Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who find themselves struggling professionally or personally in any way, recognizing ADHD can be a significant step towards gaining control. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by parents and teachers.
The majority of people with ADHD suffer from symptoms since the age of five, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed with it as an adult. See NIMH for suggestions on talking with your health professional regarding the disorder.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step to gain control over symptoms that wreak havoc on one's personal and professional lives. The first step is to talk with your GP or consult a mental health professional with experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP doesn't have any experience in treating ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to either a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment.
Typically the mental health professional will employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you might have the disorder, says Adler. He or she will then interview you about your ADHD-like symptoms and review your medical and family history to ensure that other conditions aren't causing them.
Because people who suffer from ADHD have a tendency to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they frequently struggle with following directions or listening in class or at work. They are often unable to locate important items needed for their tasks such as wallets, keys and other tools. They may also have trouble staying focused while reading or listening to long speeches. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking excessively or squirming in the seat.
When determining whether a person has adult ADHD It is crucial to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and addiction to drugs. Stress and physical ailments such as thyroid issues can cause ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to determine the severity of a person's symptoms are before identifying the disorder. Mild, moderate and severe are the three categories for adults with ADHD.
Many people with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis in their childhood because it's not readily apparent. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing revelation because they can finally understand the reason why they struggled in school and never seemed to attain their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty for blaming others or themselves for their struggles and may also be devastated by missed opportunities when they were treated with respect.
Treatment
The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to consult a medical professional for an assessment. This can be done either in person or via video calls. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, which includes mental health issues within the family. This is because there are a variety of mental and physical ailments that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions must be ruled out to establish a diagnosis.
The professional will ask you about your work and lifestyle, as well as how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you showed signs of ADHD before the age of 12 years old. They may also wish to interview people who knew you as a child and ask about their experiences.
A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining whether you need medications or other treatments. Certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults who have a history of depression or anxiety will require evaluation and treated with more care since these conditions can coexist.
If a medical professional believes that you need medication, they will prescribe a suitable medication. adhd diagnosis uk adults I Am Psychiatry UK of medicine you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life. Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. However, they are not right for everyone, and the first one you try might not be effective or have bothersome adverse side effects. Your healthcare provider might ask whether you're taking any other medications. This includes prescription drugs or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of drugs may interfere with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is a crucial part of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of anger, disappointment and inadequacy that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can teach you how to manage your anger, improve your time management and organizational skills.
If you suffer from an illness of the mind, it's important to find a doctor who is specialized in this condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However, you may prefer to seek out a specialist therapist. These professionals are likely to be more familiar with the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have worked with other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can contact your local mental health services or consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a professional who can assist adults with ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've found it difficult to achieve your full potential at work, are finding it difficult to maintain relationships, or struggle to complete tasks at home A diagnosis of ADHD might be the solution you've been seeking.
ADHD treatment for adults starts with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've experienced. The psychologist or psychiatrist will then 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 with untreated ADHD are often co-morbid with disorders such as anxiety and depression. These disorders can trigger or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. Stress and frustration from the lack of performance can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, he adds. "Getting diagnosed will help them gain a perspective on the root of their issues. This may reduce or eliminate their anxieties and help them focus on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated best by a combination of medication along with behavior therapy. The stimulants help improve concentration, reduce impulsive behavior and aid in organization. These drugs can boost moods and improve motivation in many instances. Some of the side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulties drinking enough or eating well. People who take stimulants to treat ADHD might suffer from mood swings that may be difficult for them to manage.
Speak to your doctor about whether or not you're eligible for clinical trials on new medications or treatments. These studies assist researchers in finding better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases and conditions.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD can lead to issues in all areas of your life. Your career, relationships and financial health can be negatively impacted by procrastination, poor time management, excessive spending and other signs. The first step to reduce the negative effects and regaining control is to get an assessment and seek treatment.
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or because they displayed mild symptoms which were not noticed. Others might have had the ability to manage their symptoms in childhood but struggled as they grew older when their family and work responsibilities increased.
In order to be diagnosed as having ADHD, mental health professionals must find that your symptoms are causing severe impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. Impairment can result in losing your job because of lack of concentration and organizational skills, or being placed on academic probation at college due to the inability to study for tests.
Women tend to be better at hiding their symptoms than men, which can make it harder to receive an accurate diagnosis. If you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your work or home life you can accelerate the process of diagnosing by being open with your doctor. You may also be able to get reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional regardless of the kind of ADHD that you have will want to know whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They may suggest that you speak to people who were close to you at the time, and they may conduct a series of tests to measure your attention and memory.
If you're given an diagnosis your therapist will recommend a combination of medication and non-medication treatments to manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test various treatments before they find the best one. It is suggested that you keep a diary of your progress and speak with your doctor regularly so they can help you adjust your treatment program as needed.