Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who find themselves struggling professionally or personally, diagnosing ADHD can be a significant step in gaining control. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination which may include a review of school records and questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers.
It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. Visit NIMH for suggestions on talking to your doctor about the condition.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that cause havoc on one's professional and personal lives. The first step is to consult your GP or a mental health specialist who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP doesn't have any experience with ADHD, they may recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment.
Typically the mental health professional will employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you may be suffering from the condition, says Adler. The doctor will ask you questions about your ADHD-like symptoms and review your medical history and family history to confirm that other medical conditions aren't the cause of them.
People with ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and can miss crucial details. They may have trouble adhering to instructions in classes or at work. They often lose things that are essential for their work or activities, such as tools, wallets, keys and wallets. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking too much or squirming in the seat.
It is important to rule out other conditions when determining whether someone suffers from adult ADHD. This includes anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Stress and certain physical conditions like thyroid issues could be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. The DSM-5 now requires professionals to consider the severity of a person's symptoms are before identifying him or her with the disorder. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed in childhood, because it's not readily apparent. adult adhd diagnosis uk can change the course of an adult's life because they now understand the reasons why they struggled in 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 grief over lost opportunities that could have been achieved if they had been properly treated.
Treatment
The first step in getting treatment for ADHD as an adult is to consult a medical professional to have an assessment. This can be done either in person or via video call. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The specialist will inquire about your medical history, which includes mental health issues in the family. This is due to the fact that there are a variety of mental and physical ailments that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions need to be ruled out in order to make a diagnosis.
The expert will also inquire about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms influence your life. They will be particularly interested in whether you had signs of ADHD before age 12 years old. They may also interview those who were close to you as a child and inquire about their childhood memories.
A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining whether you need medications or other treatments. This is because certain medical conditions, including sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have an underlying history of depression or anxiety may need more careful assessment and treatment, as these conditions often coexist with ADHD.
If a medical professional believes that you need medication they will prescribe a suitable drug. The kind 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 aren't for everyone and the first medication you try might not work or cause unwanted side effects. Your doctor may inquire if you are taking any other medication. This includes over-the-counter medications or supplements as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of medications may interfere with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is an essential component of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with feelings of failure frustration, underachievement, and anger that are often 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 suffer from an illness of the mind it is essential to locate an expert in healthcare who is trained in that condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD. However, you may prefer to consult a specialist psychotherapist. These specialists are likely to have more experience with adult ADHD and their struggles as well as having previous experience working with clients. You can inquire with your local mental health clinic or consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a professional who is working with adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you're struggling to reach your full potential in the workplace or in maintaining relationships, or are having difficulties completing your tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis may be the answer 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 criteria for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), 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, such as depression and anxiety. Jaksa says that these conditions can worsen or cause symptoms of ADHD. He adds that chronic anxiety and frustration resulting from poor performance can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss. "Getting diagnosed will help them understand the root of their issues. This could help reduce or eliminate their worries and help them focus on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated by a combination of medication in conjunction with behavior therapy. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in organization. In many cases they can improve mood and increase motivation. Some of the side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulties drinking or eating enough. Also, mood swings can occur in some people who take stimulants for ADHD and they are often difficult to manage.
Talk to your health care provider about whether you're an ideal candidate for clinical trials of novel treatments or drugs. 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 various problems in all areas of your life. Your relationships, work and financial health can be negatively affected by procrastination or poor time management, excessive spending and other symptoms. The first step to reducing the negative effects and getting control back is to obtain diagnosed and seek treatment.
Many adults 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 were not spotted. Certain adults may have been able manage their symptoms in childhood, but were unable to manage these issues in adulthood due the increased demands of work and family.
To diagnose ADHD Mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms cause significant impairment in two areas of your everyday life. The impairment could result in losing your job because of a lack of focus and organization skills or being put on academic probation in college due to inability to learn for tests.
Women are more adept at avoiding symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive a diagnosis. If you have ADHD symptoms that affect your life at work or at home you can accelerate the process of diagnosis by being open with your doctor. You may also be able to get reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.
No matter what type of ADHD you have, your mental health professional will want to determine if your symptoms began prior to age 12. They may ask to talk to people who were close to you at the time, and they may also administer a series tests to test your attention and memory.
After you are given the diagnosis the therapist will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication treatments to manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test various treatments before settling on the most effective one. It is recommended to keep a journal of your progress and check in with your doctor regularly so they can help adjust your treatment plan when needed.