Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who are struggling with their personal or professional lives and are unable to resolve the issue, identifying ADHD could be a crucial step in taking control. A diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation which may include a review of school records and questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers.
Most people suffering from ADHD suffer from symptoms from the age of three, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed with it as an adult. NIMH has suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about the condition.
Diagnosis
It is important to get diagnosed with ADHD as you reach adulthood. This will allow you to manage the symptoms that can cause chaos in your professional and personal life. The first step is to talk to your GP or find an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment.
A mental health professional will usually use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. They will interview you about your symptoms that are similar to ADHD and review your medical history and family history to determine if other medical conditions aren't the cause of them.
Because people who suffer from ADHD have a tendency to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they frequently struggle with following directions or listening in class or on the job. They are more likely to lose items necessary for tasks or activities, such as tools, wallets, and keys. They may also have difficulty staying focused while listening to long speeches. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting excessively or squirming in their seats.
It is essential to rule out other conditions in determining if a person has adult ADHD. This includes depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical ailments such as thyroid issues can be a source of ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5, professionals are now required to consider the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them with ADHD. Mild, moderate and severe are the three categories for adults with ADHD.
Many people with ADHD live their entire lives without ever getting a diagnosis because it's not evident in the early years. A diagnosis can change the course of an adult's life because they now understand the reasons why they struggled in school and failed to reach their maximum potential at work or home. They may feel guilty about blameing other people or themselves for their struggles and may also be grieved 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 consult the healthcare professional to get an assessment. This can be done either in person or via video conference. In the UK only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will want to know your medical history and your family's mental health issues. This is because a variety of physical and emotional conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD and need to be addressed before the diagnosis can be made.
The doctor will inquire about your lifestyle and work and how your symptoms impact your life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you displayed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They may also speak with those who were close to you as when you were a child and ask them about their experiences.
A thorough medical history can help your doctor decide whether you require medication or any other treatment. This is because certain medical conditions, including sleep apnea, thyroid issues and lead poisoning, can trigger symptoms of ADHD. Adults with an underlying history of depression or anxiety might require more careful assessment and treatment, as these conditions can be co-existing with ADHD.
If a doctor believes that you need medication, they will prescribe a suitable medication. The kind of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. Stimulants, which are the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. However, they are not for everyone and the first stimulant you try might not be effective or trigger uncomfortable side effects. Your healthcare provider might ask whether you are taking other medications. This includes over-the-counter medications, supplements, and prescription drugs. Certain kinds of medications can interfere with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is a crucial component of the treatment process for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with feelings of failure frustration, underachievement, and anger that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also teach you how to manage your anger as well as improve your time management and organization skills.
If you have an illness of the mind it is essential to locate a healthcare professional who specializes in this condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to see psychologists or specialist therapists. They are likely to have more experience with adult ADHD and their struggles and also have experience working with other clients. You can inquire with your local mental health services or ADDitude's directory to find a professional who can assist adults with 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 in the workplace or have trouble maintaining relationships, or are having difficulties completing your tasks at home and at work, an ADHD diagnosis might be just what you need.
ADHD treatment for adults begins with thorough interviews and a thorough review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've experienced. 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 who suffer from untreated ADHD frequently have coexisting disorders, including anxiety and depression. Jaksa states that these disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. He also says that constant anxiety and frustration resulting from poor performance can lead to feelings of low-self-esteem. "Getting a diagnosis will help them understand the root of their issues and may help to reduce or reduce some of their worries and allow them to concentrate more on areas in which they excel," Jaksa says.
The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is typically the combination of behavior therapy and medication. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in organizing. These medications can improve moods and increase motivation in many instances. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of possible negative effects, which could include insomnia and trouble with drinking or eating enough. Also, mood swings can occur in those who take stimulants for ADHD, and these are often difficult to manage.
Consult your physician about whether or not you are a candidate for clinical trials of new medications or treatments. These studies aid researchers in finding better methods to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases and conditions.
Counseling
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD it could cause various problems in every area of your life. Your career, relationships and financial health may be negatively impacted by procrastination or poor time management, impulsive spending and other symptoms. Getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step to reducing these negative impacts and regaining control of your life.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis as children because their parents and teachers were unaware of the condition or they had minor symptoms that weren't noticed. Certain adults may have been able manage their symptoms in childhood, but struggled with these issues in adulthood due the increased demands of work and family.
In order to be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two areas of your life. The effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a lack in organization and focus or being placed on academic probation at college because you are unable to concentrate on your tests.
Women are better in hiding their symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive a diagnosis. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that are affecting your life at work and at home and family life, speaking openly about them with your doctor will help accelerate the process and allow you to benefit from reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional, regardless of the type of ADHD that you have will want to know the time when your symptoms began. the age of 12. They may ask to talk to people who were close to you at this time, and may conduct a series of tests to measure your memory and attention.
After receiving an diagnosis, your therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different treatments before finding the right one. Keep a log of your progress and visit your doctor regularly to adjust your treatment plan as needed.