Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who are struggling in their professional or personal lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers.
The majority of people with ADHD live with symptoms from childhood, and it is not unusual to be diagnosed with it as an adult. Check out NIMH for suggestions on talking to your health care provider regarding the disorder.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to be diagnosed with ADHD as you reach adulthood. This will help you manage the symptoms that can cause chaos in your personal and professional life. First, you must consult your GP or a mental health specialist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD and/or ADHD, they could refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for assessment.
A mental health professional will typically use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. The doctor will interview you about your ADHD-like symptoms and examine your medical and family history to confirm that other conditions aren't causing them.
Because people with ADHD are more likely to overlook details and become easily distracted, they often have difficulty following instructions or listening during class or at work. They frequently lose essential items for tasks or activities like keys, wallets and other tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused when they are reading long speeches or assignments. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting, or squirming, are other signs of adult ADHD.
It is crucial to rule out other conditions when determining if someone has adult ADHD. These include anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Stress and certain physical conditions like thyroid issues could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. The DSM-5 now requires professionals to consider the severity of a person's symptoms are when determining if they have diagnosed him or her with the condition. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis in childhood because it is not readily apparent. A diagnosis can change the course of an adult's life because they now understand why they struggled at school and never reached their full potential at work or at 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 a reality in the event that they had been properly treated.
Treatment
The first step to receive treatment for ADHD as an adult is to consult a medical professional to have an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video conference. In the UK only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will need to know your medical history and family mental health issues. This is because a variety of physical and emotional issues can trigger symptoms similar to those that occur in ADHD and need to be ruled out before a diagnosis can be made.
The professional will ask you about your lifestyle and work, as well as how your symptoms impact your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you had signs of ADHD before the age of 12. They might also interview people who were close to you as a child and ask about their memories.
A thorough medical history can help your doctor decide whether you require medication or another treatment. Some medical conditions such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults with a history depression or anxiety will need to be evaluated and treated with greater care since these conditions can are in synergy.
If the professional believes you need medication they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The type of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. However, they are not suitable for everyone and the first one you try may not be effective or cause bothersome adverse side effects. Your healthcare provider may ask if you are taking any other medication. This includes prescription drugs, supplements, and prescription drugs. Certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is an essential aspect of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of disappointment or underachievement that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn to manage your anger and improve your time management and organization skills.
It's important to seek out the services of a doctor who is specialized in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to see a specialist therapist or psychologist. These specialists are likely to be more familiar with adult ADHD and their challenges, as well as having worked with other clients. You can check with your local mental health service or ADDitude's directory to find a specialist who is working with adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If you are an adult who has struggled with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, getting a diagnosis is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you're struggling to realize your maximum potential in your work or in maintaining relationships, or have trouble completing tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis might be just what you need.
The first step to treat ADHD for adults is thorough medical history review, including your symptoms. 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 are often afflicted with disorders such as anxiety and depression. Jaksa states that these disorders can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. He says that stress and frustration due to poor performance can lead to feelings of low self-esteem. "Getting an assessment will help them understand the reasons behind their struggles. This may reduce or eliminate their anxieties and help them concentrate more productively on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.
The most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is typically an amalgamation of behavior therapy and medication. Stimulants can boost concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in organizing. In many instances they can enhance motivation and mood. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of potential negative effects, which could include problems with sleeping and eating or drinking enough. The mood swings can also happen in those who take stimulants for ADHD, and these can be difficult to manage.
Talk to your health care provider regarding whether you're an ideal candidate for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or medicines. These studies aid researchers in finding more effective methods to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases and conditions.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD can cause issues in all areas of your life. Your relationships, career and financial health can be negatively impacted by procrastination or poor time management, impulsive spending and other symptoms. Finding a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step towards lessening the negative effects and regaining control over your life.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis as children because their parents and teachers were unaware of the disorder or they had mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Some might have managed their symptoms in childhood but struggled as they grew older as their family and work obligations increased.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, mental health professionals must discover that your symptoms are causing severe impairment in at least two areas of your life. The effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a lack in focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at college because you're unable to study for tests.
Women are generally better at hiding their symptoms than men, which may make it harder for them to get a diagnosis. If you have ADHD symptoms that affect your work or home life, you can accelerate the process of diagnosing by being honest with your doctor. iampsychiatry.uk might also be eligible for reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws.
Whatever type of ADHD you suffer from, your mental health professional will want to determine if your symptoms began before age 12. They might ask you to speak to people who knew you at this time and may also take a number of tests to evaluate your memory and attention levels.
After receiving an assessment, the specialist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. The majority of patients will try 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 regularly so they can help you adjust your treatment program according to your needs.