Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who find themselves struggling with their personal or professional lives in any way, recognizing ADHD could be a crucial step in getting control. A diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation which may include a review of school records and questionnaires filled out by teachers and caregivers.
Most people suffering from ADHD live with symptoms from the age of five, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed with it at an adult age. See NIMH for tips on talking to your doctor regarding the disorder.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step in gaining control over symptoms that wreak havoc on a person's personal and professional lives. First, you should consult your GP or a mental health specialist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. If your GP does not have any knowledge of ADHD and is unable to help, they can refer you to psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment.
Typically, a mental health professional will employ an eight-question ADHD screener to determine whether you are susceptible to the condition, says Adler. Then, the doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and look at your family history and medical history to confirm that there are no other conditions not causing your ADHD-like symptoms.
Since people with ADHD have a tendency to miss details and get easily distracted, they frequently have trouble following instructions or listening to lectures or on the job. They frequently lose essential items needed for their tasks such as keys, wallets, and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking excessively or squirming in the seat.
When determining whether a person has adult ADHD, it is important to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, anxiety and abuse of substances. Stress and certain physical conditions like thyroid problems can 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 the disorder. Mild moderate, severe, and mild are the classifications for adult ADHD.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed in childhood, because it's not obvious. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing revelation as they realize why they struggled in school and failed to reach their potential at work or at home. They might feel guilty about being blamed for their troubles and may also be resentful over missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly.
Treatment
The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit a medical professional to have an assessment. This can be accomplished in person or via video calls. In the UK only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues in the family. This is due to the fact that a number of emotional and physical conditions can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD, and these must be eliminated before an assessment can be made.
The expert will inquire about your lifestyle and work and how your symptoms affect your daily life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you had symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They might also interview people who were close to you in childhood and ask about their experiences.
A thorough medical history can aid your doctor in determining if you need medication or any other treatment. Certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning, can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults with an underlying history of depression or anxiety might require a more thorough evaluation and treatment because these conditions are often associated with ADHD.
If a medical professional believes that you require medication, they will prescribe a suitable drug. The type of medication you require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your daily routine. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. However, they're not right for everyone and the first one you try might not be effective or cause unpleasant adverse side effects. Your healthcare provider might ask whether you're taking any other medications. This includes over-the-counter medications, supplements, and prescription drugs. Certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is an essential part of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of failure, underachievement and frustration that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can teach you how to control your anger, and improve your time management and organizing skills.
It's important to seek out an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental illnesses. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to consult an expert psychologist or therapist. These professionals will likely be more familiar with adults with ADHD and their struggles and also have experience working with other clients. You can search ADDitude or your local mental health services to find a professional who works with adults who have ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step in managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've struggled to reach your maximum potential at work, are finding it difficult to maintain relationships or struggle to complete tasks at home, a diagnosis of ADHD could be the answer you have been searching for.
The first step to treat ADHD for adults is thorough medical history review, including your symptoms. The psychiatrist or psychologist determines if you meet the criteria 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, like anxiety and depression. These conditions can cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. Stress and frustration from poor performance can also cause feelings of low self-esteem he says. "Getting an assessment can help them understand the root causes of their struggles, which may reduce or eliminate some of their anxieties and allow them to focus more productively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa says.
The most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is usually an amalgamation of therapy and medication. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in the process of organizing. In many instances, these medications can also enhance motivation and mood. People who take stimulants should be aware of potential side effects, which include problems with sleeping and drinking or eating enough. The mood swings can also happen in those who take stimulants to treat ADHD and they can be difficult to manage.
Discuss with your doctor about whether you are an ideal candidate for clinical trials of novel treatments or medications. These studies help researchers find more effective ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases and conditions.
Counseling
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to a variety of problems in all areas of your life. Your career, relationships and financial health may be negatively affected by procrastination and poor time management, impulsive spending, and other signs. The first step in reducing the negative effects and getting control back is to obtain an assessment and seek treatment.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers were unaware of the disorder or because they had mild symptoms that weren't noticed. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis may have been able manage their symptoms as children, but had difficulty with these issues in adulthood due the increased demands of work and family.
To determine ADHD Mental health professionals must find that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your daily life. Impairment can result in losing your job because of lack of focus and organizational skills or being put on academic probation in college due to the inability to study for tests.
Women are more adept at avoiding their symptoms than men, which could make it difficult to receive a diagnosis. If you have ADHD symptoms that impact your life at work or at home, you can speed up the diagnosis process by being open with your doctor. You may also be able to get reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD you have will be interested in knowing if your symptoms began before the age of 12. They may request that you talk to people who were around you during this period and could take a number of tests to evaluate your attention and memory abilities.
After receiving an diagnosis, your specialist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. A majority of patients will try a variety of different treatments before they find the one that works for them. It is suggested that you keep track of your progress and check in with your doctor regularly so they can assist in adjusting your treatment program according to your needs.