Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who find themselves struggling professionally or personally in any way, recognizing ADHD can be a significant step in getting control. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination, often including reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers.
It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. NIMH offers tips on how to talk with your doctor about the disorder.
Diagnosis
It is essential to be diagnosed with ADHD as you reach adulthood. This will allow you to manage the symptoms that can cause chaos in your personal and professional life. The first step is to consult your GP or a mental health specialist who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor is not familiar with ADHD, he or she may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment.
A mental health professional will 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 family history and medical history to confirm that there are no other conditions not causing your symptoms of ADHD.
People with ADHD tend to be easily distracted and miss crucial details. They have a difficult time following directions in class or at work. They often lose things necessary for tasks or activities, such as keys, wallets and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused when they are reading long speeches or assignments. Fidgeting, excessive talk or texting, or squirming, are other symptoms of adult ADHD.
It is essential to rule other conditions out in determining if a person has adult ADHD. These include depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical issues like thyroid problems can also mimic ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5 professionals are required to consider the severity of an individual's symptoms when diagnosing them as having ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe.
Many people suffering from ADHD have a lifelong struggle without ever being diagnosed because it is not apparent in the early years. For adults, a diagnosis could be a life-changing event because they can finally understand why they struggled in school and failed to achieve their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty for blaming their issues on others or themselves and may experience regret over missed opportunities that could have been a reality if they had been properly treated.
Treatment
To seek treatment for ADHD for adults The first step is to talk with an expert in healthcare. This can be done in person or through a video calls. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The specialist will inquire about your medical history, which includes mental health issues in the family. This is because many physical and emotional conditions can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD and must be ruled out before an assessment can be made.
The professional will also ask about your lifestyle and work, and how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you showed signs of ADHD before age 12. They may also want to interview those who knew you in childhood and ask about their memories.
A detailed medical history can help your doctor decide if you need medication or any other treatment. Some medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea and lead poisoning can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression will need to be evaluated and treated more carefully since these conditions can occur in conjunction.
If a medical professional believes that you require medication they will prescribe a suitable drug. The type of medication you will require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. The most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. However, they're not for everyone, and the first one you try may not be effective or trigger bothersome side effects. Your healthcare provider will want to know if you take any other medications that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, as certain kinds of drugs may interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is also an essential component of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of failure or underachievement that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can also teach you how to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management 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 a specialist therapist or psychologist. They are likely to be more familiar with adults with ADHD and their struggles as well as having worked with other clients. You can check with 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
If you are an adult who has had to deal with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and is diagnosed, it's the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've been unable to achieve your full potential at work, have found it difficult to maintain relationships, or struggle to finish tasks at home, a diagnosis of ADHD may provide the solution you've been looking for.
ADHD treatment for adults starts with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychologist or psychiatrist determines if you satisfy 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 are often afflicted with disorders like anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these conditions can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. He says that stress and frustration due to poor performance can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss. "Getting a diagnosis can help them gain perspective on the root causes of their difficulties, which may alleviate or alleviate some of their anxiety and help them concentrate more effectively on the areas where they excel," Jaksa says.
adhd diagnosis uk adults for adults with ADHD is usually an amalgamation of therapy and medication. Stimulants improve concentration, reduce impulse-driven behavior and aid in the process of organizing. These drugs can improve moods and boost motivation in a variety of cases. People who take stimulants should be aware of potential negative effects, which could include insomnia and trouble with eating or drinking enough. The mood swings can also happen in those who take stimulants for ADHD and are often difficult to manage.
Talk to your doctor about whether or not you are eligible for clinical trials of new medications or treatments. These studies assist researchers in finding better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat illnesses and conditions.
Counseling
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to various problems throughout your life. Procrastination and other signs can negatively impact your relationships, career, and financial health. Finding a doctor and seeking treatment is the first step towards lessening the negative effects and regaining control over your life.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children, because their teachers and family were unaware of the disorder or they had minor symptoms that weren't recognized. Some may have been able to manage their symptoms during childhood, but struggled as they grew older when their family and work obligations increased.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two areas of your life. In the event of impairment, it 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 inability to study for tests.
Women are more adept at avoiding their symptoms than men, which may make it harder for them to get an accurate diagnosis. If you have ADHD symptoms that affect your home or work life you can speed up the diagnosis process by being upfront with your doctor. You may also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional, regardless of the type of ADHD that you have will want to know whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They may suggest that you speak with people who were close to you at this time, and they may also administer a series tests to test your memory and attention.
After you are given a diagnosis, your therapist will recommend a combination of medications and non-medical treatments to manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test different therapies before they can find the one that works for them. Keep a log of your progress, and consult your doctor regularly to adjust your treatment plan if needed.