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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult Adults who have difficulty in their personal or professional lives can benefit from diagnosing ADHD. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires filled out by caregivers and teachers. It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. Visit NIMH for suggestions on talking to your doctor about the condition. Diagnosis It is essential to be diagnosed with ADHD at an early age. This will allow you to get control of the symptoms that can cause a lot of trouble in your personal and professional life. First, you must consult your GP or an expert in mental health who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment. Typically an expert in mental health will employ the six-question ADHD screener to determine whether you are susceptible to the disorder, says Adler. Then, he or she will talk to you about your symptoms and look at your family history and medical history to make sure that other medical conditions are not causing your symptoms of ADHD. Since people who suffer from ADHD are more likely to miss details and get easily distracted, they often struggle with following directions or listening to lectures or on the job. They often lose important items for tasks or activities like keys, wallets, and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused when listening to long speeches. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting too much or squirming in their seats. It is important to rule out other medical conditions when determining if someone has adult ADHD. These include depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical issues like thyroid problems can also be a source of ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5 professionals are now required to take into consideration the severity of a person's symptoms when determining if they are suffering from ADHD. Mild moderate, severe and mild are the three categories for adults with ADHD. Many people suffering from ADHD live their entire lives without ever receiving a diagnosis because it's not obvious in childhood. A diagnosis can change the course of an adult's life as they understand the reasons why they struggled in school and never reached their full potential at work or at home. Some may even feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on others or themselves, and they can experience sadness over the missed opportunities that could have been a reality in the event that they had been properly treated. Treatment The first step to receive treatment for ADHD as an adult is to consult the healthcare professional to get an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video conference. In the UK only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will require information about your medical history and family mental health issues. This is because many physical and emotional conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD and need to be ruled out before an assessment is made. The professional will ask you about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether you had signs of ADHD before age 12. They may also want to interview people who were close to you as a child and ask about their memories. A thorough medical history will help your doctor decide if you need medication or another treatment. This is because some medical conditions, including thyroid problems, sleep apnea and lead poisoning can cause symptoms of ADHD. getting diagnosed with adhd who have an underlying history of anxiety or depression might require more careful evaluation and treatment because these conditions often coexist with ADHD. If the professional believes you need medication, they will prescribe a suitable drug. The kind of medication you will require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your life. Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. However, they are not suitable for everyone and the first one you try might not be effective or trigger uncomfortable adverse effects. Your doctor may inquire whether you are taking other medication. This includes over-the-counter drugs or supplements as well as prescription drugs. Certain types of drugs may interfere with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is an essential aspect of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope better with feelings of frustration and failure that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can teach you how to control your anger, improve your time management and organizing skills. If you suffer from an illness of the mind it is crucial to find a doctor who is specialized in the field. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to consult a specialist therapist or psychologist. These experts are likely to be more knowledgeable about the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have had experience in helping other clients with similar struggles. You can search ADDitude or your local mental health clinic to find a specialist who assists adults with ADHD. Medication A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in managing your symptoms and improving life. If you are struggling to achieve your full potential at work or in maintaining relationships, or experience difficulties completing your tasks at home and at work, an ADHD diagnosis might be just what you need. The first step in treating ADHD in adults is a thorough medical history, including your symptoms. The psychiatrist or psychologist determines if 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 who suffer from untreated ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these disorders can worsen or cause symptoms of ADHD. He also says that constant anxiety and frustration resulting from poor performance can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss. “Getting diagnosed can help them gain a perspective on the reasons behind their struggles. This may alleviate or eliminate their anxiety and help them focus more effectively on areas where they excel,” Jaksa states. The best treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is typically an amalgamation of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants improve concentration, reduce impulse-driven behavior and aid in the process of organizing. These drugs can boost moods and improve motivation in many instances. The negative effects of stimulants are sleepiness and having trouble drinking or eating enough. Mood swings can also occur in some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD, and these can be difficult to manage. Speak to your doctor about whether or not you're eligible for clinical trials of new medications or treatments. These studies aid researchers in finding more effective methods to prevent, diagnose, or treat illnesses and conditions. Counseling If you have untreated ADHD, it can cause various problems in every area of your life. Procrastination and other signs can have a negative impact on your relationships and career as well as financial health. The first step to reduce the negative effects and getting control back is to obtain diagnosed 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 condition or they had mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Some might have been able to manage their symptoms in childhood but struggled in adulthood as their family and work obligations increased. To diagnose ADHD Mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two areas of your everyday life. Impaired can be losing your job due to a lack in focus and organization skills, or being placed on academic probation at your college because you are unable to do well on tests. Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms than men, which can make it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that impact your home or work life you can accelerate the process of diagnosis by being honest with your doctor. You might also be eligible for reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws. Your mental health professional regardless of the kind of ADHD you suffer from will be looking to determine whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They might ask you to talk to people who were close to you at this time, and they may also administer a series tests to test your attention and memory. After receiving an diagnosis, your doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. The majority of patients will try several different treatments before finding the right one. It is suggested that you keep track of your progress and check in with your doctor on a regular basis so they can help adjust your treatment plan according to your needs.