Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who have difficulty in their professional or personal lives can benefit from diagnosing ADHD. A thorough assessment is required for determining an accurate diagnosis. This includes reviewing school records and questionnaires that are completed by caregivers and teachers.
The majority of people with ADHD suffer from symptoms from the age of three, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed at an adult age. See NIMH for advice on how to talk with your health professional regarding the disorder.
Diagnosis
It is essential to be diagnosed with ADHD at an early age. This will allow you to manage the symptoms that can cause havoc in your professional and personal life. First, you must consult your GP or a mental health professional who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP doesn't have any knowledge of ADHD or other disorders, they could recommend you to psychologist or psychiatrist 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. The doctor will interview you about your symptoms that are similar to ADHD and review your medical and family history to confirm that other medical conditions aren't the cause of them.
Because people who suffer from ADHD have a tendency to overlook details and become easily distracted, they often struggle with following directions or listening to lectures or on the job. They often lose important items for tasks or activities such as wallets, keys and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking frequently or squirming around in the seat.
It is important to rule other conditions out when determining if someone has adult ADHD. This includes depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and other physical ailments such as thyroid issues can be similar to 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 are not diagnosed in childhood because it is not obvious. A diagnosis can alter the course of a person's life as they understand the reasons why they struggled in school and failed to reach their maximum potential at work or home. Some may even feel guilty for blaming their problems on themselves or others and may experience regret over missed opportunities that could have been had when they were properly treated.
Treatment
The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to consult a medical professional to have an assessment. This can be done in person or through a video calls. In how to get an adult adhd diagnosis , only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues within the family. This is because there are many mental and physical ailments that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions need to be ruled out to make a diagnosis.
The professional will ask you about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms affect your daily life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you displayed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years. They might also interview people who knew you as a child and ask about their experiences.
A thorough medical history can aid the doctor in determining if you require medication or other treatments. This is because certain medical conditions, including sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning, can trigger symptoms of ADHD. Adults with a history of depression or anxiety might require more careful assessment and treatment, as these conditions can be co-existing with ADHD.
If the professional believes you require medication they will prescribe a suitable medication. The type of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily routine. Stimulants, which are the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. They are not suitable for everyone and the first medication you try may not work or cause undesirable adverse consequences. Your healthcare provider will want to know if you use any other medication, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, since certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is also an essential part of the treatment process for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal better with feelings of frustration and failure that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can also teach you to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management skills.
If you have an illness of the mind it is essential to locate a doctor who is specialized in this condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD. However, you may prefer to consult a specialist psychotherapist. These specialists are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adult ADHD and have worked with other patients who are struggling with 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 ADHD is the first step towards managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you are struggling to reach your maximum potential in your work, have difficulty maintaining relationships, or are having difficulty completing tasks at home then an ADHD diagnosis might be the answer you've been looking for.
ADHD treatment for adults starts with thorough interviews and a thorough review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've been experiencing. 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), 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 depression and anxiety. These disorders can cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. Stress and frustration from the lack of performance can cause feelings of low self-esteem Jaksa says. "Getting diagnosed will help them gain a perspective on the root of their issues. This could help reduce or eliminate their worries and help them focus on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with a combination of medications and behavior therapy. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease the risk of impulsive behavior, and help with organization. In many instances they can boost motivation and improve mood. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of possible adverse effects, such as problems with sleeping and eating or drinking enough. The mood swings can also happen in those who take stimulants to treat ADHD and they can be difficult to manage.
Talk to your doctor about whether you would be an ideal candidate for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or medicines. These studies assist researchers in finding more effective methods to prevent, diagnose or treat diseases and conditions.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD can lead to issues in all areas of your life. Your relationships, career and financial health can be negatively impacted by procrastination, poor time management, impulsive spending and other symptoms. Finding a doctor and seeking treatment is the first step towards reduce the negative impact and regaining control of your life.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers were unaware of the condition or they had mild symptoms that were not spotted. Others 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 determine if you have ADHD, mental health professionals need to find that your symptoms cause significant impairment in two areas of your daily life. In the event of an impairment, you could lose your job due to a decline in focus and organization skills, or being placed on academic probation at your college because you are unable to study for tests.
Women are generally better in hiding their symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to get a diagnosis. If you have ADHD symptoms that affect your life at work or at home it is possible to speed up the diagnosis process by being upfront with your doctor. You might also be able to get reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional regardless of the kind of ADHD you suffer from will want to know the time when your symptoms began. the age of 12. They may request that you talk to people who knew you during this period and could perform a series of tests to assess your attention and memory abilities.
If you're given an diagnosis the therapist will suggest a combination of medications and non-medication therapies to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different therapies before they can find the one that works for them. Keep a journal of your progress, and visit your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as needed.