Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who are struggling in their personal or professional lives can benefit from diagnosing ADHD. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires filled out by caregivers and teachers.
It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. NIMH offers tips on how to talk with your doctor about the disorder.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step to gain control over the symptoms that cause havoc on a person's professional and personal lives. The first step is to speak with your GP or consult a mental health professional who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD and/or ADHD, they might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for assessment.
Typically an expert in mental health will use a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you are susceptible to the disorder, says Adler. He or she will then interview you about the symptoms of ADHD and look over your medical and family history to confirm that other conditions aren't causing them.
People with ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and miss crucial details. They have a difficult time following directions in class or at work. They are more likely to lose items essential to their tasks or activities, such as keys, wallets and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused during long lectures or reading assignments. Fidgeting, over-talking or texting, or squirming, are other symptoms of adult ADHD.
It is crucial to rule out other medical conditions in determining if a person has adult ADHD. These include depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Stress and certain physical conditions like thyroid problems can also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to determine how severe a person's symptoms are when diagnosing the disorder. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed in childhood, because it's not obvious. A diagnosis can change 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 may feel guilty for blameing other people or themselves for their struggles, and they may be devastated by missed opportunities when they were treated with respect.
diagnosis of adhd in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to consult a medical professional to get an assessment. This can be conducted in person or by video call. In the UK, only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The professional will ask about your medical history, which includes mental health issues within the family. This is because a variety of emotional and physical conditions 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 also inquire about your lifestyle and work, and how your symptoms affect your life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you showed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They may also wish to interview people who were close to you as a child and ask about their experiences.
A thorough medical history will aid your doctor to determine whether you require medication or other treatment. This is because some medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults with a history anxiety or depression require evaluation and treated more carefully, as these conditions often are in synergy.
If the professional believes you require medication, they will prescribe a suitable medication. The type of medication you require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily life. Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. However, they're not suitable for everyone, and the first one you try might not be effective or cause unpleasant adverse side effects. Your doctor will be interested in knowing if you use any other medication that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, because certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is a crucial component of the treatment process for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal better with feelings of anger, failure and underachievement that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management skills.
If you suffer from a mental illness it is essential to locate a healthcare professional who specializes in the field. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to consult psychologists or specialist therapists. These experts are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adults with ADHD and have had experience in helping other clients with similar struggles. You can use search engines like ADDitude or visit your local mental health services to find a professional that works with adults who have ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you are struggling to achieve your maximum potential in your work or in maintaining relationships, or experience difficulties completing your tasks at home and at work, an ADHD diagnosis could be the answer you've been looking for.
ADHD treatment for adults starts with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychiatrist or psychologist determines if you satisfy 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 are not treated for ADHD frequently have coexisting disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these disorders can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. Stress and frustration from poor performance can also cause feelings of self-doubt, Jaksa says. "Getting an assessment can help them understand the root of their issues. This could help reduce or eliminate their anxieties and enable them to concentrate more productively on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated by a combination of medication in conjunction with behavior therapy. Stimulants can boost concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and aid in organizing. These drugs can improve moods and boost motivation in many cases. People who take stimulants should be aware of potential adverse effects, such as insomnia and difficulty drinking or eating enough. Mood swings can also occur in those who take stimulants to treat ADHD and can be difficult to manage.
Talk to your health care provider regarding whether you are a good candidate for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or medications. These studies help researchers find better methods to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases and conditions.
Counseling
If you have untreated ADHD it could cause a variety of problems in all areas of your life. Your relationships, career and financial health may be negatively affected by procrastination or poor time management, impulsive spending and other symptoms. The first step in reducing the negative effects and regaining control is to get a diagnosis and seek treatment.
Many adults 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. Some may have had the ability to manage their symptoms as children but struggled as they grew older when their family and work responsibilities increased.
To diagnose ADHD, mental health professionals need to find that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your daily life. In the event of impairment, it could result in losing your job due to of an inability to focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at college due to your inability to learn for tests.
Women are better at avoiding symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your life at work or at home you can accelerate the process of diagnosing by being open with your doctor. You might also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD you suffer from will be looking to determine if your symptoms began before the age of 12. They may ask to speak to people who were close to you at this time, and they may also conduct a series of tests to test your attention and memory.
After you are given a diagnosis your therapist will recommend the use of a combination of medication and non-medication treatments to manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different methods before they discover the one that works for them. It is suggested that you keep a diary of your progress and check in with your physician regularly so that they can help you adjust your treatment program when needed.