Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult Adults who are struggling in their work or personal life, diagnosing ADHD could be a crucial step towards gaining control. A diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation which may include a review of school records and questionnaires filled out by parents and teachers. The majority of people with ADHD suffer from symptoms from the age of five, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed with it in adulthood. NIMH has tips on how to talk with your doctor about the condition. Diagnosis Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step to gain control over the symptoms that cause havoc on a person's professional and personal lives. First, you should consult your GP or an expert in mental health who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. If your doctor does not have any knowledge of ADHD and is unable to help, they can recommend you to 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. They will ask you questions about your symptoms that are similar to ADHD and review your medical history and family history to ensure that other medical conditions aren't the cause of them. People suffering from ADHD tend to be easily distracted and can miss crucial details. They may have trouble following instructions in class or at work. They tend to lose things necessary for tasks or activities, including tools, wallets, keys and wallets. They may also have trouble staying focused while reading or listening to long speeches. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting or squirming are other signs of adult ADHD. It is crucial to rule out other medical conditions when determining if someone has adult ADHD. This includes depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and other physical ailments like thyroid issues could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In the DSM-5 professionals are required to consider the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them with ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe. Many people suffering from ADHD go their whole lives without ever being diagnosed because it's not obvious during childhood. A diagnosis can change the course of an adult's life because they now understand why they struggled at school and failed to reach their full potential at work or home. They may feel guilty for blaming their issues on themselves or others and may experience sadness over the missed opportunities that could have been had when they were properly treated. Treatment To seek treatment for ADHD in adults The first step is to talk with an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be done in person or through a video chat. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues that are present in the family. This is because many physical and emotional issues can trigger symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD, and these must be ruled out before the diagnosis can be made. The doctor will inquire about your lifestyle and work, as well as how your symptoms affect your daily life. They will be especially interested in if you displayed signs of ADHD before age 12. https://www.openlearning.com/u/hatchwaller-sj21ei/blog/7TricksToHelpMakeTheMostOfYourHowToGetDiagnosedWithAdhdInAdults may also want to interview those who knew you in childhood and ask about their experiences. A thorough medical history will help the doctor decide whether you need medication or other treatments. This is due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid issues and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. 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 the professional believes you require medication they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The kind of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily routine. Stimulants, which are the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. They aren't for everyone, and the first drug you try might not work or cause undesirable adverse consequences. Your doctor will be interested in knowing if you use any other medication that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, since certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is also an essential 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 frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, and improve your time management and organizing skills. If you suffer from mental illness, it's important to find an expert in healthcare who is trained in that condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to see psychologists or specialist therapists. These professionals are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adult ADHD and have worked with other clients with similar struggles. You can inquire with your local mental health clinic or ADDitude's directory to find a professional who is working with adults suffering from ADHD. Medication If you are an adult who has been struggling with ADHD getting a diagnosis is the first step toward managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you've struggled to reach your full potential at work, find it difficult to maintain relationships, or have trouble finishing tasks at home A diagnosis of ADHD could be the answer you have been looking for. ADHD treatment for adults starts with an extensive interview and a review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychiatrist or psychologist will then determine if 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 have coexisting disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Jaksa says that these disorders can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. He also says that constant stress and frustration due to low performance can cause feelings of low-self-esteem. "Getting an assessment can help these individuals understand the causes of their struggles. This can help to reduce or eliminate their anxieties, and allow them to concentrate more productively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated best with a combination of medications in conjunction with behavior therapy. Stimulants improve concentration, reduce impulsive behavior and aid in the process of organizing. In many cases they can boost motivation and improve mood. Some of the side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulty drinking or eating enough. Also, mood swings can occur in those who take stimulants for ADHD, and these can be difficult to manage. Speak to your doctor about whether or not you are a candidate for clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies aid researchers in discovering more effective ways to diagnose and treat or prevent diseases. Counseling Untreated ADHD can lead to problems in all areas of your life. Your relationships, career and financial health could be negatively impacted by procrastination, poor time management, impulsive spending and other symptoms. Finding a doctor and seeking treatment is the first step towards reduce the negative impact and regaining control of your life. Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children, because their teachers and family were unaware of the disorder or they had minor symptoms that weren't noticed. Others might have had the ability to manage their symptoms in childhood but struggled as they grew older when their work and family obligations increased. In order to be diagnosed as having ADHD, mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms are causing severe impairment in at least two aspects of your life. In the event of impairment, it could mean losing your job because of a lack of focus and organization skills or being put on academic probation in college due to inability to do well on tests. Women are better at avoiding symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that impact your work or home life, you can accelerate the process of diagnosing by being upfront with your doctor. You may also be able to get reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws. Whatever kind of ADHD you suffer from Your mental health professional will determine if your symptoms started before age 12. They may ask to speak with people who were close to you at the time, and they might also conduct a series of tests to measure your memory and attention. After receiving a diagnosis, the doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication therapy to help manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test several different treatments before they find the best one. Keep a record of your progress and make sure to consult your physician regularly to alter your treatment plan as necessary.