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 towards taking control. A thorough assessment is required to make an accurate diagnosis. This includes reviewing the school records and filling out questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers.
It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. NIMH offers guidelines on how to talk with your doctor about the condition.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step in gaining control over symptoms that wreak havoc on a person’s professional and personal lives. The first step is to talk to your GP or consult a mental health professional who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. If your doctor does not have any experience in treating ADHD and is unable to help, they can recommend you to psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment.
Typically, a mental health professional will use an eight-question ADHD screener to determine if you are susceptible to the condition, according to Adler. They will ask you questions about your ADHD-like symptoms and examine your medical and family history to ensure that other conditions aren’t causing them.
Because people who suffer from ADHD tend to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often have difficulty following instructions or listening to lectures or on the job. They are more likely to lose items that are essential for their work or activities, such as tools, wallets, and keys. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking frequently or squirming around in their seats.
When determining whether a person has adult ADHD it is essential to exclude other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and substance abuse. Stress and physical ailments like thyroid problems can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to assess how to get an adult adhd diagnosis severe a person’s symptoms are when determining if they have diagnosed him or her with the condition. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people with ADHD have a lifelong struggle without ever getting a diagnosis because it’s not evident in the early years. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing experience because they finally understand the reasons why they struggled at school and failed to attain their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty for blaming their issues on others or themselves and may experience sadness over the missed opportunities that could have been had if they had been properly treated.
Treatment
The first step to receive treatment for ADHD as an adult is to consult the healthcare professional to have an assessment. This can be done in person or through a 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 that are present in the family. This is due to the fact that a number of physical and emotional conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD and must be ruled out before a diagnosis can be made.
The professional will also ask about your lifestyle and work and how your issues impact your daily life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you displayed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They might also interview those who knew you in your childhood and ask about their experiences.
A detailed medical history can help your doctor decide if you need medication or another treatment. Some medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea and lead poisoning can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults who have an underlying history of depression or anxiety might require more careful evaluation and treatment because these conditions are often associated with ADHD.
If a professional believes that you need medication, they will prescribe the appropriate medication. The kind of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how To get Diagnosed with adhd they affect your daily routine. Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. However, they are not for everyone and the first stimulant you try might not be effective or cause uncomfortable side effects. Your doctor may inquire whether you are taking other medications. This includes over-the-counter medications or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. Certain types of drugs may interfere with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is also an important element of the treatment process 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 manage your anger, and improve your time management and organization skills.
It is essential to find a healthcare professional that specializes in mental illnesses. 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 difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have experience helping other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can search ADDitude or your local mental health clinic to find a professional who assists adults with ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in managing your symptoms and improving life. If you are struggling to achieve your full potential at work or in maintaining relationships, or have difficulties completing your tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis might be the answer you’ve been looking for.
ADHD treatment for adults starts with thorough interviews and a thorough review of your medical history, including the symptoms you’ve experienced. 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 are not treated for ADHD often have coexisting disorders, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. Chronic stress and frustration over inadequate performance can lead to feelings of low self-esteem Jaksa says. “Getting diagnosed can help them get a better understanding of the root of their issues. This may reduce or eliminate their anxieties and help them focus more effectively on areas in which they excel,” Jaksa states.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with a combination of medications in conjunction with behavior therapy. Stimulants can boost concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and help with organization. These medications can improve moods and boost motivation in many cases. People who take stimulants should be aware of potential negative effects, which could include insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. Mood swings can also occur in people who are taking stimulants to treat ADHD, and these are often difficult to manage.
Speak to your doctor about whether or not you’re eligible for clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies assist researchers in finding better ways to prevent, diagnose or treat conditions and diseases.
Counseling
If you have untreated ADHD it could cause many issues in all areas of your life. Procrastination and other signs can have a negative impact on your relationships, career, and financial health. The first step to reduce the negative effects and regaining control is to get an assessment and seek treatment.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers weren’t aware of the disorder, or because they had mild symptoms that were not noticed. Certain adults may be able to manage their symptoms in childhood, but had difficulty with them in adulthood due to increased work and family obligations.
To be diagnosed with ADHD mental health professionals must discover that your symptoms are causing severe impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. Impairment can result in losing your job due to of a lack of concentration and organizational skills, or being put on academic probation at college due to the inability to study for tests.
Women are generally better at hiding their symptoms than men, which may make it harder for them to get a diagnosis. If, however, you are experiencing ADHD symptoms that affect your work and home life and family life, speaking openly about them with your doctor can help speed up the process and allow you to get reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.
Regardless of the type of ADHD you have, your mental health professional will want to determine if your symptoms started prior to the age of 12. They might ask you to speak to people who were close to you at the time, and they might also conduct a series of tests to assess your attention and memory.
If you’re given a diagnosis the therapist will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication treatments to treat your symptoms. A majority of patients will try a variety of different therapies before they can find the one that works best for them. Keep a journal of your progress, and make sure to consult your doctor regularly to adjust your treatment plan if needed.
