Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who are struggling professionally or personally in any way, recognizing ADHD could be a crucial step towards gaining control. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination, often including reviews of school records and questionnaires filled out by parents and teachers.
The majority of people with ADHD have symptoms since the age of three, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed with it as an adult. Visit NIMH for tips on talking to your doctor about the condition.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step to gain control over the symptoms that cause havoc on a person's professional and personal lives. First, you should consult your GP or a mental health professional who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment.
Typically an expert in mental health will employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine whether you might have the condition, according to Adler. He or she will then interview you about your ADHD-like symptoms and review your medical history and family history to confirm that other conditions aren't contributing to them.
Because people with ADHD are more likely to miss details and get easily distracted, they often struggle with following directions or listening during class or at work. They often lose important items for tasks or activities such as wallets, keys and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused when reading or listening to long speeches. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting excessively or squirming in their seats.
It is crucial to rule other conditions out 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. The DSM-5 now requires doctors to assess the severity of the symptoms a person's experiences are before identifying the disorder. Mild, moderate and severe are the classifications for adult ADHD.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed in childhood because it is not evident. A diagnosis can change the course of a person's life as they understand why they struggled at school and failed to reach their maximum potential at work or home. Some may even feel guilty for blaming their issues on others or themselves and may experience regret over missed opportunities that could have been had 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 in person or via video call. In the UK only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will want to know your medical history and your family's mental health issues. This is due to the fact that a number of physical and emotional issues can cause symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD and must be ruled out before the diagnosis can be made.
The professional will also ask about your work and lifestyle, and how your symptoms influence your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you displayed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They may also speak with people who were close to you as an infant and ask them about their memories.
A detailed medical history can help your doctor decide whether you require medication or other treatment. This is because some medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid issues and lead poisoning, can trigger symptoms of ADHD. Adults with an history of depression or anxiety might require a more thorough assessment and treatment, as these conditions can be co-existing with ADHD.
If a doctor believes that you need medication, they will prescribe a suitable medication. The type of medication you need will depend on your symptoms and the way they impact your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. They are not for everyone, and the first drug you try might not work or cause undesirable adverse effects. Your healthcare provider will be interested in knowing if you take any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, since certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is a crucial component of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of failure or underachievement that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also teach you how to manage your anger as well as improve your organization and time management abilities.
If you have an illness of the mind, it's important to find a doctor who is specialized in the field. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However you might prefer to seek out a specialist therapist. They are likely to be more familiar with adult ADHD and their struggles and also have worked with other clients. 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
If you're an adult who has been struggling with ADHD and is diagnosed, it's the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you are struggling to reach your full potential in the workplace or have trouble maintaining relationships, or experience difficulties completing your tasks at home, 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, including the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychologist or psychiatrist will then determine if American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for ADHD apply to you. 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, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. He also says that constant anxiety and frustration resulting from inadequate performance can trigger feelings of low-self-esteem. "Getting an assessment can help them understand the reasons behind their struggles. This may alleviate or eliminate their anxiety and help them concentrate more productively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.
The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is typically an amalgamation of therapy and medication. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in organizing. These medications can boost moods and improve motivation in many instances. The negative effects of stimulants are insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. The mood swings can also happen in people who are taking stimulants for ADHD and can be difficult to manage.
Speak to your doctor about whether or not you're a candidate for clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies assist researchers in finding more effective ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases and conditions.
Counseling
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD it could cause a variety of problems throughout your life. Your career, relationships and financial health can be negatively impacted by procrastination or poor time management, impulsive spending, and other signs. The first step to reduce the negative effects and getting control back is to obtain diagnosed and seek treatment.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children, either because their family and teachers were unaware of the condition or they had mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Others might have managed their symptoms as children but struggled later in life as their family and work responsibilities increased.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, mental health professionals must find that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in at least two aspects of your life. Impaired can be losing your job due to a decline in focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at college because you're unable to concentrate on your tests.
Women are more adept at avoiding their symptoms than men, which may make it more difficult to receive a diagnosis. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that impact your home or work life it is possible to speed up the diagnosis process by being upfront with your doctor. You might also be able to get reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.
Regardless of the kind of ADHD you suffer from the mental health professional will verify that your symptoms started prior to the age of 12. They might ask you to speak with people who were close to you at this time, and may also administer a series tests to measure your memory and attention.
When you receive an diagnosis the therapist will suggest a combination of medications and non-medication treatments to help manage your symptoms. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will try several different methods before they discover the one that is most effective for them. It is suggested that you keep track of your progress and speak with your doctor on a regular basis so they can assist in adjusting your treatment program when needed.