Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who have difficulty 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 completed by caregivers and teachers.
Most people suffering from ADHD have symptoms from childhood, and it is not unusual to be diagnosed in adulthood. NIMH provides suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about the condition.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step to gain control over symptoms that wreak havoc on a person's personal and professional lives. The first step is to talk with your GP or seek out an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor does not 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 have the condition. The doctor will ask you questions about your ADHD-like symptoms and look over your medical history and family history to determine if other conditions aren't contributing to them.
People with ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and can miss important details. They often have difficulty following directions in class or at work. They are often unable to locate important items required for tasks or activities such as wallets, keys, and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused when listening to or reading long speeches. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting excessively or squirming in the seat.
When determining whether a person has adult ADHD it is essential to exclude other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, depression and abuse of substances. Stress and physical ailments like thyroid problems can also be a source of ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5 professionals are now required to consider the severity of an individual's symptoms when determining if they are suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people suffering from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis in their childhood because it's not evident. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing experience because they can finally understand why they struggled in school and never seemed to reach their potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty for blameing other people or themselves for their struggles and could be grieved over missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly.
Treatment
The first step to receive treatment for ADHD as an adult is to see a medical professional to get an assessment. This can be done in person or via video call. 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 due to the fact that there are many mental and physical conditions which can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions must be ruled out to make a diagnosis.
The expert will inquire about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms affect your daily life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you displayed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years. They may also want to interview people who were close to you as a child and ask them about their experiences.
A detailed medical history can help your doctor decide whether you require medication or another treatment. This is because some medical conditions, including sleep apnea, thyroid issues and lead poisoning can cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults with an underlying history of depression or anxiety may need more careful evaluation and treatment, because these conditions are often associated with ADHD.
If a doctor believes you need medication, he or she will prescribe the appropriate drug. The kind of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your life. The most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They are not for all people and the first treatment you try might not be effective or cause undesirable adverse consequences. Your healthcare provider might ask whether you're taking any other medications. This includes prescription drugs or supplements as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is an important part of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal with feelings of failure, underachievement and frustration that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can teach you how to control your anger, improve your time management and organizational skills.
If you have mental illness it is essential to locate a doctor who is specialized in that condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However, you may prefer to seek out a specialist therapist. They are likely to be more familiar with adult ADHD and the challenges they face and also have experience working with other clients. You can check with your local mental health services or ADDitude's directory to find a professional who can assist adults with ADHD.
Medication
If you're an adult who has struggled with ADHD, getting a diagnosis is the first step towards addressing your symptoms and improving your life. If how to get an adhd diagnosis uk found it difficult to realize your full potential at work, find it difficult to maintain relationships or struggle to complete tasks at home, a diagnosis of ADHD could be the solution you've been looking for.
ADHD treatment for adults starts with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've experienced. The psychologist or psychiatrist will then determine if 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 who suffer from untreated ADHD often have coexisting disorders, including anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these disorders can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. A constant stress and anger over poor performance can also lead to feelings of low self-esteem he adds. "Getting an assessment will help them understand the root causes of their issues, which may reduce or alleviate some of their anxiety and allow them to focus more productively on the areas where they excel," Jaksa says.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated by a combination of medication in conjunction with behavior therapy. Stimulants can improve concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and aid in organizing. These medications can improve moods and boost motivation in many instances. Some of the side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD may experience mood swings that can be difficult for them to manage.
Talk to your health care provider regarding whether you are suitable for clinical trials of new treatments or medicines. These studies help researchers discover more effective ways to diagnose and treat or prevent diseases.
Counseling
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to many issues in every area of your life. Procrastination and other signs can negatively impact your relationships, career, and financial health. Finding a doctor 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 were not diagnosed when they were children because their parents and teachers were unaware of the disorder or they had minor symptoms that were not noticed. Some adults might have been able manage their symptoms as children, but struggled with these issues in adulthood due increased work and family obligations.
To determine ADHD Mental health professionals need to find that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your daily life. Impaired can be losing your job due to a lack in focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at college because you are unable to study for tests.
Women are better at hiding symptoms than men. This makes it harder for women to be diagnosed. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that impact your work or home life, you can accelerate the process of diagnosing by being honest with your doctor. You may also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional regardless of the kind of ADHD you have, will want to know whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They may ask to speak with people who were close to you at the time, and they might conduct a series of tests to measure your memory and attention.
If you're given the diagnosis your therapist will recommend a combination of medications and non-medication treatments to manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different methods before they discover the one that works best for them. It is recommended that you keep a diary of your progress and check in with your doctor on a regular basis so they can help you adjust your treatment program when needed.