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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who have difficulty in their personal or professional lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A thorough assessment is required to make a diagnosis. This includes analyzing the school records and filling out questionnaires that are completed by caregivers and teachers.
The majority of people with ADHD have symptoms from the age of three, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed with it as an adult. Visit NIMH for tips on talking with your health professional about the condition.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step to gain control over the symptoms that cause havoc on one's personal and professional lives. The first step is to speak with your GP or find a mental health professional with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP doesn't have any experience with ADHD, they may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment.
A mental health professional will usually employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you are suffering from the condition. Then, he or she will ask you questions about your symptoms, and examine your medical history and family background to ensure that any other conditions are not causing your symptoms of ADHD.
Because people with ADHD are more likely to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often have trouble following instructions or listening to lectures or at work. They are often unable to locate important items required for tasks or activities like keys, wallets and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused when listening to long speeches. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking excessively or squirming in their seats.
When determining whether someone has adult ADHD It is crucial to exclude other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, depression and substance abuse. Stress and physical issues like thyroid issues can 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 moderate, mild or severe.
Many people with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis in their childhood because it's not obvious. For adults, a diagnosis could be a life-changing event because they finally understand the reasons why they struggled at school and failed to reach their potential at work or at home. They might even feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on others or themselves, and they can experience grief over lost opportunities that could have been a reality when they were properly treated.
Treatment
The first step to receive treatment for ADHD as an adult is to consult a medical professional to get an assessment. This can be done in person or by video conference. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The professional will need to know your medical history as well as family mental health issues. This is due to the fact that a number of physical and emotional issues can cause symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD and need to be addressed before a diagnosis can be made.
The doctor will inquire about your job and lifestyle, as well as how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you showed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They might also interview people who knew you as a child and ask them about their experiences.
A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining if you require medications or other treatments. This is because some medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have an underlying history of depression or anxiety might require a more thorough assessment and treatment, as these conditions are often associated with ADHD.
If the professional believes you need 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 medications for ADHD. They are not suitable for all people and the first treatment you try might not work or cause unwanted side effects. Your doctor will be interested in knowing if you use any other medication that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, because certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is also an essential component of the treatment process for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of anger, disappointment and inadequacy that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can teach you how to manage your anger, as well as improve your time management and organizing skills.
It is crucial to find the services of a doctor who is specialized in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to see a specialist therapist or psychologist. These experts are likely to be more knowledgeable about the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have worked with other clients with similar struggles. You can search ADDitude or your local mental health service to find a professional who is working with adults who suffer from ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step in managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you're struggling to achieve your maximum potential in your work or in maintaining relationships, or experience difficulties completing your tasks at home and at work, an ADHD diagnosis might be just what you need.
ADHD treatment for adults begins with an extensive interview and a review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've experienced. The psychiatrist or psychologist 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.
uk diagnosis adhd who suffer from untreated ADHD frequently have coexisting disorders, like anxiety and depression. These disorders can trigger or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. Chronic stress and frustration over inadequate performance can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, he adds. "Getting an assessment will help them understand the causes of their struggles. This can help to reduce or eliminate their worries and help them focus more effectively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.
The best treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is usually a combination of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease impulse-driven behavior and aid in the process of organizing. In many instances these drugs can boost motivation and improve mood. People who take stimulants should be aware of the potential side effects, which include insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. Certain people who use stimulants to treat ADHD can have mood swings that could be difficult to manage.
Speak to your doctor about whether or not you are a candidate for clinical trials on new medications or treatments. These studies aid researchers in discovering more effective ways to diagnose, prevent or treat diseases.
Counseling
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD, it can cause various problems in all areas of your life. Your relationships, career and financial health can be negatively affected by procrastination, poor time management, excessive spending and other signs. Finding a doctor and seeking treatment is the first step to lessening the negative effects and regaining control of your life.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD did not receive a diagnosis as children, because their teachers and family were unaware of the disorder or they had minor symptoms that weren't noticed. Some adults might have been able to manage their symptoms as children but had difficulty with these issues in adulthood due increased work and family obligations.
To be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. In the event of impairment, it could result in losing your job because of lack of concentration and organizational skills, or being placed on academic probation at college due to the inability to learn for tests.
Women are generally better at hiding their symptoms than men, which can make it more difficult to receive a diagnosis. If you suffer from ADHD symptoms that impact your work or home life, you can accelerate the process of diagnosis by being open with your doctor. You might also be able to get reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional regardless of the kind of ADHD you suffer from will be looking to determine whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They may ask to talk to people who were close to you at the time, and they might conduct a series of tests to test your memory and attention.
After receiving a diagnosis, the specialist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different treatments before they find the one that works for them. It is recommended that you keep a journal of your progress and consult with your doctor regularly so they can help adjust your treatment plan as needed.