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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who are struggling professionally or personally in any way, recognizing ADHD is a significant step in taking control. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires filled out by teachers and caregivers.
It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. NIMH has tips on how to talk with your doctor about the disorder.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step in gaining control over the symptoms that can cause havoc on a person'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 with ADHD. If your GP does not have any experience in treating ADHD and is unable to help, they can refer you to either a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment.
A mental health professional would typically use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. They will interview you about your symptoms that are similar to ADHD and look over your medical and family history to ensure that other conditions aren't contributing to them.
Because people who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often have difficulty following instructions or listening in class or at work. They are more likely to lose items necessary for tasks or activities, such as tools, wallets, keys and wallets. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long lectures or reading assignments. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting, or squirming, are other signs of adult ADHD.
It is crucial to rule out other conditions in determining if a person has adult ADHD. This includes depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical ailments like thyroid issues could be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. In the DSM-5 professionals are required to assess the severity of an individual's symptoms when diagnosing them with ADHD. Mild, moderate and severe are the three categories for adults with ADHD.
Many people suffering from ADHD never receive a diagnosis in childhood, because it's not obvious. For adults, a diagnosis can be a life-changing experience because they can finally understand the reasons why they struggled at school and never seemed to attain their full potential at work or at home. They might feel guilty about being blamed for their problems, and they may be grieved over missed opportunities when they were treated with respect.
Treatment
To get treatment for ADHD in adults, the first step is to speak with a healthcare professional. This can be done in person or through a video chat. In the UK only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, which includes mental health issues that are present in the family. This is due to the fact that there are many mental and physical conditions which can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions must be ruled out to determine if you have ADHD.
The expert will also inquire about your lifestyle and work, and how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you had symptoms of ADHD before the age of 12. They might also interview those who knew you in your childhood and ask them about their experiences.
A thorough medical history can aid the doctor in determining if you need medications or other treatments. Some medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea and lead poisoning can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults with an underlying history of depression or anxiety may need more careful assessment and treatment, as these conditions can be co-existing with ADHD.
If a doctor believes you need medication, he/she will prescribe the right medication. The type of medicine you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. They are not suitable for everyone, and the first drug you try might not be effective or cause undesirable negative side effects. Your healthcare provider may ask if you are taking any other medications. This includes over-the-counter drugs or supplements as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of medications can interfere with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is also an important element of the treatment process for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal with the feelings of failure or underachievement that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn how to get diagnosed with adhd uk to manage your anger as well as improve your organization and time management abilities.
If you suffer from an illness of the mind, it's important to find a doctor who is specialized in that condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to consult psychologists or specialist therapists. These specialists are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adults with ADHD and have worked with other clients with similar struggles. You can use search engines like ADDitude or visit your local mental health clinic to find a professional who assists adults with ADHD.
Medication
If you're an adult who has struggled with ADHD, getting a diagnosis is the first step towards addressing your symptoms and improving your life. If you are struggling to achieve your full potential at work or in maintaining relationships, or have trouble completing tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis might be just what you need.
ADHD treatment for adults starts with thorough interviews and a thorough review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychiatrist or psychologist 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 who suffer from untreated ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these conditions can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. Stress and frustration from the lack of performance can result in feelings of self-doubt, he adds. "Getting an assessment can help these individuals get adhd diagnosis a better understanding of the root causes of their difficulties which can help reduce or eliminate some of their anxieties and allow them to focus more productively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa says.
The best treatment for adults with ADHD is typically a combination of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants can improve concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and help with organization. In many cases, these medications can also improve mood and increase motivation. People who take stimulants should be aware of the potential adverse effects, such as insomnia and trouble with drinking or eating enough. People who take stimulants to treat ADHD may suffer from mood swings that may be difficult for them to manage.
Consult your physician about whether or not you're a candidate for clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies assist researchers in finding better ways to diagnose, prevent or treat diseases.
Counseling
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to various problems in all areas of your life. Your relationships, work and financial health could be negatively affected by procrastination and poor time management, impulsive spending, and other symptoms. Getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step towards lessening the negative effects and regaining control of your life.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers weren't aware of the disorder, or because they displayed mild symptoms which weren't noticed. Certain adults may have been able to manage their symptoms as children but struggled with their symptoms in adulthood due to increased work and family obligations.
To be diagnosed with ADHD mental health professionals must discover that your symptoms cause 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 in college due to inability to study for tests.
Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men, getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult which may make it more difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your life at work and at home speaking up with your doctor can help speed up the process and enable you to benefit from reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws.
Regardless of the type of ADHD you have the mental health professional will want to see that your symptoms started before age 12. They may request that you talk to people who were around you during this time period. They may also take a number of tests to assess your memory and attention levels.
If you're given the diagnosis your therapist will recommend the use of a combination of medication and non-medical treatments to help manage your symptoms. The majority of patients will try various treatments before settling on the most effective one. Keep a record of your progress, and consult your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as needed.
