Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who are struggling with their personal or professional lives in any way, recognizing ADHD could be a crucial step towards taking control. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment which may include a review of school records and questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers.
The majority of people with ADHD live with symptoms from the age of three, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed as an adult. NIMH has suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about the disorder.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that can cause havoc on one's personal and professional lives. The first step is to speak with your GP or seek out a mental health professional with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP is unfamiliar with ADHD and/or ADHD, they could refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment.
A mental health professional will usually use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. The doctor will interview you about your ADHD-like symptoms and look over your medical and family history to determine if other medical conditions aren't the cause of them.
Since people with ADHD tend to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they frequently have trouble following instructions or listening during class or on the job. They tend to lose things necessary for tasks or activities, including keys, wallets and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused when listening to or reading long speeches. adhd uk diagnosis , excessive talking or texting, or squirming, are other signs of adult ADHD.
When determining whether a person has adult ADHD it is essential to exclude other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and abuse of substances. Stress and physical conditions like thyroid problems can also be a source of ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5 professionals are required to consider the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them with ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe.
Many people suffering from ADHD go their whole lives without ever getting a diagnosis because it's not evident in childhood. A diagnosis can alter the course of an adult's life as they understand why they struggled at school and failed to reach their full potential at work or home. They might feel guilty about blaming others or themselves for their struggles, and they may be devastated by missed opportunities if they were properly treated.
Treatment
To get treatment for ADHD for adults, the first step is to speak with an expert in healthcare. This can be done in person or via video call. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The doctor will want to know your medical history as well as family-related mental health issues. This is because there are many physical and mental conditions which can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions must be eliminated in order to determine if you have ADHD.
The expert will also inquire about your work and lifestyle, and how your symptoms influence your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you had symptoms of ADHD before the age of 12. They may also want to interview those who knew you in your childhood and ask about their experiences.
A thorough medical history will aid your doctor to determine whether you require medication or any other treatment. This is because some medical conditions, including sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning can cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have a history of depression or anxiety will require evaluation and treated with greater care since these conditions can occur in conjunction.
If a medical professional believes that you require medication they will prescribe a suitable medication. The type of medication you need will depend on your symptoms and the way they impact your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. However, they're not for everyone and the first stimulant you try might not be effective or have bothersome adverse side effects. Your healthcare provider may ask if you are taking any other medications. This includes over-the-counter drugs or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of drugs can interfere with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is a crucial component of the treatment process for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of disappointment, underachievement and frustration that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can teach you how to control your anger, and improve your time management and organizing skills.
If you have a mental illness it is crucial to find a doctor who is specialized in the field. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However, you may prefer to consult a specialist therapist. These professionals will likely be more familiar with adult ADHD and their struggles, as well as having experience working with other clients. You can check with your local mental health clinic or ADDitude's directory to find a specialist who can assist adults with ADHD.
Medication
If you're an adult who has struggled with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder getting a diagnosis is the first step towards addressing your symptoms and improving your life. If you are struggling to achieve your maximum potential in your work or have trouble maintaining relationships, or experience trouble completing tasks at home then an ADHD diagnosis may be just what you require.
ADHD treatment for adults starts with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychologist or psychiatrist determines whether you meet the criteria 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. Jaksa states that these disorders can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. adhd uk diagnosis and frustration over inadequate performance can result in feelings of low self-esteem he says. "Getting a diagnosis will help them gain perspective on the root causes of their difficulties which can help alleviate or eliminate some of their anxieties and allow them to concentrate more on areas in which they excel," Jaksa says.
The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is typically the combination of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants improve concentration, reduce impulse-driven behavior and aid in the process of organizing. These medications can improve moods and boost motivation in a variety of cases. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of potential adverse effects, such as insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. Certain people who use stimulants to treat ADHD may suffer from mood swings that may be difficult for them to manage.
Talk to your health care provider regarding whether you would be an ideal candidate for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or medicines. These studies assist researchers in finding more effective ways to prevent, diagnose or treat conditions and diseases.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD can cause issues in all areas of your life. Procrastination and other signs can affect your relationships as well as your career and financial health. The first step to reduce the negative effects and getting back in control is to get a diagnosis and seek treatment.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis as children because their teachers and family were unaware of the condition or they experienced mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Some might have had the ability to manage their symptoms in childhood but struggled as they grew older when their family and work responsibilities increased.
To be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must discover that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in at least two aspects of your life. The impairment could mean losing your job because of lack of focus and organization skills or being put on academic probation at college due to your inability to study for tests.
Women are more adept at avoiding symptoms than men. This makes it harder for women to be diagnosed. However, if you are suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your work and home life and family life, speaking openly about them with your doctor can help accelerate the process and allow you to get reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.
No matter what type of ADHD you have, your mental health professional will verify that your symptoms started prior to the age of 12. They might ask you to speak to people who knew you at this time and may also conduct a series of tests to determine your memory and attention levels.
If you're given a diagnosis your therapist will recommend a combination of medication and non-medication therapies to treat your symptoms. Most people will try several different methods before they discover the one that is most effective for them. It is suggested that you keep a diary of your progress and consult with your physician regularly so that they can help you adjust your treatment plan when needed.