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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult Adults who are struggling in their professional or personal lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination which may include a review of school records and questionnaires completed by parents and teachers. The majority of people with ADHD have symptoms from childhood, and it is not uncommon to be diagnosed as an adult. NIMH offers suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about 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 professional and personal lives. The first step is to speak with your GP or seek out a mental health professional who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor does not have any experience with ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to either psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment. A mental health professional will typically employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you are suffering from the condition. Then, the doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and look at your medical history and family background to ensure that there are no other conditions not causing your ADHD-like symptoms. Since getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult ADHD Diagnosis with ADHD are more likely to miss details and get easily distracted, they often struggle with following directions or listening to lectures or at work. They frequently lose essential items needed for their tasks such as keys, wallets and other tools. They may also have difficulty staying focused while listening to long speeches. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting frequently or squirming around in the seat. 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 ailments like thyroid problems can also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. In the DSM-5, professionals are now required to take into consideration the severity of an individual's symptoms when diagnosing them as having 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 getting a diagnosis because it's not obvious during childhood. A diagnosis can change the course of an adult's life as they understand the reasons why they struggled in school and failed to reach their full potential at work or home. They might feel guilty about blameing other people or themselves for their problems, and they may be resentful over missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly. Treatment To seek treatment for ADHD for adults, the first step is to talk with an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be done in person or via video chat. 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 that are present in the family. This is due to the fact that a number of physical and emotional issues can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD, and these must be ruled out before the diagnosis can be made. The professional will ask you about your lifestyle and work, as well as how your symptoms impact your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you displayed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They may also speak with people who were close to you as an infant and inquire about their childhood memories. A thorough medical history will aid your doctor in determining whether you require medication or another treatment. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, and lead poisoning, can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults with a history anxiety or depression require evaluation and treated more carefully since these conditions can are in synergy. If a professional believes that you need medication, they will prescribe the appropriate drug. The kind of medication you require is determined by the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. However, they're not right for everyone and the first stimulant you try may not be effective or cause bothersome adverse effects. Your doctor will want to know if you take any other medications such as over-the-counter medications and supplements, since certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is an essential part of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal with the feelings of disappointment, underachievement and frustration that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, as well as improve your time management and organizational skills. It is crucial to find a healthcare professional that specializes in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However you might prefer to consult a specialist psychotherapist. They are likely to be more familiar with adult ADHD and the challenges they face, as well as having previous experience working with clients. You can inquire with your local mental health clinic or with ADDitude's directory to find a professional who can assist adults with ADHD. Medication If you are an adult who has had to deal with ADHD, getting a diagnosis is the first step towards addressing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you've struggled to reach your full potential at work, are finding it difficult to maintain relationships or struggle to finish tasks at home and at work, a diagnosis of ADHD may provide the answer you have been looking for. The first step to treat ADHD for adults is thorough medical history review, which includes your symptoms. The psychiatrist or psychologist determines if you satisfy the criteria for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), 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 have coexisting disorders, like depression and anxiety. Jaksa states that these disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. Stress and frustration from the lack of performance can cause feelings of low self-esteem, he adds. “Getting diagnosed can help them gain a perspective on the reasons behind their struggles. This can help to reduce or eliminate their worries, and allow them to focus more effectively on areas in which they excel,” Jaksa states. The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is typically a combination of therapy and medication. Stimulants can improve concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and help with organization. These drugs can boost moods and improve motivation in a variety of cases. Some of the side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulty drinking enough or eating well. Certain people who use stimulants to treat ADHD might have mood swings that could be difficult for them to manage. Talk to your doctor about whether or not you are eligible for clinical trials of new medications or treatments. These studies assist researchers in finding better methods to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases and conditions. Counseling Untreated ADHD can lead to problems in all aspects of your life. Procrastination and other signs can have a negative impact on your relationships and career as well as financial health. Getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step to reduce the negative impact and regaining control over your life. Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children because their teachers and family were unaware of the condition or they experienced mild symptoms that were not noticed. Some might have had the ability to manage their symptoms as children but struggled later in life when their work and family responsibilities increased. In order to be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. Impairment can result in losing your job because of a lack of focus and organizational skills or being put on academic probation at college due to inability to study for tests. Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. If you have ADHD symptoms that impact your life at work or at home, you can accelerate the process of diagnosis by being upfront with your doctor. You might also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws. Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD you suffer from will be interested in knowing whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They may ask to talk to people who were close to you at this time, and may conduct a series of tests to assess your attention and memory. When you receive a diagnosis the therapist will suggest the use of a combination of medication and non-medication treatments to manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different treatments before finding the right one. Keep a log of your progress and make sure to consult your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as needed.