Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who are struggling in their professional or personal lives can benefit from diagnosing ADHD. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment which may include a review of school records and questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers.
Most people with ADHD suffer from symptoms since the age of five, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed with it as an adult. NIMH provides guidelines on how to talk with your doctor about the condition.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step to gain control over the symptoms that cause destruction on people's professional and personal lives. The first step is to talk with your GP or consult a mental health professional who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP does not have any experience in treating ADHD, they may refer you to either psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment.
A mental health professional will typically employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. Then, the doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, and examine your family history and medical history to make sure that other medical conditions are not causing the symptoms of ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD tend to be easily distracted and can miss crucial details. They may have trouble adhering to instructions in classes or at work. They frequently lose essential items needed for their tasks such as keys, wallets, and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused while listening to or reading long speeches. Fidgeting, excessive talk or texting or squirming are other signs of adult ADHD.
It is important to rule out other medical conditions in determining if a person has adult ADHD. This includes depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Stress and other physical ailments like thyroid problems can also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. In the DSM-5 professionals are required to consider the severity of a person's symptoms when determining if they are suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed in childhood because it is not evident. A diagnosis can change the course of an adult's life because they now understand why they struggled at school and didn't reach their full potential at work or home. They might even feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on others or themselves and can feel sadness over the 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 visit the healthcare professional to get an assessment. This can be conducted in person or by video call. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The professional will want to know your medical history as well as family mental health issues. This is because many physical and emotional conditions can cause symptoms similar to those that occur in ADHD and must be addressed before an assessment can be made.
The professional will ask you about your lifestyle and work as well as how your symptoms affect your daily life. They will be particularly interested in whether you displayed signs of ADHD before the age of 12 years old. adhd diagnosis uk adults 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 aid the doctor in determining if you need medication or other treatments. 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, as these conditions often coexist.
If a medical professional believes you require medication, they will prescribe the appropriate medication. The kind of medication you require is determined by your symptoms and how they affect your life. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. However, they are not for everyone and the first one you try may not be effective or have bothersome adverse side effects. Your healthcare provider will be interested in knowing if you use any other medication such as over-the-counter medications and supplements, since certain kinds of drugs may interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is also an essential element of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of disappointment frustration, underachievement, and anger that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, and improve your time management and organizational abilities.
It's important to seek out an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental disorders. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However it is recommended to consult a specialist therapist. These experts are likely to be more familiar with the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have had experience in helping other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can use search engines like ADDitude or contact 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 enhancing your life. If you've found it difficult to realize your full potential at work, have found it difficult to maintain relationships, or have trouble finishing tasks at home and at work, a diagnosis of ADHD could be the answer you have been seeking.
The first step to treat ADHD in adults is thorough medical history review, including your symptoms. The psychologist or psychiatrist will determine if the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for ADHD are applicable to you. 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 often have coexisting disorders, such as depression and anxiety. These disorders can trigger or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. Stress and frustration from poor performance can also lead to feelings of low self-esteem he adds. "Getting an assessment will help them understand the causes of their struggles. This could help reduce or eliminate their anxieties, and allow them to focus more effectively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with a combination of medications along with behavior therapy. Stimulants can improve concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and aid in achieving organization. In many cases these drugs can improve mood and increase motivation. Side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. People who take stimulants to treat ADHD may have mood swings that could be difficult for them to manage.
Consult your physician about whether or not you're eligible for clinical trials on new medications or treatments. These studies help researchers find better methods to prevent, diagnose, or treat conditions and diseases.
Counseling
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to a variety of problems throughout your life. Your career, relationships and financial health may be negatively impacted by procrastination, poor time management, impulsive spending, and other signs. Finding a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step in lessening the negative effects and regaining control of your life.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers were not aware of the condition or they showed mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Certain adults may have been able to manage their symptoms as children but were unable to manage these issues in adulthood due the increased demands of work and family.
To be diagnosed as having ADHD, mental health professionals must find that your symptoms are causing severe impairment in at least two aspects of your life. In the event of an impairment, you could lose your job due to a lack in focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at college due to your inability 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. If, however, you are suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your life at work and at home, being forthright about them with your doctor can help speed up the process and let you get reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws.
Regardless of the type of ADHD you have, your mental health professional will want to determine if your symptoms began before age 12. They may ask you to talk with people who were around you during this time and may also conduct a series of tests to determine your memory and attention levels.
If you're given an diagnosis your therapist will recommend the use of a combination of medication and non-medical treatments to manage your symptoms. The majority of patients will try various treatments before they find the best one. Keep a journal of your progress, and make sure to consult your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as necessary.