Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who are struggling in their work or personal life and are unable to resolve the issue, identifying ADHD is a significant step in taking control. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by parents and teachers.
It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. See NIMH for tips on talking to your doctor regarding the disorder.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that can cause destruction on people's professional and personal lives. First, you must consult your GP or a mental health professional who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor is not familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for assessment.
Typically, a mental health professional will employ the six-question ADHD screener to determine if you may be suffering from the condition, according to 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 contributing to them.
People suffering from ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and can miss crucial details. They have a difficult time adhering to instructions in classes or at work. They are often unable to locate important items needed for their tasks such as keys, wallets, and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long lectures or reading assignments. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking too much or squirming in their seats.
It is crucial to rule other conditions out when determining if someone has adult ADHD. This includes depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. adult adhd diagnosis uk and physical ailments like thyroid problems can be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. In the DSM-5 professionals are required to take into consideration the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them with ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe.
Many people who suffer from ADHD never receive a diagnosis in childhood because it is not readily apparent. For adults, a diagnosis can be a life-changing experience because they finally understand why they struggled in school and could not achieve their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty for blaming their issues on themselves or others, and they can experience regret over missed opportunities that could have been had in the event that they had been properly treated.
Treatment
To receive treatment for ADHD in adults, the first step is to consult a healthcare professional. This can be done in person or via video calls. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The specialist will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues within the family. This is because a variety of emotional and physical conditions can trigger symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD and must be addressed before a diagnosis is made.
The professional will also ask about your work and lifestyle, and how your symptoms influence your life. They will be particularly interested in whether you showed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They may also speak with people who were close to you as when you were a child and ask them about their experiences.
A detailed medical history can help your doctor decide whether you require medication or any other treatment. Some medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea and lead poisoning can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression might require more careful evaluation and treatment because these conditions often coexist with ADHD.
If a doctor believes you need medication, he or she will prescribe the appropriate drug. The type of medicine you require is determined by the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. They are not for everyone and the first medication you try might not work or cause undesirable negative side effects. Your doctor may inquire whether you are taking other medications. This includes over-the-counter medications or supplements as well as prescription drugs. Certain types of drugs can interfere with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is an essential aspect of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of disappointment frustration, underachievement, and anger that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also teach you how to manage your anger as well as improve your time management and organization 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 however, you may prefer to consult a specialist therapist or psychologist. These experts are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adult ADHD and have had experience in helping others who have similar issues. You can search ADDitude or contact your local mental health clinic to find a professional who assists adults with ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step in managing your symptoms and improving life. If you've found it difficult to reach your maximum potential at work, are finding it difficult to maintain relationships or have trouble finishing tasks at home and at work, a diagnosis of ADHD may provide the answer you have been searching for.
ADHD treatment for adults starts with thorough interviews and a thorough review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychiatrist or psychologist will then determine if American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic 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 frequently have coexisting disorders, including anxiety and depression. These disorders can cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. A constant stress and anger over poor performance can also cause feelings of self-doubt, he adds. "Getting an assessment can help these individuals gain perspective on the root causes of their difficulties, which may alleviate or reduce some of their worries and allow them to focus more productively on the areas where they excel," Jaksa says.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with a combination of medications and behavior therapy. Stimulants improve concentration, reduce the risk of impulsive behavior, and help with organization. These medications can improve moods and increase motivation in many cases. People who take stimulants should be aware of possible side effects, which include problems with sleeping and eating or drinking enough. Also, mood swings can occur in some people who take stimulants for ADHD and they can be difficult to manage.
Discuss with your doctor about whether you would be a good candidate for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or drugs. These studies help researchers find more effective methods to prevent, diagnose or treat diseases and conditions.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD can lead to problems in all aspects of your life. Procrastination and other symptoms can have a negative impact on your relationships, career, and financial health. The first step to reduce the negative effects and regaining control is to get diagnosed and seek treatment.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers were unaware of the disorder or because they showed mild symptoms that were not noticed. Some adults may be able to manage their symptoms in childhood, but had difficulty with them in adulthood due to increasing family and work obligations.
To determine ADHD, mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms cause significant impairment in two areas of your daily life. In the event of impairment, it could result in losing your job because of lack of focus and organizational skills or being placed on academic probation in college due to the inability to do well on tests.
Women are generally better at hiding their symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to get a diagnosis. If you have ADHD symptoms that affect your home or work life, you can speed up the diagnosis process by being upfront with your doctor. You may also be able to get reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.
Whatever type of ADHD you have, your mental health professional will see that your symptoms were present prior to the age of 12. They might ask you to speak with people who were close to you at this time, and they might conduct a series of tests to measure your attention and memory.
After you are given a diagnosis the therapist will suggest a combination of medications and non-medication therapies to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try a few different treatments before finding the right one. Keep a journal of your progress and visit your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as necessary.