Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who are struggling professionally or personally and are unable to resolve the issue, identifying ADHD can be a significant step in taking control. A diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires filled out by parents and teachers.
Most people suffering from ADHD have symptoms since the age of three, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed with it at an adult age. 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 in gaining control over symptoms that wreak havoc on a person's personal and professional lives. The first step is to talk with your GP or find a mental health professional who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor is not familiar with ADHD, he or she might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for assessment.
Typically the mental health professional will use the six-question ADHD screener to determine whether you might have the condition, says Adler. Then, he will interview you about your symptoms and review your medical history and family history to confirm that there are no other conditions not causing the symptoms of ADHD.
Because people with ADHD tend to overlook details and become easily distracted, they frequently struggle with following directions or listening to lectures or at work. They often lose things that are essential for their work or activities, such as tools, wallets, keys and wallets. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long lectures or reading assignments. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting too much or squirming in their seats.
It is essential 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 cause ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 now requires professionals to consider the severity of a person's symptoms are when determining if they have diagnosed them with the disorder. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed in childhood because it is not obvious. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing event because they finally understand the reasons why they struggled at school and failed to achieve their full potential at work or at home. They might even feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on others or themselves and can feel grief over lost opportunities that could have been had when they were properly treated.
Treatment
The first step in getting treatment for ADHD as an adult is to consult a healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video calls. In the UK only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will want to know your medical history as well as family-related mental health issues. This is because many emotional and physical conditions can cause symptoms similar to those that occur in ADHD and need to be addressed before the diagnosis can be made.
The professional will also ask 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 prior to the age of 12 years. They might also interview people who were close to you in your childhood and ask about their memories.
A thorough medical history will aid your doctor to determine whether you require medication or any other treatment. Some medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, and lead poisoning, can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression will need to be evaluated and treated with more care because these conditions frequently are in synergy.
If a doctor believes that you require medication, they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The type of medicine you require is determined by your symptoms and how they impact your life. Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. They aren't for everyone and the first medication you try may not work or cause undesirable adverse consequences. Your healthcare provider will want to know if you are taking any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as certain kinds of drugs may interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is also an essential part of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal with the feelings of disappointment or underachievement that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also teach you to manage your anger and improve your time management and organization skills.
It's important to seek out an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD. However it is recommended to consult a specialist therapist. These specialists are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adult ADHD and have had experience in helping other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can contact your local mental health services or with ADDitude's directory to find a professional who is working with adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you're struggling to reach your full potential in the workplace or have trouble maintaining relationships, or experience difficulty completing tasks at home and at work, an ADHD diagnosis might be just what you need.
ADHD treatment for adults starts with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychiatrist or psychologist will then determine if the 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 who suffer from untreated ADHD are often afflicted with disorders such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. undiagnosed adhd in adults says that constant stress and anger due to low performance can cause feelings of self-esteem loss. "Getting an assessment can help them gain a perspective on the root of their issues. This may reduce or eliminate their worries, and allow them to focus on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.
The best treatment for adults with ADHD is typically an amalgamation of therapy and medication. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in organization. These drugs can boost moods and improve motivation in a variety of cases. Some of the side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulties drinking enough or eating well. The mood swings can also happen in people who are taking stimulants to treat ADHD and can be difficult to manage.
Discuss with your health care provider about whether you're a good candidate for clinical trials of novel treatments or medicines. These studies help researchers find more effective methods to prevent, diagnose or treat diseases and conditions.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD can lead to problems in all aspects of your life. The effects of procrastination, among others, can affect your relationships as well as your career and financial health. Finding a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step in reducing these negative impacts and regaining control over your life.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed when they were children because their parents and teachers were unaware of the condition or they experienced mild symptoms that were not noticed. Certain adults may have been able manage their symptoms as children but struggled with their symptoms in adulthood due to increased work and family obligations.
To determine ADHD, mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your everyday life. Impairment can result in losing your job due to of lack of focus and organizational skills or being placed on academic probation at college due to the inability to learn for tests.
Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men, which may make it harder for them to get an accurate diagnosis. If you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your life at work or at home you can accelerate the process of diagnosis by being honest with your doctor. You may also be eligible for reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws.
Whatever kind of ADHD you suffer from Your mental health professional will see that your symptoms began prior to the age of 12. They may request that you talk with people who knew you at this time period. They may also conduct a series of tests to evaluate your attention and memory abilities.
If you're given an diagnosis the therapist will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication treatments to help manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test 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 assist in adjusting your treatment plan as needed.