Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who are struggling in their professional or personal lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires filled out by caregivers and teachers.
It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. NIMH offers tips on how to talk with your doctor about the condition.
Diagnosis
It is essential to be diagnosed with ADHD as you reach adulthood. This will allow you to get control of the symptoms that can cause a lot of trouble in your professional and personal life. The first step is to talk to your GP or consult a mental health professional who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP doesn't have any knowledge of ADHD, they may refer you to psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment.
A mental health professional will usually employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you have the condition. He or she will then ask you questions about your symptoms that are similar to ADHD and look over your medical history and family history to determine if other medical conditions aren't the cause of them.
Since people who suffer from ADHD have a tendency to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often struggle with following directions or listening in class or on the job. They often lose important items needed for their tasks such as wallets, keys and tools. They may also have difficulty staying focused while listening to or reading long speeches. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting frequently or squirming around in their seats.
It is crucial to rule out other medical conditions in determining if a person has adult ADHD. These include anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Stress and certain physical conditions like thyroid issues could be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. The DSM-5 now requires doctors to determine how severe a person's symptoms are when diagnosing the condition. Mild moderate, severe and mild are the three categories for adults with ADHD.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed in childhood because it is not readily apparent. A diagnosis can alter the course of an adult's life, as they can now see why they struggled at school and didn't reach their maximum potential at work or home. Some may even feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on themselves or others and can feel sadness over the missed opportunities that could have been a reality if they had been properly treated.
Treatment
The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to consult a healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video call. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The professional will need to know your medical history and family-related mental health issues. This is because there are many physical and mental conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions must be ruled out to establish a diagnosis.
The doctor will inquire about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms affect your daily life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you had signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They may also interview those who were close to you as an infant and ask them about their memories.
A detailed medical history can aid your doctor in determining if you need medication or another treatment. This is due to the fact that certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid issues and lead poisoning, can trigger symptoms of ADHD. Adults with a history anxiety or depression need to be evaluated and treated more carefully because these conditions frequently coexist.
If a doctor believes you require medication, he/she will prescribe the appropriate medication. The type of medication you require is determined by the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. However, they are not suitable for everyone, and the first one you try might not be effective or trigger bothersome side effects. Your healthcare provider will need to know if 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 essential component of the treatment process for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope better with feelings of anger and failure that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, and improve your time management and organizing abilities.
It's important to seek out a healthcare professional that specializes in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However you might prefer to seek out a specialist therapist. They are likely to have more experience with adult ADHD and their challenges and also have previous experience working with clients. You can check with your local mental health services or with ADDitude's directory to find a professional who can assist adults with ADHD.
Medication
If you're an adult who has struggled with ADHD and is diagnosed, it's the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you are struggling to achieve your full potential in the workplace or have trouble maintaining relationships, or experience difficulties completing your tasks at home then an ADHD diagnosis might be just what you require.
The first step in treating ADHD for adults is thorough medical history review, which includes your symptoms. The psychiatrist or psychologist determines if you satisfy the criteria 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 Additional Info , 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 are frequently co-morbid with other disorders, like anxiety and depression. These conditions can cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. He also says that constant stress and anger due to inadequate performance can trigger feelings of self-esteem loss. "Getting an assessment can help these individuals get a better understanding of the causes of their struggles. This can help to alleviate or eliminate their anxiety and enable them to focus on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.
The most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is usually a combination of medication and behavior therapy. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and aid in organizing. In many instances they can enhance motivation and mood. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of potential adverse effects, such as insomnia and trouble with eating or drinking enough. People who take stimulants to treat ADHD might have mood swings that could be difficult for them to manage.
Speak to your doctor about whether or not you are a candidate for clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies assist researchers in finding more effective methods to prevent, diagnose or treat diseases and conditions.
Counseling
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to various problems in every area of your life. The effects of procrastination, among others, can have a negative impact on your relationships, career, and financial health. Finding a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step to reducing these negative impacts and regaining control over your life.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children due to the fact that their families and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or because they had mild symptoms that were not noticed. Others might have been able to manage their symptoms in childhood but struggled as they grew older when their family and work obligations increased.
To be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in at least two areas of your life. In the event of impairment, it could result in losing your job because of an inability to concentration and organizational skills, or being placed on academic probation at college due to inability to study for tests.
Women tend to be better at avoiding their symptoms than men, which can make it more difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that are affecting your home and work life speaking up with your doctor can help speed up the process and let you get reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD you suffer from, will want to know whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They may ask to speak to people who were close to you at the time, and they might also conduct a series of tests to assess your attention and memory.
When you receive an diagnosis your therapist will recommend a combination of medications and non-medical treatments to manage your symptoms. The majority of patients will try several different treatments before they find the best one. Keep a record of your progress, and visit your doctor regularly to adjust your treatment plan if needed.