conditions are often associated with ADHD.
If the professional believes you require medication, they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The type of medicine you need depends on your symptoms and how they impact your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. They are not for everyone and the first medication you try might not work or cause undesirable negative side consequences. Your doctor will want to know if you use any other medication that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, as certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is also an important element of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of frustration and failure that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn how to manage your anger as well as improve your time management and organization abilities.
It is essential to find a healthcare professional that specializes in mental illnesses. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to consult an expert psychologist or therapist. These professionals are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adults with ADHD and have worked with others who have similar issues. You can contact your local mental health clinic or consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a specialist who is working with adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving life. If you're struggling to achieve your maximum potential in your work or in maintaining relationships, or have trouble completing tasks at home then an ADHD diagnosis could be just what you need.
The first step in treating ADHD for adults is thorough medical history, including your symptoms. The psychologist or psychiatrist determines whether 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 who suffer from untreated ADHD are frequently co-morbid with other disorders, like anxiety and depression. These conditions can cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. Chronic stress and frustration over inadequate performance can result in feelings of low self-esteem, he adds. "Getting diagnosed can help them gain a perspective on the root of their issues. This can help to reduce or eliminate their worries and help them focus more effectively on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.
The best treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is typically the combination of behavior therapy and medication. The stimulants help improve concentration, reduce impulse-driven behavior and aid in organizing. In many instances they can boost motivation and improve mood. Side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulties eating or drinking enough. Also, mood swings can occur in those who take stimulants for ADHD and they can be difficult to manage.
Speak to your doctor about whether or not you are a candidate for clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies help researchers discover more effective ways to diagnose and treat or prevent diseases.
Counseling
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD, it can cause a variety of problems in every area of your life. Your relationships, career and financial health could be negatively affected by procrastination or poor time management, impulsive spending and other signs. The first step to reduce the negative effects and getting back in control is to get diagnosed and seek treatment.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD did not receive a diagnosis as children, because their parents and teachers were unaware of the disorder or they experienced mild symptoms that weren't recognized. Some might have been able to manage their symptoms as children but struggled in adulthood as their family and work responsibilities increased.
To be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. The impairment could result in losing your job because of lack of focus and organization skills or being put on academic probation at college due to inability to study for tests.
Women are more adept at avoiding symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that affect your home and work life, being forthright about them with your doctor will help speed up the process and enable you to take advantage of reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws.
Regardless of how to diagnosis adhd of ADHD you have Your mental health professional will see that your symptoms were present prior to age 12. They might ask you to talk with people who knew you during this time period. They may also conduct a series of tests to determine your memory and attention levels.
After receiving an diagnosis, your doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different methods before they discover the one that is most effective for them. It is suggested that you keep a journal of your progress and check in with your doctor on a regular basis so they can help you adjust your treatment program as needed.