Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who are struggling with their personal or professional lives, diagnosing ADHD is a significant step in taking control. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment, often including reviews of school records and questionnaires filled out by parents and teachers.
Most people with ADHD have symptoms since the age of three, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed as an adult. Check out NIMH for advice on how to talk to your health care provider regarding the disorder.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step in gaining control over the symptoms that cause havoc on one's professional and personal lives. The first step is to speak with your GP or seek out a mental health professional with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP is unfamiliar with ADHD, he or she may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for assessment.
A mental health professional would typically use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you are suffering from the condition. They will interview you about the symptoms of ADHD and look over your medical and family history to confirm that other conditions aren't causing them.
People with ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and forgetting important details. They often have difficulty adhering to instructions in classes or at work. They are often unable to locate important items required for tasks or activities like keys, wallets and other tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused while listening to long speeches. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting excessively or squirming in their seats.
It is essential to rule out other medical conditions when determining whether someone suffers from adult ADHD. These include depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical issues such as thyroid issues can mimic ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 now requires professionals to consider how severe a person's symptoms are before identifying them with the condition. Mild, moderate and severe are the classifications for adult ADHD.
Many people who suffer from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis in childhood because it is not evident. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing experience because they finally understand the reason why they struggled in school and failed to reach their potential at work or at home. Some may even feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on themselves or others, and they can experience grief over lost opportunities that could have been achieved when they were 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 chat. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, which includes mental health issues in the family. This is because many physical and emotional issues can trigger symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD and need to be ruled out before the diagnosis is made.
The professional will also ask about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you had symptoms of ADHD before the age of 12 years old. They might also interview people who knew you in childhood and ask about their experiences.
A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining whether you require medications or other treatments. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, and lead poisoning, can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults who have an history of depression or anxiety might require more careful evaluation and treatment, because these conditions can be co-existing 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 how they interfere with your daily routine. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. However, they are not for everyone, and the first one you try might not be effective or have bothersome side effects. Your doctor will be interested in knowing if you take any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, since certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is a crucial element of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of anger, disappointment and inadequacy that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to manage your anger, as well as improve your time management and organizing skills.
If you suffer from an illness of the mind it is crucial to find a doctor who is specialized in this condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to consult psychologists or specialist therapists. These professionals will likely be more familiar with adults with ADHD and their challenges and also have worked with other clients. You can check with your local mental health clinic or ADDitude's directory to find a professional who is working with adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If you are an adult who has been struggling with ADHD, getting a diagnosis is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you are struggling to achieve your full potential in the workplace, have difficulty maintaining relationships, or experience difficulty completing tasks at home and at work, an ADHD diagnosis may be just what you need.
The first step to treat ADHD for adults is a thorough medical history, including your symptoms. The psychologist or psychiatrist will then 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 are frequently co-morbid with other disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Jaksa states that these disorders can worsen or cause symptoms of ADHD. Stress and frustration from poor performance can also result in feelings of low self-esteem he says. "Getting a diagnosis can help these individuals understand the root of their issues, which may reduce or alleviate some of their anxiety and help them concentrate more effectively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa says.
The best treatment for adults with ADHD is usually an amalgamation of behavior therapy and medication. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and aid in achieving organization. These drugs can improve moods and boost motivation in a variety of cases. Some of the side effects of stimulants include sleepiness and having trouble drinking or eating enough. Mood swings can also occur in those who take stimulants for ADHD and they are often difficult to manage.
Talk to diagnosing adhd whether or not you're an eligible participant in clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies aid researchers in discovering better ways to diagnose and treat illnesses, as well as prevent them from occurring.
Counseling
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD, it can cause many issues in all areas of your life. Your relationships, career and financial health could be negatively impacted by procrastination or poor time management, impulsive spending, and other symptoms. Getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step in reduce the negative impact and regaining control over your life.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children, either because their family and teachers were not aware of the condition or they had mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Certain adults may be able to manage their symptoms as children, but struggled with these issues in adulthood due increasing family and work obligations.
To determine ADHD mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your daily life. In the event of impairment, it could result in losing your job due to of a lack of focus and organization skills or being put on academic probation in college due to the inability to study for tests.
Women are better in hiding their symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If you have ADHD symptoms that impact your life at work or at home you can accelerate the process of diagnosing by being upfront with your doctor. You might also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.
Regardless of the type of ADHD you have the mental health professional will want to see that your symptoms were present prior to the age of 12. They may ask to speak with people who were close to you at this time, and may also conduct a series of tests to assess 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 manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different treatments before they find the one that works for them. It is recommended to keep track of your progress and consult with your physician regularly so that they can assist in adjusting your treatment plan according to your needs.