Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who are struggling professionally or personally and are unable to resolve the issue, identifying ADHD can be a significant step towards gaining control. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination which may include a review of school records and questionnaires filled out by caregivers and teachers.
Most people with ADHD have symptoms since the age of three, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed as an adult. Check out NIMH for advice on how to talk to your health care provider regarding the disorder.
Diagnosis
It is important to get diagnosed with ADHD at an early age. This will help you get control of the symptoms that can cause a lot of trouble in your professional and personal life. First, you should consult your GP or a mental health professional who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD and/or ADHD, they might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment.
Typically the mental health professional will employ the six-question ADHD screener to determine whether you might have the condition, says Adler. They will ask you questions about the symptoms of ADHD and look over your medical history and family history to ensure that other conditions aren't causing them.
Since people with ADHD are more likely to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often have difficulty following instructions or listening to lectures or on the job. They often lose important items needed for their tasks like keys, wallets and other tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused when listening to or reading long speeches. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting, or squirming, are other signs of adult ADHD.
When determining whether someone has adult ADHD It is crucial to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and addiction to drugs. Stress and physical issues such as thyroid issues can cause ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 now requires professionals to assess how severe a person's symptoms are before identifying the condition. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people with ADHD live their entire lives without ever receiving a diagnosis because it's not obvious in the early years. For adults, a diagnosis can be a life-changing experience because they finally understand the reasons why they struggled at school and never seemed to achieve their full potential at work or at home. Some may even feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on themselves or others, and they can experience grief over lost opportunities that could have been a reality in the event that they had been properly treated.
Treatment
The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit a medical professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video chat. In the UK, only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, which includes mental health issues within the family. This is because there are many mental and physical conditions which can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions need to be eliminated in order to determine if you have ADHD.
The professional will ask you about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms affect your life. They will be especially interested in if you had symptoms of ADHD before age 12 years old. They may also interview those who were close to you as when you were a child and ask them about their memories.
A thorough medical history will help the doctor decide whether you require medications or other treatments. This is due to the fact that certain medical conditions, including sleep apnea, thyroid issues and lead poisoning can cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression might require more careful evaluation and treatment because these conditions are often associated with ADHD.
If a professional believes that you require medication, he/she will prescribe the appropriate drug. The kind of medication you will require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your daily life. The most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. They aren't for everyone, and the first drug you try may not work or cause unwanted negative side consequences. Your healthcare provider might ask whether you are taking other medications. This includes over-the-counter drugs or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.
adult adhd diagnosis uk is a crucial part of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal with the feelings of disappointment, underachievement and frustration that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, and improve your time management and organizing abilities.
If you suffer from an illness of the mind it is essential to locate an expert in healthcare who is trained in this condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD. However you might prefer to consult a specialist psychotherapist. These professionals are likely to be more familiar with the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have worked with other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can search ADDitude or contact your local mental health services to find a professional who works with adults who have ADHD.
Medication
If you're an adult who has been struggling with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, getting a diagnosis is the first step toward managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you've been unable 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 answer you have been seeking.
The first step in treating ADHD in adults is a thorough medical history review, including your symptoms. The psychiatrist or psychologist will determine if the 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 are frequently co-morbid with other disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these disorders can worsen or cause symptoms of ADHD. He says that stress and anger due to low performance can cause feelings of low-self-esteem. "Getting a diagnosis can help these individuals gain perspective on the root causes of their difficulties, which may alleviate or alleviate some of their anxiety and allow them to focus more productively on the areas where they excel," Jaksa says.
The best treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is usually the combination of therapy and medication. The stimulants help improve concentration, reduce the risk of impulsive behavior, and help with organization. In many instances, these medications can also improve mood and increase motivation. The negative effects of stimulants are insomnia and difficulty drinking or eating enough. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD might suffer from mood swings that may be difficult to manage.
Consult your physician about whether or not you are a candidate for clinical trials on new medications or treatments. These studies assist researchers in finding better methods to detect and treat illnesses, as well as prevent them from occurring.
Counseling
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD, it can cause a variety of problems throughout your life. Procrastination and other signs can have a negative impact on your relationships as well as your career and financial health. Finding a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step to reduce the negative impact and regaining control over your life.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children due to the fact that their families and teachers were unaware of the disorder, or because they showed mild symptoms that were not noticed. Some may have managed their symptoms in childhood but struggled in adulthood when their family and work obligations increased.
To be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must discover that your symptoms are causing severe impairment in at least two aspects of your life. Impaired can be losing your job due to a decline in organization and focus, or being placed on academic probation at your college because you are unable to concentrate on your tests.
Women are more adept at hiding symptoms than men. This can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms that affect your home and work life, being forthright about them with your doctor will help accelerate the process and let you get reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD you have, will want to know whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They may request that you talk to people who were around you during this time period. They may also conduct a series of tests to determine your memory and attention levels.
After receiving an assessment, the doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication therapy to help manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test a few different treatments before settling on the most effective one. It is recommended that you keep a journal of your progress and consult with your doctor on a regular basis so they can help you adjust your treatment plan as needed.