Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who are struggling in their personal or professional lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. adhd uk diagnosis requires a thorough assessment that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers.
It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. See NIMH for suggestions on talking to your doctor about the condition.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step in gaining control over symptoms that wreak destruction on people's personal and professional lives. The first step is to speak with your GP or seek out a mental health professional who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP doesn't have any experience with ADHD, they may refer you to either a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment.
A mental health professional will typically use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you are suffering from the condition. He or she will then interview you about your ADHD-like symptoms and examine your medical history and family history to ensure that other conditions aren't contributing to them.
Because people with ADHD tend to miss details and get easily distracted, they frequently struggle with following directions or listening to lectures or on the job. They often lose things necessary for tasks or activities, like keys, wallets and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused when they are reading long speeches or assignments. 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. This includes anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical issues like thyroid problems can also cause ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5, professionals are now required to assess the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them as having ADHD. Mild moderate, severe, and mild are the three categories for adults with ADHD.
Many people with ADHD never receive a diagnosis in childhood because it is not readily apparent. For adults, a diagnosis can be a life-changing revelation as they realize the reason why they struggled in school and could not attain their full potential at work or at home. Some may even feel guilty for blaming their problems on themselves or others and can feel sadness over the missed opportunities that could have been achieved when they were properly treated.
Treatment
To receive treatment for ADHD in adults the first step is to talk with an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be done either in person or by video call. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will want to know your medical history and family-related mental health issues. This is due to the fact that a number of emotional and physical conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD and must be addressed before a diagnosis can be made.
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 showed signs of ADHD before the age of 12 years old. They may also want to interview those who knew you as a child and ask about their memories.
A thorough medical history can aid your doctor to determine if you need medication or any other treatment. This is due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, sleep apnea and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults with an history of anxiety or depression may need more careful assessment and treatment, as these conditions can be co-existing with ADHD.
If the professional believes you require medication, they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The type of medicine you need depends on your symptoms and the way they impact your life. Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. However, they are not right for everyone and the first stimulant you try might not be effective or cause unpleasant adverse effects. Your doctor will be interested in knowing if you use any other medication such as over-the-counter medications and supplements, as certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is an important aspect of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal better with feelings of anger and failure that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can teach you how to control your anger, and improve your time management and organization abilities.
If you have a mental illness, it's important to find a doctor who is specialized in this condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to consult an expert psychologist or therapist. These professionals are likely to be more familiar with the challenges of treating adults with ADHD and have experience helping other clients with similar struggles. You can contact your local mental health services or ADDitude's directory to find a specialist who works with adults with ADHD.
Medication
If you're an adult who has had to deal with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, getting a diagnosis is the first step toward managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you are struggling to reach your maximum potential in your work, have difficulty maintaining relationships, or have trouble completing tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis may be just what you require.
ADHD treatment for adults begins with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychiatrist or psychologist will 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 suffer from untreated ADHD frequently have coexisting disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Jaksa says that these conditions can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. Stress and frustration from inadequate performance can cause feelings of low self-esteem Jaksa says. "Getting diagnosed can help these individuals get a better understanding of the root of their issues. This can help to reduce or eliminate their anxieties and enable them to focus more effectively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.
The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is usually a combination of therapy and medication. Stimulants can improve concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and aid in achieving organization. These medications can boost moods and improve motivation in many instances. Some of the side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. People who take stimulants to treat ADHD may have mood swings that could be difficult to manage.
Discuss with your health care provider regarding whether you're suitable for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or drugs. These studies assist researchers in finding more effective ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat illnesses and conditions.
Counseling
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD, it can cause many issues throughout your life. Procrastination and other signs can negatively impact your relationships, career, and financial health. The first step in reducing the negative effects and getting control back is to obtain an assessment and seek treatment.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children, either because their family and teachers were unaware of the disorder or because they had mild symptoms that were not spotted. Some might have managed their symptoms as children but struggled as they grew older when their family and work obligations increased.
To diagnose ADHD, mental health professionals need to find that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two areas of your everyday life. The effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a lack in focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at your college because you are unable to study for tests.
Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms that are affecting your life at work and at home speaking up with your doctor can help speed up the process and allow you to get reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional regardless of the kind of ADHD you have will want to know the time when your symptoms began. the age of 12. They may request that you talk with people who knew you at this time period. They may also take a number of tests to evaluate your memory and attention levels.
After you are given an diagnosis, your therapist will recommend the use of a combination of medication and non-medication treatments to help manage your symptoms. The majority of patients will try a few different treatments before they find the best one. It is suggested that you keep a journal of your progress and speak with your doctor on a regular basis so they can help you adjust your treatment plan as needed.