Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/human-givens-institute-logo.png)Adults who have difficulty in their personal or professional lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment, often including reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers.
(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Royal_College_of_Psychiatrists_logo.png)Most people suffering from ADHD have symptoms since the age of three, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed as an adult. NIMH provides tips on how to talk with your doctor about the condition.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step to gain control over the symptoms that can cause destruction on people's professional and personal lives. The first step is to talk with your GP or seek out a mental health professional with expertise in treating adults with ADHD. If your doctor does not have any experience with ADHD or other disorders, they could recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment.
Typically, a mental health professional will employ the six-question ADHD screener to determine whether you are susceptible to the condition, says Adler. He or she will then ask you questions about your ADHD-like symptoms and review your medical history and family history to confirm that other conditions aren't contributing to them.
Because people with ADHD are more likely to miss details and get easily distracted, they frequently have difficulty following instructions or listening in class or on the job. They tend to lose things necessary for tasks or activities, such as keys, wallets and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting too much or squirming in their seats.
When determining whether someone has adult ADHD, it is important to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, depression and addiction to drugs. Stress and physical issues like thyroid issues can mimic ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 now requires doctors to consider how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult severe a person's symptoms are when diagnosing them with the disorder. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people with ADHD live their entire lives without ever being diagnosed because it is not apparent in the early years. For adults, a diagnosis could be a life-changing event as they realize the reason why they struggled in school and failed to attain their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on others or themselves, and they can experience regret over missed opportunities that could have been achieved if they had been properly treated.
Treatment
To seek treatment for ADHD for adults, the first step is to talk with a healthcare professional. This can be done either in person or via video conference. In the uk diagnosis adhd only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues within the family. This is due to the fact that there are many mental and physical ailments which can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions need to be ruled out to establish a diagnosis.
The expert will inquire about your work and lifestyle, as well as How To Get Diagnosed With Adhd As A Woman your symptoms impact your daily life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you had signs of ADHD before age 12. They may also want to interview people who knew you in childhood and ask about their experiences.
A detailed medical history can aid your doctor in determining 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 need to be assessed and treated more carefully because these conditions frequently coexist.
If a doctor believes you need medication, they will prescribe the appropriate drug. The type of medication you require is determined by your symptoms and how they impact your life. Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. However, they're not for everyone and the first one you try might not be effective or cause unpleasant adverse side effects. Your doctor will need to know if 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 aspect of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal with the feelings of disappointment or underachievement that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to manage your anger, improve your time management and organization abilities.
It's important to seek out an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental disorders. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD. However it is recommended to consult a specialist psychotherapist. These professionals will likely be more familiar with adults with ADHD and their challenges, as well as having previous experience working with clients. You can use search engines like ADDitude or visit your local mental health clinic to find a professional who is working with adults who suffer from adhd adults diagnosis.
Medication
A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step in managing your symptoms and improving life. If you're struggling to reach your full potential in the workplace or in maintaining relationships, or have trouble completing tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis may be the answer you've been looking for.
The first step to treat ADHD in adults is thorough medical history, including your symptoms. The psychologist or psychiatrist will 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 are not treated for ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, including depression and anxiety. Jaksa says that these disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. A constant stress and anger over the lack of performance can result in feelings of self-doubt, he adds. “Getting an assessment will help them understand the reasons behind their struggles. This can help to reduce or eliminate their worries and enable them to focus more effectively on areas in which they excel,” Jaksa states.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with a combination of medications and behavior therapy. Stimulants can improve concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in organizing. In many instances they can boost motivation and improve mood. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of possible side effects, which include problems with sleeping and eating or drinking enough. Also, mood swings can occur in those who take stimulants to treat ADHD and they can be difficult to manage.
Consult your physician about whether or not you're a candidate for clinical trials on new medications or treatments. These studies aid researchers in discovering better methods to detect and treat or prevent diseases.
Counseling
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to a variety of problems throughout your life. Your relationships, career and financial health may be negatively impacted by procrastination and poor time management, excessive spending and other signs. Getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step in lessening the negative effects and regaining control over your life.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD did not receive a diagnosis when they were children because their parents and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or they had mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Some may have had the ability to manage their symptoms during childhood, but struggled in adulthood when their work and family obligations increased.
To determine if you have ADHD mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your everyday life. The effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a deficit in focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at college because you are unable to study for tests.
Women are better at hiding symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If, however, you are experiencing ADHD symptoms that are affecting your life at work and at home speaking up with your doctor can help accelerate the process and allow you to take advantage of reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws.
Regardless of the type of ADHD you have the mental health professional will want to verify that your symptoms started prior to age 12. They might ask you to talk to people who were close to you at the time, and they may also conduct a series of tests to test your memory and attention.
After receiving a diagnosis, the doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different treatments before finding the right one. It is recommended that you keep a journal of your progress and consult with your doctor regularly so they can help adjust your treatment plan according to your needs.