Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who have difficulty in their professional or personal lives can benefit from diagnosing ADHD. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination which may include a review of school records and questionnaires filled out by caregivers and teachers.
It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. NIMH offers tips on how to talk with your doctor about the disorder.
Diagnosis
It is important to get diagnosed with ADHD as you reach adulthood. This will help you manage the symptoms that can cause a lot of trouble in your professional and personal life. The first step is to talk with your GP or consult a mental health professional who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP doesn't have any experience with ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to either psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment.
A mental health professional will typically employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. The doctor will ask you questions about your ADHD-like symptoms and examine your medical and family history to confirm that other medical conditions aren't the cause of them.
Because people who suffer from ADHD have a tendency to overlook details and become easily distracted, they often have trouble following instructions or listening in class or on the job. They often lose important items required for tasks or activities like keys, wallets, and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting too much 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 issues such as thyroid issues can be a source of ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5, professionals are now required to consider the severity of an individual's symptoms when diagnosing them as having ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe.
Many people with ADHD go their whole lives without ever being diagnosed because it's not evident in the early years. A diagnosis can alter the course of a person's life, as they can now see why they struggled at school and didn't reach their maximum potential at work or home. They may feel guilty about blameing other people or themselves for their troubles, and they may be devastated by missed opportunities if they were properly treated.
Treatment
The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to see a medical professional for an assessment. This can be accomplished in person or via video call. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The specialist will want to know your medical history as well as your family's mental health issues. This is because there are many physical and mental conditions that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions must be eliminated in order to determine if you have ADHD.
The doctor will inquire about your job and lifestyle and how your symptoms impact your daily life. They will be especially interested in if you showed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They might also talk to those who were close to you as a child and ask them about their experiences.
A thorough medical history can aid the doctor in determining whether you need medications or other treatments. This is due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning, can trigger symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression will require evaluation and treated with greater care since these conditions can coexist.
If a doctor believes you require medication, he or she will prescribe the appropriate drug. The kind of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily routine. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. They aren't for all people and the first treatment you try might not work or cause unwanted side consequences. Your healthcare provider may ask whether you are taking other medications. This includes over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and prescription drugs. Certain kinds of drugs may interfere with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is a crucial element of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope better with feelings of anger, disappointment and inadequacy that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can also help you how to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management abilities.
If you have mental illness it is crucial to find a doctor who is specialized in this condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to see an expert psychologist or therapist. These experts are likely to be more familiar with the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have worked with others who have similar issues. You can use search engines like ADDitude or contact your local mental health clinic to find a professional who works with adults who have ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you are struggling to realize your full potential at work or in maintaining relationships, or have difficulty completing tasks at home then an ADHD diagnosis could be just what you require.
ADHD treatment for adults starts with an extensive interview and a review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychologist or psychiatrist will then 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 who suffer from untreated ADHD are often afflicted with disorders like anxiety and depression. These conditions can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. He also says that constant stress and frustration due to poor performance can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss. "Getting a diagnosis can help them get a better understanding of the root of their struggles which can help reduce 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 a combination of therapy and medication. Stimulants improve concentration, reduce impulse-driven behavior and aid in the process of organizing. In many cases these drugs can boost motivation and improve mood. Side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulties drinking enough or eating well. The mood swings can also happen in people who are taking stimulants to treat ADHD and they are often difficult to manage.
Talk to your doctor about whether or not you are eligible for clinical trials on new medications or treatments. These studies help researchers find more effective methods to prevent, diagnose or treat illnesses and conditions.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD can cause issues in all areas of your life. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis of procrastination, among others, can have a negative impact on your relationships and career as well as financial health. The first step to reduce the negative effects and regaining control is to get a diagnosis and seek treatment.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis as children because their family and teachers were unaware of the condition or they experienced mild symptoms that were not noticed. Some adults might be able to manage their symptoms as children, but were unable to manage them in adulthood due to the increased demands of work and family.
To determine if you have ADHD mental health professionals need to find that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your everyday life. Impaired can be losing your job due to a deficit in organization and focus, or being placed on academic probation at your college due to your inability to study for tests.
Women are better in hiding their symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your life at work or at home, you can accelerate the process of diagnosis by being upfront with your doctor. You might also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws.
Whatever type of ADHD you have the mental health professional will want to verify that your symptoms began prior to age 12. They may request that you talk with people who knew you during this period and could take a number of tests to determine your attention and memory levels.
After receiving a diagnosis, the doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication therapy to help manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test different treatments before they find the one that works best for them. It is recommended to keep a journal of your progress and speak with your doctor on a regular basis so they can help adjust your treatment program as needed.