Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who find themselves struggling professionally or personally, diagnosing ADHD is a significant step towards gaining control. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers.
The majority of people with ADHD have symptoms from childhood, and it is not uncommon to be diagnosed in adulthood. See NIMH for tips on talking to your doctor regarding the disorder.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step to gain control over the symptoms that cause destruction on people's professional and personal lives. The first step is to consult your GP or a mental health professional who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor is not familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for assessment.
A mental health professional will usually employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from 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 ensure that other conditions aren't causing them.
Because people with ADHD tend to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often have trouble following instructions or listening to lectures or on the job. They are often unable to locate important items needed for their tasks such as wallets, keys, and tools. They may also have difficulty staying focused while listening to long speeches. Fidgeting, over-talking or texting or squirming are other symptoms of adult ADHD.
It is crucial to rule out other medical conditions when determining whether someone suffers from adult ADHD. These include depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical ailments such as thyroid issues can be a source of ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 now requires professionals to determine the severity of the symptoms a person's experiences are before identifying them with the disorder. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people suffering from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis in childhood because it is not obvious. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing experience as they realize why they struggled in school and could not reach their potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty about blaming others or themselves for their problems and could be resentful over missed opportunities if they were properly treated.
Treatment
The first step to receive treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit a healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video chat. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The doctor will need to know your medical history and your family's mental health issues. This is because there are many mental and physical conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions must be ruled out in order to make a diagnosis.
The doctor 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 displayed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years. They may also wish to interview people who knew you in childhood and ask about their memories.
A thorough medical history can aid the doctor in determining whether you need medications or other treatments. This is due to the fact that certain medical conditions, like thyroid problems, sleep apnea and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have an underlying history of depression or anxiety might require more careful evaluation and treatment because these conditions often coexist with ADHD.
If a doctor believes you require medication, they will prescribe the appropriate medication. The type of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily routine. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They are not suitable for all people and the first treatment you try might not work or cause undesirable side negative effects. adhd diagnosis uk adults will be interested in knowing if you take any other medications that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, as certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is also an essential element of the treatment process for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of failure, underachievement and frustration that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn to manage your anger and improve your time management and organization abilities.
If you suffer from mental illness, it's important to find a healthcare professional who specializes in the field. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to see an expert psychologist or therapist. These specialists are likely to have more experience with adult ADHD and their struggles, as well as having previous experience working with clients. You can inquire with your local mental health services or consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a professional who works with adults with ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you're struggling to reach your full potential at work, have difficulty maintaining relationships, or are having difficulty completing tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis could be just what you require.
ADHD treatment for adults begins with thorough interviews and a thorough review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychologist or psychiatrist 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 are frequently co-morbid with other disorders, like anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these conditions can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. A constant stress and anger over the lack of performance can result in feelings of low self-esteem Jaksa says. "Getting a diagnose will help them get a better understanding of the reasons behind their struggles. This could help alleviate or eliminate their anxiety, and allow them to concentrate more productively on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated best with a combination of medications and behavior therapy. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease impulse-driven behavior and aid in organization. These drugs can improve moods and boost motivation in many instances. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of possible adverse effects, such as insomnia and trouble with eating or drinking enough. Also, mood swings can occur in some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD and are often difficult to manage.
Talk to your doctor about whether or not you are a candidate for clinical trials on new medications or treatments. These studies assist researchers in finding more effective ways to prevent, diagnose or treat conditions and diseases.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all aspects of your life. Your relationships, work 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 in reduce the negative impact and regaining control over your life.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children because their parents and teachers were unaware of the disorder or they experienced mild symptoms that weren't recognized. Some adults may have been able to manage their symptoms in childhood, but struggled with them in adulthood due to the increased demands of work and family.
To determine ADHD Mental health professionals need to find that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two areas of your daily life. The effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a deficit in focus and organization skills, or being placed on academic probation in college because you're unable to concentrate on your tests.
Women tend to be better at hiding their symptoms than men, which could make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that affect your home and work life speaking up with your doctor will help accelerate the process and allow you to get reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws.
Regardless of the kind of ADHD you have, your mental health professional will want to see that your symptoms started prior to the age of 12. They may ask to talk to people who were close to you at the time, and they may also administer a series tests to measure your attention and memory.
After receiving an assessment, the doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication therapy to help manage your symptoms. A majority of patients will try a variety of different therapies before they can find the one that works for them. It is recommended to keep a journal of your progress and speak with your doctor on a regular basis so they can help you adjust your treatment program when needed.