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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult Adults who are struggling in their personal or professional lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by parents and teachers. Most people suffering from ADHD suffer from symptoms since the age of five, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed in adulthood. See NIMH for tips on talking to your health care provider regarding the disorder. 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 personal and professional lives. First, you must consult your GP or an expert in mental health who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP does not have any knowledge of ADHD and is unable to help, they can recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment. Typically an expert in mental health will use the six-question ADHD screener to determine if you are susceptible to the disorder, says Adler. Then, he will talk to you about your symptoms, and examine your family history and medical history to confirm that other medical conditions are not causing your ADHD-like symptoms. Because people who suffer from ADHD have a tendency to overlook details and become easily distracted, they frequently have trouble following instructions or listening to lectures or at work. They frequently lose essential items for tasks or activities such as keys, wallets, and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused when reading or listening to long speeches. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting excessively or squirming in their seats. In determining if someone suffers from adult ADHD, it is important to eliminate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, anxiety and abuse of substances. Stress and physical conditions like thyroid problems can also be a source of ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 now requires doctors to consider the severity of a person's symptoms are when diagnosing the disorder. Mild moderate, severe and mild are the classifications for adult ADHD. Many people with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis in childhood because it is not obvious. A diagnosis can change the course of a person's life as they understand the reasons why they struggled in school and failed to reach their full potential at work or at home. They might even feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on themselves or others and may experience regret over missed opportunities that could have been a reality if they had been properly treated. Treatment The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to see a medical professional to get an assessment. This can be accomplished in person or via video call. In the UK only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The professional will ask 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 need to be ruled out before an assessment is 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 showed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They may also wish to interview people who knew you as a child and ask them about their experiences. A thorough medical history can aid your doctor to determine if you need medication or any other treatment. This is because some medical conditions, including sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have an history of anxiety or depression might require more careful evaluation and treatment, because these conditions often coexist with ADHD. If a doctor believes that 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 affect your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. They are not for all people and the first treatment you try might not be effective or cause unwanted adverse consequences. Your healthcare provider may ask if you are taking any other medication. This includes over-the-counter medications, supplements, and prescription drugs. Certain kinds of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is a crucial part of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal with the feelings of failure, underachievement and frustration that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you how to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management skills. It's important to seek out the services of a doctor who is specialized in mental disorders. how to get adult adhd diagnosis www.adhddiagnosis.top or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However you might prefer to consult a specialist therapist. These professionals are likely to be more familiar with the challenges of treating adults with ADHD and have worked with other clients with similar struggles. You can check with your local mental health services or ADDitude's directory to find a specialist who is working with adults suffering from ADHD. Medication If you are an adult who has struggled with ADHD getting a diagnosis is the first step towards addressing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you've been unable to achieve your full potential at work, find it difficult to maintain relationships, or struggle to complete tasks at home A diagnosis of ADHD might be the answer you have been searching for. ADHD treatment for adults starts with thorough interviews and a thorough review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychologist or psychiatrist will then determine if 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 frequently co-morbid with other disorders, such as depression and anxiety. These disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. Chronic stress and frustration over the lack of performance can result in feelings of low self-esteem, he says. “Getting a diagnosis can help them understand the root causes of their struggles and may help to reduce or alleviate some of their anxiety and help them concentrate more on areas in which they excel,” Jaksa says. Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated by a combination of medication along with behavior therapy. The stimulants help improve concentration, reduce the risk of impulsive behavior, and help with organizing. In many instances, these medications can also enhance motivation and mood. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of potential side effects, which include insomnia and difficulty drinking or eating enough. Certain people who use stimulants to treat ADHD may have mood swings that could be difficult for them to manage. Consult your physician about whether or not you are an eligible participant in clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies help researchers find more effective ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat illnesses and conditions. Counseling If you're suffering from untreated ADHD, it can cause many issues throughout your life. Procrastination and other signs can have a negative impact on your relationships, career, and financial health. Finding a doctor and seeking treatment is the first step in lessening the negative effects and regaining control over your life. Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers were unaware of the disorder or because they had mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Certain adults may have been able manage their symptoms as children, but were unable to manage their symptoms in adulthood due to increasing family and work obligations. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, mental health professionals must find that your symptoms are causing severe impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. Impairment can mean losing your job because of an inability to focus and organizational skills or being put on academic probation in college due to your inability to learn for tests. Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms than men, which may make it harder to receive an accurate diagnosis. If, however, you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that are affecting your work and home life, being forthright about them with your doctor will help accelerate the process and let you get reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws. Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD you have will be interested in knowing if your symptoms began before the age of 12. They may ask you to speak to people who knew you at this time period. They may also conduct a series of tests to determine your attention and memory levels. After receiving an assessment, the therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. A majority of patients will try a variety of different methods before they discover the one that works for them. Keep a record of your progress and make sure to consult your physician regularly to alter your treatment plan as needed.