Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who find themselves struggling professionally or personally and are unable to resolve the issue, identifying ADHD can be a significant step towards getting control. A thorough examination is necessary for determining the diagnosis. This involves examining the school records and filling out questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers.
It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. Visit NIMH for suggestions on talking with your health professional about the condition.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step to gain control over the symptoms that cause havoc on a person's personal and professional lives. The first step is to consult your GP or a mental health specialist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment.
Typically an expert in mental health will use an eight-question ADHD screener to determine whether you might have the disorder, says Adler. The doctor will ask you questions about your ADHD-like symptoms and review your medical and family history to confirm that other conditions aren't contributing to them.
Because people who suffer from 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 on the job. They often lose important items needed for their tasks such as wallets, keys and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Fidgeting, over-talking or texting, or squirming, are other symptoms of adult ADHD.
It is important to rule out other conditions when determining if someone has adult ADHD. These include anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Stress and other physical ailments such as thyroid issues can also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to consider the severity of a person's symptoms are when determining if they have diagnosed him or her with the condition. Mild, moderate and severe are the categories used to describe adult ADHD.
Many people who suffer from ADHD never receive a diagnosis in childhood, because it's not obvious. For adults, a diagnosis can be a life-changing event because they can finally understand why they struggled in school and failed to attain their full potential at work or at home. They might even feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on themselves or others and may experience sadness over the missed opportunities that could have been a reality if they had been properly treated.
Treatment
The first step to receive treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit the healthcare professional to have an assessment. This can be done in person or through a video chat. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues that are present in the family. This is because there are many mental and physical ailments that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. adhd diagnosis uk adults need to be ruled out to establish a diagnosis.
The professional will also ask about your lifestyle and work and how your issues influence your life. They will be especially interested in if you had symptoms of ADHD before the age of 12. They might also talk to those who were close to you as when you were a child and inquire about their childhood memories.
A thorough medical history can help your doctor decide if you need medication or other treatment. This is due to the fact that certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning, can trigger symptoms of ADHD. Adults with a history depression or anxiety will need to be evaluated and treated with greater care, as these conditions often occur in conjunction.
If a professional believes that you need medication, he or she will prescribe the appropriate medication. The kind of medication you require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your daily routine. Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. However, they are not for everyone, and the first one you try may not be effective or cause uncomfortable adverse effects. Your healthcare provider will want to know if you are taking any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is also an important element of the treatment process for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of frustration, disappointment and inadequacy that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, and improve your time management and organization skills.
If you have an illness of the mind, it's important to find a doctor who is specialized in this condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD. However you might prefer to consult a specialist psychotherapist. They are likely to be more familiar with adult ADHD and the challenges they face as well as having worked with other clients. You can use search engines like ADDitude or visit your local mental health service to find a professional who assists adults with ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've found it difficult to achieve your maximum potential at work, find it difficult to maintain relationships, or have trouble finishing tasks at home and at work, a diagnosis of ADHD might be the solution you've been looking for.
ADHD treatment for adults begins with an extensive interview and a review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've experienced. The psychologist or psychiatrist determines if you satisfy 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 are often afflicted with disorders like anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these conditions can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. Stress and frustration from the lack of performance can result in feelings of low self-esteem he adds. "Getting diagnosed can help them get a better understanding of the causes of their struggles. This can help to reduce or eliminate their anxieties and help them focus more effectively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with a combination of medications and behavior therapy. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in organizing. In many cases, these medications can also enhance motivation and mood. Some of the side effects of stimulants include sleepiness and having trouble drinking or eating enough. The mood swings can also happen in those who take stimulants for ADHD and can be difficult to manage.
Speak to your doctor about whether or not you are eligible for clinical trials of new medications or treatments. These studies help researchers discover better ways to diagnose and treat illnesses, as well as prevent them from occurring.
Counseling
If you have untreated ADHD, it can cause various problems in every area of your life. Your relationships, career and financial health may be negatively affected by procrastination and poor time management, excessive spending and other signs. Finding a doctor and seeking treatment is the first step to reduce the negative impact and regaining control over your life.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children because their teachers and family were unaware of the disorder or they experienced mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Others might have had the ability to manage their symptoms in childhood but struggled in adulthood when their family and work obligations increased.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, mental health professionals must discover that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in at least two areas of your life. Impaired can be 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 concentrate on your tests.
Women are more adept at hiding symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. If you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your work or home life it is possible to accelerate the process of diagnosis by being upfront with your doctor. You may also be able to get reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD you have will want to know whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They may ask you to talk to people who were around you during this period and could perform a series of tests to evaluate your memory and attention levels.
After receiving an assessment, the doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test different methods before they discover the one that works best for them. It is suggested that you keep track of your progress and check in with your doctor on a regular basis so they can assist in adjusting your treatment plan according to your needs.