Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who are struggling professionally or personally and are unable to resolve the issue, identifying ADHD is a significant step in taking control. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment, often including reviews of school records and questionnaires filled out by teachers and caregivers.
Most people suffering from ADHD suffer from symptoms since childhood, and it is not uncommon to be diagnosed at an adult age. NIMH provides suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about the disorder.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to be diagnosed with ADHD at an early age. This will help you manage the symptoms that can cause chaos in your professional and personal life. First, you must consult your GP or an expert in mental health who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment.
Typically, a mental health professional will use a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you may be suffering from the condition, according to Adler. He or she will then interview you about your symptoms that are similar to ADHD and look over your medical and family history to ensure that other conditions aren't contributing to them.
People suffering from ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and can miss important details. They often have difficulty adhering to instructions in classes or at work. They often lose important items required for tasks or activities such as wallets, keys and other tools. They may also have difficulty staying focused while reading or listening to long speeches. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking too much or squirming in the seat.
It is important to rule other conditions out when determining if someone has adult ADHD. This includes depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Stress and other physical ailments such as thyroid issues can also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. In the DSM-5, professionals are now required to assess the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them as having ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people suffering from ADHD go their whole lives without ever receiving a diagnosis because it is not apparent during childhood. For adults, a diagnosis can be a life-changing experience because they can finally understand the reasons why they struggled at school and could not reach their potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty about being blamed for their problems and could be grieved over missed opportunities if they were properly treated.
Treatment
The first step in getting treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit a healthcare professional to get an assessment. This can be conducted in person or by video chat. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The specialist will require information about your medical history as well as family-related mental health issues. This is because many emotional and physical conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD and need to be addressed before the diagnosis can be made.
The doctor will also inquire about your lifestyle and work and how your issues influence your life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you displayed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years. They may also interview those who were close to you as a child and ask them about their experiences.
A thorough medical history can aid the doctor in determining whether you need medication or other treatments. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, sleep apnea and lead poisoning can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults with a history of depression or anxiety might require more careful evaluation and treatment because these conditions can be co-existing with ADHD.
If a medical professional believes that you need medication, they will prescribe a suitable medication. The kind of medication you need depends on the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. They are not for all people and the first treatment you try may not work or cause unwanted adverse effects. Your doctor will want to know if you take any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as certain kinds of drugs may interact with ADHD stimulants.
ADHD Diagnosis is a crucial part of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope better with feelings of anger and failure that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, as well as improve your time management and organizational abilities.
It is crucial to find the services of a doctor who is specialized in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to consult psychologists or specialist therapists. These professionals are likely to be more familiar with the challenges of treating adults with ADHD and have had experience in helping other clients with similar struggles. You can contact your local mental health service or consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a specialist who works with adults with ADHD.
Medication
If you are an adult who has struggled with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder getting a diagnosis is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've been unable to realize your maximum potential at work, have found it difficult to maintain relationships or struggle to finish tasks at home, a diagnosis of ADHD might be the solution you've been seeking.
The first step in treating ADHD in adults is a thorough medical history, including your symptoms. 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 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 with untreated ADHD are often co-morbid with disorders such as anxiety and depression. These disorders can trigger or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. He adds that chronic stress and frustration due to low performance can cause feelings of low-self-esteem. "Getting an assessment can help them understand the root of their issues. This could help alleviate or eliminate their anxiety and help them focus on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated by a combination of medication along with behavior therapy. Stimulants improve concentration, reduce impulse-driven behavior and aid in the process of organizing. In many cases, these medications can also improve mood and increase motivation. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of the potential side effects, which include insomnia and trouble with drinking or eating enough. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD may suffer from mood swings that may be difficult for them to manage.
Discuss with your health care provider about whether you are a good candidate for clinical trials of new treatments or medications. These studies assist researchers in finding more effective ways to diagnose and treat illnesses, as well as prevent them from occurring.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD can lead to problems in all aspects of your life. Your relationships, career and financial health may be negatively impacted by procrastination, poor time management, impulsive spending and other signs. Getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step towards reduce the negative impact and regaining control of your life.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD did not receive a diagnosis as children, because their teachers and family were unaware of the condition or they had minor symptoms that weren't noticed. Some adults might have been able to manage their symptoms as children but were unable to manage these issues in adulthood due increasing family and work obligations.
To diagnose ADHD mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your daily life. Impairment can result in losing your job due to of an inability to focus and organization skills or being put on academic probation in college due to your inability to learn for tests.
Women are better in hiding their symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If you have ADHD symptoms that impact your life at work or at home it is possible to accelerate the process of diagnosis by being upfront with your doctor. You might also be able to get reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional regardless of the kind of ADHD you have, will be interested in knowing if your symptoms began before the age of 12. They may suggest that you talk to people who were close to you at the time, and may also administer a series tests to test your memory and attention.
If you're given an diagnosis, your therapist will recommend a combination of medication and non-medication treatments to manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different therapies before they can find the one that works for them. Keep a record of your progress, and make sure to consult your doctor regularly to adjust your treatment plan as needed.