Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who are struggling with their personal or professional lives, diagnosing ADHD can be a significant step in getting control. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers.
It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. NIMH provides suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about the condition.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step towards gaining control over symptoms that wreak havoc on one's professional and personal lives. The first step is to talk to your GP or seek out a mental health professional who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP is unfamiliar with ADHD, he or she might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for assessment.
A mental health professional will usually use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you have the condition. They will interview you about your ADHD-like symptoms and review your medical history and family history to ensure that other medical conditions aren't the cause of them.
People suffering from ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and can miss crucial details. They have a difficult time following directions in class or at work. They often lose things essential to their tasks or activities, such as tools, wallets, keys and wallets. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long lectures or reading assignments. Fidgeting, over-talking or texting, or squirming, are other symptoms of adult ADHD.
When determining whether a person has adult ADHD it is essential to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and abuse of substances. Stress and other physical ailments such as thyroid issues can be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. The DSM-5 now requires doctors to consider how severe a person's symptoms are before identifying them with the condition. Mild, moderate and severe are the categories used to describe adult ADHD.
Many people suffering from ADHD go their whole lives without ever receiving a diagnosis because it is not apparent in the early years. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing experience because they can finally understand the reasons why they struggled at school and never seemed to reach their potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty for blaming others or themselves for their struggles, and they may be devastated by missed opportunities when they were treated with respect.
Treatment
The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit a healthcare professional to have an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video conference. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The specialist will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues within the family. This is due to the fact that there are a variety of mental and physical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions must be eliminated in order to establish a diagnosis.
The professional will also ask about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms impact your daily life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you had signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years. They may also interview those who were close to you as a child and ask them about their memories.
A thorough medical history will help your doctor decide whether you require medication or any other treatment. Some medical conditions such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning, can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults with a history anxiety or depression need to be evaluated and treated more carefully because these conditions frequently coexist.
If a medical professional believes you need medication, he or she will prescribe the appropriate medication. The kind of medication you require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your daily routine. Stimulants, which are the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. However, they're not for everyone, and the first one you try might not be effective or have uncomfortable adverse effects. Your healthcare provider may ask if you are taking any other medication. This includes over-the-counter drugs or supplements as well as prescription drugs. Certain types of drugs can interfere with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is an important component of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of disappointment frustration, underachievement, and anger that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, as well as improve your time management and organization abilities.
It is essential to find an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to consult an expert psychologist or therapist. adhd diagnosis uk adults will likely be more familiar with adult ADHD and their challenges as well as having previous experience working with clients. You can search ADDitude or your local mental health service to find a specialist who assists adults with ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step to managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you've been unable to realize your maximum potential at work, have found it difficult to maintain relationships, or have trouble finishing tasks at home, a diagnosis of ADHD might be the answer you have been searching for.
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 psychiatrist or psychologist determines if you satisfy the requirements 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 suffer from untreated ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, like anxiety and depression. These disorders can trigger or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. Stress and frustration from the lack of performance can result in feelings of low self-esteem, Jaksa says. "Getting an assessment will help them understand the root of their issues. This may alleviate or eliminate their anxiety and help them focus more effectively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.
The best treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is typically an amalgamation of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants can boost concentration, decrease 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 difficulties eating or drinking enough. The mood swings can also happen in people who are taking stimulants to treat ADHD, and these can be difficult to manage.
Consult your physician about whether or not you're an eligible participant in clinical trials of new medications or treatments. These studies assist researchers in finding more effective methods to detect, prevent or treat diseases.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD can lead to issues in all areas of your life. Procrastination and other signs can negatively impact your relationships, career, and financial health. Getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step towards reduce the negative impact 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 weren't aware of the condition or they had mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Some may have been able to manage their symptoms during childhood, but struggled in adulthood when their family and work responsibilities increased.
To determine if you have ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two areas of your everyday life. In the event of impairment, it could result in losing your job due to of a lack of focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation in college due to your inability to learn for tests.
Women are more adept at avoiding their symptoms than men, which may make it more difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. If you suffer from ADHD symptoms that impact your work or home life you can accelerate the process of diagnosing by being upfront with your doctor. You might also be eligible for reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.
Whatever kind of ADHD you suffer from the mental health professional will want to verify that your symptoms began prior to age 12. They may request that you speak to people who knew you at this time and may also conduct a series of tests to evaluate your memory and attention levels.
After receiving an assessment, the doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. A majority of patients will try a variety of different therapies before they can find the one that is most effective for them. Keep a record of your progress, and consult your physician regularly to alter your treatment plan as needed.