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 filled out by teachers and caregivers.
Most people suffering from ADHD suffer from symptoms from childhood, and it is not uncommon to be diagnosed at an adult age. Visit NIMH for tips on talking to your doctor about the disorder.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step to gain control over the symptoms that can cause destruction on people's professional and personal lives. First, you should consult your GP or a mental health specialist who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor does not have any experience in treating ADHD, they may refer you to psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment.
A mental health professional would typically use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you are suffering from the condition. He or she will then interview you about the symptoms of ADHD and look over your medical history and family history to determine if other medical conditions aren't the cause of them.
People with ADHD tend to be easily distracted and forgetting important details. They may have trouble adhering to instructions in classes or at work. They frequently lose essential items required for tasks or activities such as wallets, keys and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking frequently or squirming around in the seat.
When determining whether someone has adult ADHD it is essential to eliminate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and substance abuse. Stress and physical issues like thyroid problems can also cause ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5, professionals are now required to take into consideration the severity of an individual's symptoms when diagnosing them as having ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed in childhood because it is not obvious. A diagnosis can change 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. Some may even feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on themselves or others and may experience regret over missed opportunities that could have been a reality if they had been properly treated.
Treatment
The first step to receive treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit a medical professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or through a video chat. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues within the family. This is because there are a variety of physical and mental conditions which can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions must be eliminated in order to make a diagnosis.
The professional will ask you about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms impact your daily life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you showed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They may also interview people who were close to you as when you were a child and ask them about their memories.
A thorough medical history can help your doctor decide if you need medication or any other treatment. Some medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, and lead poisoning, can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults who have an underlying 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 need medication, they will prescribe the right medication. The kind of medication you require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily routine. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. They aren't for all people and the first treatment you try might not be effective or cause undesirable side negative effects. Your doctor may inquire whether you are taking other medications. This includes over-the-counter medications, supplements, and prescription drugs. Certain types of drugs may interfere with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is a crucial component of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of failure, underachievement and frustration that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to manage your anger, improve your time management and organizational skills.
It is crucial to find an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental illnesses. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD. However it is recommended to seek out a specialist therapist. These specialists are likely to be more familiar with adult ADHD and the challenges they face, as well as having experience working with other clients. You can use search engines like ADDitude or visit your local mental health service to find a specialist who works with adults who have ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in managing your symptoms and improving life. If you've struggled to achieve your maximum potential at work, find it difficult to maintain relationships or have trouble finishing tasks at home and at work, a diagnosis of ADHD could be the solution you've been looking for.
The first step in treating ADHD for adults is an extensive medical history review, including your symptoms. The psychologist or psychiatrist determines if you meet the requirements for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which is 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 with untreated ADHD frequently have coexisting disorders, such as depression and anxiety. These disorders can cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. Stress and frustration from inadequate performance can cause feelings of self-doubt, he says. "Getting an assessment will help them get a better understanding of the root causes of their difficulties which can help alleviate or reduce some of their worries and allow them to concentrate more effectively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa says.
The best treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is usually the combination of therapy and medication. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in organization. These drugs can improve moods and boost motivation in many cases. People who take stimulants should be aware of the potential side effects, which include insomnia and trouble with drinking or eating enough. Certain people who use stimulants to treat ADHD might experience mood swings that can be difficult to manage.
Speak to your doctor about whether or not you're a candidate for clinical trials of new medications or treatments. These studies help researchers find better methods to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases and conditions.
Counseling
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to various problems in all areas of your life. Your career, relationships and financial health can be negatively affected by procrastination or poor time management, excessive spending and other symptoms. Finding a doctor and seeking treatment is the first step to reducing these negative impacts and regaining control of your life.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers were unaware of the disorder or because they displayed mild symptoms which were not noticed. Some might have been able to manage their symptoms as children but struggled later in life when their work and family responsibilities increased.
To determine ADHD mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two areas of your everyday life. Impairment can result in losing your job because of a lack of concentration and organizational skills, or being placed on academic probation at college due to inability to study for tests.
Women are more adept at avoiding their symptoms than men, which could make it more difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. If you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your life at work or at home you can accelerate the process of diagnosing by being honest with your doctor. You might also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws.
No matter what type of ADHD you suffer from, your mental health professional will want to determine if your symptoms were present prior to the age of 12. They may suggest that you speak to people who were close to you at this time, and they might also administer a series tests to assess your attention and memory.
When you receive an diagnosis your therapist will recommend the use of a combination of medication and non-medication treatments to manage your symptoms. The majority of patients will try a few different treatments before they find the best one. It is recommended that you keep a journal of your progress and check in with your doctor regularly so they can help you adjust your treatment program as needed.