Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who are struggling professionally or personally, diagnosing ADHD could be a crucial step towards taking control. A thorough examination is necessary for determining an accurate diagnosis. This includes reviewing the school records and filling out questionnaires filled out by caregivers and teachers.
It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. Visit NIMH for tips on talking to your doctor about the condition.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step in gaining control over symptoms that wreak destruction on people's personal and professional lives. The first step is to talk to your GP or find an expert in mental health who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor does not have any experience in treating ADHD and is unable to help, they can refer you to either a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment.
Typically, a mental health professional will employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you are susceptible to the disorder, says Adler. They will interview you about your ADHD-like symptoms and look over your medical history and family history to confirm that other conditions aren't causing them.
Because people with ADHD are more likely to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they frequently struggle with following directions or listening to lectures or on the job. They are more likely to lose items 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 symptoms of adult ADHD.
When determining whether a person has adult ADHD it is essential to exclude other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and addiction to drugs. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis and other physical ailments like thyroid problems can also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. In the DSM-5 professionals are 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 go their whole lives without ever getting a diagnosis because it's not evident in childhood. A diagnosis can change the course of an adult's life, as they can now see the reasons why they struggled in school and didn't reach their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty for blaming their problems on others or themselves, and they can experience grief over lost opportunities that could have been a reality in the event that they had been properly treated.
Treatment
The first step to receive treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit the healthcare professional to get an assessment. This can be accomplished in person or via video conference. In the UK only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will want to know your medical history as well as family-related mental health issues. This is because a variety of physical and emotional issues can trigger symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD and need to be ruled out before an assessment can be made.
The doctor will inquire about your work and lifestyle as well as how your symptoms affect your life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you displayed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years. They may also interview those who were close to you as an infant and ask them about their experiences.
A thorough medical history will aid your doctor to determine if you need medication or other treatment. Certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, 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 a doctor believes that you need medication, they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The type of medication you require is determined by the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life. Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They are not for everyone and the first medication you try might not be effective or cause unwanted side effects. Your doctor may inquire whether you are taking other medications. This includes over-the-counter medications, supplements, and prescription drugs. Certain kinds of medications may interfere with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is a crucial component of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope better with feelings of anger, disappointment and inadequacy that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can also teach you how to manage your anger and improve your time management and organization abilities.
It is essential to find a healthcare professional that specializes in mental disorders. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to consult psychologists or specialist therapists. These specialists are likely to be more familiar with the challenges of treating adult ADHD and have experience helping other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can check with your local mental health service or ADDitude's directory to find a professional who works with adults with ADHD.
Medication
If you're an adult who has struggled with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, getting a diagnosis is the first step toward managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've struggled to realize your maximum potential at work, find it difficult to maintain relationships or have trouble finishing tasks at home, a diagnosis of ADHD may provide the answer you have been searching for.
ADHD treatment for adults begins with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychologist or psychiatrist determines if you meet the requirements for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. 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 often suffer from co-occurring disorders, like anxiety and depression. Jaksa states that these disorders can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. Stress and frustration from poor performance can also result in feelings of low self-esteem, Jaksa says. "Getting an assessment can help these individuals get a better understanding of the root causes of their struggles which can help reduce or alleviate some of their anxiety and help them concentrate more on the areas where they excel," Jaksa says.
The best treatment for adults with ADHD is usually an amalgamation of behavior therapy and medication. The stimulants help improve concentration, reduce impulse-driven behavior and aid in the process of organizing. These drugs can boost moods and improve motivation in many cases. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of potential side effects, which include insomnia and trouble with drinking or eating enough. People who take stimulants to treat ADHD may suffer from mood swings that may be difficult for them to manage.
Talk to your health care provider about whether you are an ideal candidate for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or medicines. These studies aid researchers in discovering better ways to diagnose 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 symptoms can negatively impact your relationships, career, and financial health. The first step to reducing the negative effects and getting back in control is to get a diagnosis and seek treatment.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis when they were children because their family and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or they experienced mild symptoms that weren't recognized. Some adults might have been able to manage their symptoms as children, but had difficulty with their symptoms in adulthood due to increasing family and work obligations.
To determine ADHD, mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two areas of your everyday life. The effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a lack in organization and focus, or being placed on academic probation at your college because you are unable to do well on tests.
Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive a diagnosis. If, however, you are suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your work and home life and family life, speaking openly about them with your doctor will help accelerate the process and allow you to take advantage of reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.
Whatever kind of ADHD you have the mental health professional will want to verify that your symptoms were present before age 12. They may request that you talk to people who knew you at this time and may also take a number of tests to evaluate your attention and memory levels.
After receiving a diagnosis, the therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different treatments before they find the one that works best for them. Keep a record of your progress, and make sure to consult your doctor regularly to adjust your treatment plan as needed.