Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who are struggling in their personal or professional lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment, often including reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by parents and teachers.
The majority of people with ADHD live with symptoms from the age of three, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed in adulthood. NIMH provides suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about the condition.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step in gaining control over the symptoms that can cause havoc on a person's personal and professional lives. First, you must consult your GP or a mental health professional who has experience treating adults with ADHD. If your doctor does not have any knowledge of ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment.
Typically, a mental health professional will employ an eight-question ADHD screener to determine if you are susceptible to the condition, says Adler. Then, the doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, and examine your medical history and family history to confirm that other medical conditions are not causing your ADHD-like symptoms.
People with ADHD tend to be easily distracted and forgetting important 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 may also have trouble staying focused during long lectures or reading assignments. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting excessively or squirming in the seat.
When determining whether someone has adult ADHD it is essential to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, depression and addiction to drugs. Stress and physical ailments such as thyroid issues can also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to consider how severe a person's symptoms are when determining if they have diagnosed him or her with the disorder. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people suffering from ADHD go their whole lives without ever being diagnosed because it's not obvious in childhood. A diagnosis can change the course of a person's life because they now understand why they struggled at school and never reached their maximum potential at work or home. They might even feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on others or themselves, and they can experience regret over missed opportunities that could have been achieved in the event that they had been properly treated.
Treatment
The first step in getting treatment for ADHD as an adult is to consult the healthcare professional to get an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video conference. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The professional will ask about your medical history, including mental health issues within the family. This is due to the fact that a number of physical and emotional issues can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD and must be eliminated before the diagnosis is made.
The professional will also ask about your lifestyle and work, and how your symptoms influence your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you showed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years. They may also interview people who were close to you as an infant and inquire about their childhood memories.
A thorough medical history can aid your doctor in determining if you need medication or any other treatment. This is due to the fact that certain medical conditions, including sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning, can trigger symptoms of ADHD. Adults with a history anxiety or depression require evaluation and treated with more care because these conditions frequently are in synergy.
If a professional believes that you require medication, he or she will prescribe the right medication. The type of medication you require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your life. The most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They aren't for everyone, and the first drug you try might not be effective or cause undesirable side negative effects. Your healthcare provider may ask whether you're taking any other medications. This includes over-the-counter drugs or supplements as well as prescription drugs. Certain types of drugs may interfere with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is a crucial part of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of frustration, disappointment and inadequacy that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, and improve your time management and organizational skills.
I Am Psychiatry to seek out an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental illnesses. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD. However, you may prefer to consult a specialist therapist. These professionals are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adult ADHD and have experience helping other clients with similar struggles. You can check with your local mental health services or consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a professional who can assist adults with ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you've found it difficult to reach your full potential at work, have found it difficult to maintain relationships or have trouble finishing tasks at home and at work, a diagnosis of ADHD could be the answer you have been looking for.
ADHD treatment for adults begins with an extensive interview and a review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've experienced. The psychologist or psychiatrist will then determine if the 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 are not treated for ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, including depression and anxiety. These disorders can cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. Chronic stress and frustration over inadequate performance can lead to feelings of low self-esteem he adds. "Getting an assessment will help them gain perspective on the root of their difficulties, which may reduce or alleviate some of their anxiety and help them concentrate more effectively on the areas where they excel," Jaksa says.
The most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is typically a combination of therapy and medication. Stimulants improve concentration, reduce impulsive behavior and aid in the process of organizing. In many instances these drugs can improve mood and increase motivation. The negative effects of stimulants are insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. Also, mood swings can occur in people who are taking stimulants to treat ADHD and they can be difficult to manage.
Talk to your health care provider about whether you are a good candidate for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or drugs. These studies help researchers find more effective ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases and conditions.
Counseling
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD it could cause various problems throughout your life. Your relationships, career and financial health can 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 lessening the negative effects and regaining control over your life.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or because they had mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Certain adults may have been able manage their symptoms as children but were unable to manage these issues in adulthood due increasing family and work obligations.
To be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms are causing 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 at your college because you're unable to concentrate on your tests.
Women are better in hiding their symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. If, however, you are suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your work and home life speaking up with your doctor can help speed up the process and let you take advantage of reasonable accommodations under the ADA and 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 might ask you to talk to people who knew you at this period and could take a number of tests to evaluate your memory and attention levels.
If you're given the diagnosis the therapist will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication therapies to treat your symptoms. The majority of patients will try several different treatments before finding the right one. It is recommended that you keep a journal of your progress and consult with your doctor on a regular basis so they can assist in adjusting your treatment plan when needed.