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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult

For adults who find themselves struggling professionally or personally, diagnosing ADHD could be a crucial step in taking control. A diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation which may include a review of school records and questionnaires filled out by caregivers and teachers.

It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. See NIMH for suggestions on talking to your health care provider about the condition.

Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step to gain control over the symptoms that can cause havoc on a person's personal and professional lives. The first step is to consult your GP or an expert in mental health who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP doesn't have any experience with ADHD, they may refer you to psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment.

A mental health professional will usually use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you have the condition. Then, he or she will ask you questions about your symptoms and review your family history and medical history to confirm that other medical conditions are not causing the symptoms of ADHD.

People suffering from ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and can miss crucial details. They may have trouble following instructions in class or at work. They often lose things that are essential for their work or activities, like keys, wallets and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused while reading or listening to long speeches. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking too much or squirming in their seats.

It is important to rule other conditions out when determining if someone has adult ADHD. This includes depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical conditions like thyroid issues can be a source of ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5, professionals are now required to take into consideration the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them with ADHD. Mild moderate, severe and mild are the classifications for adult ADHD.

Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed in their childhood because it's not obvious. A diagnosis can change the course of an adult's life, as they can now see the reasons why they struggled in school and didn't reach their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on others or themselves and may experience grief over lost opportunities that could have been a reality in the event that they had been properly treated.

Treatment

To get treatment for ADHD for adults, the first step is to speak with an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be done either in person or by video call. In the UK only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues in the family. This is because a variety of physical and emotional conditions can cause symptoms similar to those that occur in ADHD and need to be addressed before a diagnosis can be made.

The expert will also inquire about your work and lifestyle and how your issues affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you had signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They may also speak with people who were close to you as an infant and inquire about their childhood memories.

A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining if you need medication or other treatments. Certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression might require more careful assessment and treatment, as these conditions are often associated with ADHD.

If a medical professional believes you require medication, he or getting diagnosed with Adhd as an Adult she will prescribe the appropriate drug. The type of medication you require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. They are not for everyone, and the first drug you try may not work or cause undesirable side negative effects. Your healthcare provider will be interested in knowing if you take any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, because certain kinds of drugs may interact with ADHD stimulants.

Counseling is also an important part of the treatment process for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal better with feelings of frustration, failure and underachievement that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can teach you how to control your anger, and improve your time management and organizing skills.

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 an expert psychologist or therapist. These professionals are likely to be more familiar with the challenges of treating adults with ADHD and have experience helping other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can contact your local mental health services 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 in managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've struggled to reach your maximum potential at work, have found it difficult to maintain relationships or struggle to complete tasks at home and at work, a diagnosis of ADHD might be the solution you've been searching for.

The first step in treating ADHD for adults is a thorough medical history review, including your symptoms. The psychiatrist or psychologist 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 who are not treated for ADHD often have coexisting disorders, including anxiety and depression. These disorders can cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. Stress and frustration from inadequate performance can cause feelings of low self-esteem, he says. "getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult an assessment can help these individuals get a better understanding of the root of their difficulties, which may reduce or eliminate some of their anxieties and allow them to concentrate more on the areas where they excel," Jaksa says.

The best treatment for adults with ADHD is typically an amalgamation of behavior therapy and medication. Stimulants can boost concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and aid in organizing. In many cases they can enhance motivation and mood. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of possible negative effects, which could include insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. Certain people who use stimulants to treat ADHD may suffer from mood swings that may be difficult for them to manage.

Talk to your doctor about whether or not you are eligible for clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies help researchers discover better ways to diagnose and treat illnesses, as well as prevent them from occurring.

Counseling

If you are suffering from untreated ADHD, it can cause various problems in every area of your life. The effects of procrastination, among others, can affect 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 weren't diagnosed as children due to the fact that their families and teachers were not aware of the disorder, or because they showed mild symptoms that were not noticed. Some adults may be able to manage their symptoms in childhood, but struggled with them in adulthood due to the increased demands of work and family.

In order to be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must discover that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. The effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a decline in focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation in college because you are unable to do well on tests.

Women are more adept at avoiding symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If you have ADHD symptoms that impact your home or work life it is possible to accelerate the process of diagnosing by being upfront with your doctor. You may also be eligible for reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.

Whatever type of ADHD you have the mental health professional will want to verify that your symptoms began before age 12. They may ask to speak to people who were close to you at the time, and may also administer a series tests to assess your memory and attention.

After receiving an assessment, the specialist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. The majority of patients will try a few different treatments before finding the right one. Keep a journal of your progress and visit your physician regularly to alter your treatment plan if needed.