13 Things About How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD You May Not Have Considered
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 evaluation which may include a review of school records and questionnaires filled out by parents and teachers.
Most people with ADHD suffer from symptoms since the age of five, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed with it as an adult. Visit NIMH for advice on how to talk to your health care provider about the condition.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step in gaining control over the symptoms that can cause havoc on one's personal and professional lives. The first step is to talk to your GP or seek out a mental health professional who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. If your doctor does not have any experience with ADHD or other disorders, they could recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment.
A mental health professional would typically use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you have the condition. The doctor will interview you about your ADHD-like symptoms and examine your medical history and family history to determine if other conditions aren't contributing to them.
People suffering from ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and can miss crucial details. They have a difficult time following instructions in class or at work. They often lose things that are essential for their work or activities, such as tools, wallets, keys and wallets. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long lectures or reading assignments. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting or squirming are other signs of adult ADHD.
It is crucial to rule out other medical conditions in determining if a person has adult ADHD. This includes depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Stress and certain physical conditions like thyroid issues could be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. The DSM-5 now requires professionals to assess how severe a person's symptoms are before identifying them with the disorder. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
diagnosing adhd in adults suffering from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis in childhood, because it's not evident. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing event because they finally understand why they struggled in school and could not attain their full potential at work or at home. They might even feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on others or themselves and may experience regret over missed opportunities that could have been achieved if they had been properly treated.
Treatment
The first step to receive treatment for ADHD as an adult is to see the healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be conducted in person or by video calls. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The professional will ask about your medical history, which includes mental health issues in the family. This is because there are a variety of physical and mental conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions must be eliminated in order to establish a diagnosis.
The doctor will also inquire about your lifestyle and work, and how your symptoms influence your 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 speak with people who were close to you as a child and ask them about their experiences.
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 with a history of anxiety or depression might require more careful assessment and treatment, as these conditions are often associated with ADHD.
If the professional believes you need medication, they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The kind of medication you require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your life. Stimulants, which are the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. However, they're not right for everyone and the first one you try may not be effective or trigger uncomfortable adverse effects. Your healthcare provider may ask if you are taking any other medication. This includes over-the-counter drugs or supplements as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of drugs may interfere with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is an essential aspect of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal better with feelings of frustration and failure that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn how to manage your anger and improve your time management and organization abilities.
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. However it is recommended to seek out a specialist therapist. These specialists are likely to be more familiar with adult ADHD and their challenges and also have experience working with other clients. You can search ADDitude or your local mental health services to find a professional that assists adults with ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you've been unable 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 solution you've been seeking.
The first step in treating ADHD in adults is an extensive medical history review, including your symptoms. The psychiatrist or psychologist will then determine if American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for ADHD apply 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 are often co-morbid with disorders such as anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these conditions can worsen or cause symptoms of ADHD. A constant stress and anger over the lack of performance can cause feelings of self-doubt, Jaksa says. "Getting diagnosed can help these individuals get a better understanding of the root of their issues. This may reduce or eliminate their worries, and allow them to focus more effectively on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated by a combination of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants improve concentration, reduce impulse-driven behavior and aid in the process of organizing. In many cases, these medications can also boost motivation and improve mood. Some of the side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulty drinking enough or eating well. Also, mood swings can occur in people who are taking stimulants to treat ADHD and they can be difficult to manage.
Talk to your doctor about whether you are a good candidate for clinical trials of new treatments or drugs. These studies assist researchers in finding more effective methods to detect and treat or prevent diseases.
Counseling
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD it could cause a variety of problems in all areas of your life. Procrastination and other signs can have a negative impact on your relationships, career, and financial health. Getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step towards lessening the negative effects and regaining control over your life.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or because they had mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Some may have had the ability to manage their symptoms during childhood, but struggled later in life as their family and work obligations increased.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms are causing severe impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. The impairment could result in losing your job due to of a lack of concentration and organizational skills, or being placed on academic probation in college due to your inability to study for tests.
Women are better in hiding their symptoms than men. This makes it harder for them to receive a diagnosis. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that affect your life at work and at home speaking up with your doctor can help accelerate the process and allow you to take advantage of reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.
Regardless of the type of ADHD you suffer from, your mental health professional will want to determine if your symptoms began prior to age 12. They may suggest that you talk to people who were close to you at this time, and they may also conduct a series of tests to measure your memory and attention.
After you are given an diagnosis the therapist will suggest a combination of medications and non-medication treatments to treat your symptoms. The majority of patients will try various treatments before settling on the most effective one. Keep a record of your progress and make sure to consult your doctor regularly to adjust your treatment plan if needed.