Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult

Adults who are struggling with their personal or professional lives in any way, recognizing ADHD is a significant step in taking control. A diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation which may include a review of school records and questionnaires filled out by teachers and caregivers.

It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. See NIMH for tips on talking to your doctor about the disorder.

Diagnosis

It is essential to be diagnosed with ADHD as you reach adulthood. This will allow you to gain control over the symptoms that can cause havoc in your professional and personal life. First, you must consult your GP or a mental health specialist who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP does not have any experience with ADHD and is unable to help, they can recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment.

A mental health professional will typically employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you are suffering from the condition. Then, he will ask you questions about your symptoms and review your family history and medical history to confirm that any other conditions are not causing the symptoms of ADHD.

Since people who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they frequently struggle with following directions or listening during class or on the job. They tend to 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 speeches or reading assignments. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting too much or squirming in the seat.

In determining if someone suffers from adult ADHD, it is important to exclude other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, anxiety and addiction to drugs. Stress and certain physical conditions such as thyroid issues can also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to consider the severity of the symptoms a person's experiences are when diagnosing them with the disorder. Mild, moderate and severe are the classifications for adult ADHD.

Many people with ADHD have a lifelong struggle without ever receiving a diagnosis because it's not obvious during childhood. A diagnosis can change the course of an adult's life because they now understand why they struggled at school and never reached their full potential at work or home. Some may even feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on others or themselves and can feel sadness over the missed opportunities that could have been had when they were properly treated.

Treatment

The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to see the healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be accomplished in person or via video call. 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. Thison drugs. Certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.

Counseling is a crucial aspect of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with feelings of failure, underachievement and frustration that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn how to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management skills.

It is crucial to find a healthcare professional that specializes in mental illnesses. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to consult an expert psychologist or therapist. These experts are likely to be more familiar with the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have worked with other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can check with your local mental health services or with ADDitude's directory to find a professional who is working with adults suffering from ADHD.

Medication

A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you are struggling to reach your full potential at work or in maintaining relationships, or experience trouble completing tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis might be the answer you've been looking for.

ADHD treatment for adults starts with thorough interviews and a thorough review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've experienced. The psychiatrist or psychologist will then determine if American Psychiatric Association's add diagnostic criteria adults 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 who suffer from untreated ADHD are frequently co-morbid with other disorders, such as depression and anxiety. These disorders can trigger or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. He adds that chronic stress and frustration due to inadequate performance can trigger feelings of low-self-esteem. "Getting an assessment will help them gain a perspective on the reasons behind their struggles. This can help to reduce or eliminate their worries, and allow them to focus on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.

The most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is usually an amalgamation of therapy and medication. Stimulants can boost concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in organizing. In many instances these drugs can enhance motivation and mood. Some of the side effects of stimulants include sleepiness and having trouble eating or drinking enough. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD may have mood swings that could be difficult to manage.

Discuss with your health care provider regarding whether you are suitable for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or medications. These studies help researchers find more effective ways to prevent, diagnose or treat conditions and diseases.

Counseling

Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all aspects of your life. The effects of procrastination, among others, can affect your relationships and career as well as financial health. Finding a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step to reduce the negative impact and regaining control of your life.

Many adults diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis as children because their family and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or they had mild symptoms that were not noticed. Certain adults may be able to manage their symptoms as children, but struggled with them in adulthood due to increased work and family obligations.

In order to be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms are causing severe impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. In the event of an impairment, you could lose your job due to a deficit in focus and organization skills, or being placed on academic probation at college because you're unable to concentrate on your tests.

Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men, which may make it harder to receive a diagnosis. If you're struggling with adhd diagnosis uk 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 enable you to get reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.

Regardless of the type of ADHD you suffer from the mental health professional will want to verify that your symptoms began before age 12. They might ask you to talk to people who were close to you at the time, and they may also administer a series tests to test your memory and attention.

When you receive the diagnosis the therapist will suggest the use of a combination of medication and non-medication therapies to treat your symptoms. The majority of patients will try several different treatments before they find the best one. Keep a journal of your progress, and visit your physician regularly to alter your treatment plan as needed.