Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who are struggling with their personal or professional lives in any way, recognizing ADHD is a significant step in getting control. A thorough examination is necessary for determining an accurate diagnosis. This involves examining school records as well as questionnaires that are completed by teachers and caregivers.
Most people suffering from ADHD have symptoms since childhood, and it is not unusual to be diagnosed with it at an adult age. Check out NIMH for tips on talking to your doctor about the condition.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to be diagnosed with ADHD at an early age. This will help you get control of the symptoms that can cause chaos in your professional and personal life. The first step is to talk to your GP or consult an expert in mental health who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for assessment.
Typically an expert in mental health will use an eight-question ADHD screener to determine if you may be suffering from the condition, says Adler. He or she will then interview you about your symptoms that are similar to ADHD and examine your medical history and family history to determine if other medical conditions aren't the cause of them.
Since people who suffer from ADHD tend to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often have difficulty following instructions or listening in class or at work. They are often unable to locate important items required for tasks or activities such as wallets, keys and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting, or squirming, are other signs of adult ADHD.
When determining whether someone has adult ADHD it is essential to eliminate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and abuse of substances. Stress and physical conditions like thyroid issues can cause ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5 professionals are now required to take into consideration the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them as having ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people who suffer from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis in childhood, because it's not evident. A diagnosis can change the course of an adult's life, as they can now see why they struggled at school and failed to reach their full potential at work or home. They might feel guilty about blameing other people or themselves for their problems and could be grieved over missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly.
Treatment
To seek treatment for ADHD in adults The first step is to speak with an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be done either in person or by video call. In the UK, only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The professional will ask about your medical history, including mental health issues within the family. This is because many physical and emotional issues can cause symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD, and these must be addressed before a diagnosis can be made.
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 showed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years. They may also interview those who were close to you as an infant and inquire about their childhood memories.
A detailed medical history can aid your doctor to determine whether you require medication or another treatment. This is because some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, sleep apnea and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression will require evaluation and treated with greater care, as these conditions often are in synergy.
If a doctor believes you require medication, they will prescribe the appropriate medication. The type of medicine you require is determined by your symptoms and the way they impact your life. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. They are not suitable for everyone and the first medication you try may not work or cause undesirable negative side negative effects. Your doctor may inquire whether you're taking any other medications. This includes over-the-counter medications, supplements, and prescription drugs. Certain kinds of drugs can interfere with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is also an essential element of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of disappointment frustration, underachievement, and anger that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to manage your anger, improve your time management and organization abilities.
If you suffer from a mental illness it is essential to locate an expert in healthcare who is trained in this condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to consult 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 clinic or consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a specialist who is working with adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in managing your symptoms and improving life. If you are struggling to achieve your full potential at work or have trouble maintaining relationships, or experience trouble completing tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis could be just what you require.
ADHD treatment for adults starts with an extensive interview and a review of your medical history, including 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 are applicable 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 with untreated ADHD frequently have coexisting disorders, like anxiety and depression. Jaksa states that these disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. Chronic stress and frustration over 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 reasons behind their struggles. This can help to reduce or eliminate their worries and enable them to concentrate more productively on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.
The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is usually the combination of medication and behavior therapy. The stimulants help improve concentration, reduce impulse-driven behavior and aid in the process of organizing. In many cases these drugs can improve mood and increase motivation. Some of the side effects of stimulants include sleepiness and having trouble drinking enough or eating well. Certain people who use stimulants to treat ADHD may suffer from mood swings that may be difficult to manage.
Discuss with your health care provider regarding whether you are a good candidate for clinical trials of new treatments or medicines. These studies help researchers discover better methods to detect and treat or prevent diseases.
Counseling
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD it could cause many issues throughout your life. Your career, relationships and financial health can be negatively affected by procrastination, poor time management, excessive spending and other symptoms. The first step in reducing the negative effects and regaining control is to get an assessment and seek treatment.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD did not receive a diagnosis as children, because their teachers and family were unaware of the condition or they experienced mild symptoms that were not noticed. Some might have been able to manage their symptoms in childhood but struggled later in life as their family and work responsibilities increased.
To be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms are causing severe impairment in at least two aspects of your life. In the event of impairment, it could result in losing your job because of an inability to focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation in college due to inability to do well on tests.
Women are more adept at hiding symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive a diagnosis. If you have ADHD symptoms that impact your work or home life, you can accelerate the process of diagnosing by being open with your doctor. You may also be able to get reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws.
No matter what type of ADHD you suffer from, your mental health professional will determine if your symptoms were present prior to the age of 12. They may suggest that you speak to people who were close to you at the time, and may conduct a series of tests to assess your memory and attention.
After receiving a diagnosis, the doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different therapies before they can find the one that works best for them. Keep a record of your progress and consult your doctor regularly to adjust your treatment plan if needed.