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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 towards taking control. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment which may include a review of school records and questionnaires filled out by teachers and caregivers.
It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. NIMH provides suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about the disorder.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step in gaining control over the symptoms that cause havoc on a person's professional and personal lives. First, you should consult your GP or a mental health specialist who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor is not familiar with ADHD and/or ADHD, they could refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment.
A mental health professional will usually use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you are suffering from the condition. They will ask you questions about the symptoms of ADHD and look over your medical and family history to determine if other conditions aren't contributing to them.
Because adhd undiagnosed in adults who suffer from ADHD have a tendency to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often have trouble following instructions or listening in class or at work. They are often unable to locate important items required for tasks or activities like keys, wallets and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused while listening to or reading long speeches. Fidgeting, over-talking or texting or squirming are other signs of adult ADHD.
When determining whether a person has adult ADHD It is crucial to eliminate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and addiction to drugs. Stress and physical issues like thyroid issues can be a source of ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5 professionals are required to assess the severity of an individual's symptoms when diagnosing them as having ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe.
Many people with ADHD never receive a diagnosis in childhood, because it's not obvious. A diagnosis can change the course of an adult's life because they now understand the reasons why they struggled in school and didn't reach their full potential at work or home. They may feel guilty about being blamed for their troubles and could be resentful over missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly.
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 done in person or through a video calls. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will require information about your medical history as well as family-related mental health issues. This is because there are a variety of physical and mental conditions which can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions must be eliminated in order to establish a diagnosis.
The doctor will inquire about your lifestyle and work and how your symptoms impact your daily life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you showed symptoms of ADHD before age 12. They might also interview those who knew you as a child and ask about their memories.
A thorough medical history will help your doctor decide if you need medication or any other treatment. This is because some medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning can cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression require evaluation and treated with greater care, as these conditions often are in synergy.
If a medical professional believes you require medication, he or she will prescribe the right medication. The type of medicine you need depends on your symptoms and how they impact your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. They are not for everyone, and the first drug you try might not work or cause unwanted negative side consequences. Your healthcare provider will be interested in knowing if you are taking any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as certain kinds of drugs may interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is an essential component of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with feelings of failure or underachievement that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, and improve your time management and organizational abilities.
It's important to seek out the services of a doctor who is specialized in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to see psychologists or specialist therapists. They are likely to be more familiar with adults with ADHD and their struggles, as well as having experience working with other clients. You can inquire with your local mental health services or consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a professional who is working with adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you're struggling to achieve your maximum potential in your work, have difficulty maintaining relationships, or have trouble completing tasks at home and at work, an ADHD diagnosis could be the answer you've been looking for.
ADHD treatment for adults starts with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've experienced. The psychiatrist or psychologist determines if you satisfy the requirements for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which is 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 who suffer from untreated ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, like anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these conditions can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. He adds that chronic stress and anger due to inadequate performance can trigger feelings of low-self-esteem. "Getting a diagnosis can help these individuals understand the root of their issues, 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 by a combination of medication along with behavior therapy. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in organizing. These drugs can improve moods and boost motivation in a variety of cases. People who take stimulants should be aware of possible adverse effects, such as insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD can experience mood swings that can be difficult for them to manage.
Talk to your health care provider about whether you are a good candidate for clinical trials of novel treatments or medicines. These studies help researchers discover more effective methods to detect, prevent or treat diseases.
Counseling
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD it could cause many issues in every area of your life. Your relationships, work and financial health could be negatively affected by procrastination or poor time management, impulsive spending and other symptoms. Finding 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 didn't receive a diagnosis when they were children because their teachers and family were unaware of the disorder or they had minor symptoms that weren't recognized. Some might have had the ability to manage their symptoms in childhood but struggled as they grew older when their work and family responsibilities increased.
To be diagnosed as having ADHD, mental health professionals must discover that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. Impaired can be losing your job due to a lack in focus and organization skills, or being placed on academic probation in college because you are unable to do well on tests.
Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men, which can make it harder to receive a diagnosis. If you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your life at work or at home it is possible to accelerate the process of diagnosing by being upfront with your doctor. You might also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws.
Regardless of the kind of ADHD you have Your mental health professional will determine if your symptoms started prior to the age of 12. They might ask you to talk to people who knew you during this time period. They may also perform a series of tests to assess your attention and memory abilities.
After you are given an diagnosis the therapist will suggest a combination of medication and non-medical treatments to help manage your symptoms. A majority of patients will try a variety of different treatments before they find the one that works for them. Keep a log of your progress, and visit your physician regularly to alter your treatment plan if needed.
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