Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Adults who are struggling in their professional or personal lives can benefit from diagnosing ADHD. A thorough evaluation is needed to determine if you have the diagnosis. This includes analyzing school records and questionnaires that are completed by teachers and caregivers.
Most people with ADHD suffer from symptoms since the age of five, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed at an adult age. NIMH has tips on how to talk with your doctor about the condition.
Diagnosis
It is important to get diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. This will allow you to manage the symptoms that can cause chaos in your personal and professional life. The first step is to talk to your GP or consult a mental health professional who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor does not have any experience with ADHD, they may refer you to either psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment.
Typically an expert in mental health will use a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you are susceptible to the disorder, says Adler. He or she will then interview you about the symptoms of ADHD and review your medical and family history to determine if other conditions aren't contributing to them.
Since people who suffer from ADHD tend to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they frequently have difficulty following instructions or listening to lectures or at work. They are often unable to locate important items for tasks or activities like keys, wallets and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused during long lectures or reading assignments. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting excessively or squirming in the seat.
It is important to rule other conditions out when determining whether someone suffers from adult ADHD. This includes anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Stress and other physical ailments like thyroid problems can also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. In the DSM-5 professionals are now required to assess the severity of an individual's symptoms when diagnosing them with ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people who suffer from ADHD never receive a diagnosis in childhood, because it's not readily apparent. For adults, a diagnosis can be a life-changing event because they can finally understand why they struggled in school and failed to reach their potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty about being blamed for their troubles and may also be grieved over missed opportunities when they were treated with respect.
Treatment
To seek treatment for ADHD in adults The first step is to speak with an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be done in person or by video calls. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, which includes mental health issues that are present in the family. This is because a variety of physical and emotional conditions can trigger symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD, and these must be ruled out before a diagnosis can be made.
The professional will ask you about your job and lifestyle as well as how your symptoms impact your daily life. They will be especially interested in if you had signs of ADHD before the age of 12. They may also interview those who were close to you as a child and ask them about their experiences.
A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining whether you need medications or other treatments. This is because some medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning can cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have an history of anxiety or depression may need more careful evaluation and treatment because these conditions can be co-existing with ADHD.
If a medical professional believes that you require medication, they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The type of medication you require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your life. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They are not for everyone and the first medication you try might not be effective or cause undesirable negative side effects. Your healthcare provider will be interested in knowing if you are taking any other medications such as over-the-counter medications and supplements, as certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is an essential component of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal better with feelings of frustration, failure and underachievement that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to manage your anger, as well as improve your time management and organizational abilities.
If you have a mental illness it is crucial to find a doctor who is specialized in that condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to see psychologists or specialist therapists. These professionals are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adult ADHD and have experience helping other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can contact your local mental health clinic or with ADDitude's directory to find a professional who works with adults with ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've struggled to achieve your maximum potential at work, find it difficult to maintain relationships, or struggle to complete tasks at home, a diagnosis of ADHD may provide the answer you have been seeking.
diagnosed with adhd for adults begins with an extensive interview and a review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've experienced. The psychiatrist or psychologist determines whether you meet the criteria for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which is published by the American Psychiatric Association. 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 often suffer from co-occurring disorders, like anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these conditions can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. Chronic stress and frustration over inadequate performance can cause feelings of self-doubt, Jaksa says. "Getting an evaluation can help these individuals get a better understanding of the root causes of their difficulties and may help to alleviate or eliminate some of their anxieties and help them concentrate more on areas in which they excel," Jaksa says.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated best by a combination of medication along with behavior therapy. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and help with organization. In many instances these drugs can improve mood and increase motivation. The negative effects of stimulants are sleepiness and having trouble eating or drinking enough. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD can have mood swings that could be difficult for them to manage.
Talk to your health care provider regarding whether you would be an ideal candidate for clinical trials of novel treatments or drugs. These studies help researchers find more effective methods to prevent, diagnose, or treat illnesses and conditions.
Counseling
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to various problems throughout your life. Procrastination and other symptoms can negatively impact your relationships, career, and financial health. The first step to reduce the negative effects and getting control back is to obtain diagnosed and seek treatment.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children due to the fact that their families and teachers weren't aware of the disorder, or because they showed mild symptoms that were not spotted. 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 determine if you have ADHD Mental health professionals need to find that your symptoms cause significant impairment in two areas of your everyday life. In the event of an impairment, you could lose your job due to a decline in organization and focus or being placed on academic probation at your college because you're unable to study for tests.
Women are more adept at hiding symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. If, however, you are experiencing ADHD symptoms that are affecting your work and home life speaking up with your doctor can speed up the process and enable you to take advantage of reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws.
Regardless of the type of ADHD you have, your mental health professional will want to verify that your symptoms were present prior to age 12. They may suggest that you talk to people who were close to you at this time, and they might conduct a series of tests to test your attention and memory.
When you receive the diagnosis your therapist will recommend a combination of medications and non-medical treatments to treat your symptoms. Most people will try various treatments before they find the best one. Keep a journal of your progress, and visit your physician regularly to alter your treatment plan as necessary.