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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult For adults who find themselves struggling professionally or personally and are unable to resolve the issue, identifying ADHD can be a significant step in taking control. A thorough examination is necessary for determining the diagnosis. This involves examining the school records and filling out questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers. It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. See NIMH for tips on talking to your health care provider about the condition. Diagnosis It is important to get diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. This will allow you to gain control over the symptoms that can cause havoc in your professional and personal life. First, you must consult your GP or a mental health professional who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. If your doctor is not familiar with ADHD and/or ADHD, they might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment. Typically an expert in mental health will employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine whether you may be suffering from the condition, says Adler. Then, he or she will interview you about your symptoms and review your medical history and family background to ensure that there are no other conditions not causing your ADHD-like symptoms. People with ADHD tend to be easily distracted and can miss important details. They may have trouble following instructions in class or at work. They are more likely to lose items necessary for tasks or activities, including tools, wallets, and keys. They might also have difficulty staying focused when reading or listening to long speeches. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting, or squirming, are other symptoms of adult ADHD. It is important to rule out other conditions when determining if someone has adult ADHD. This includes anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical ailments like thyroid issues can mimic ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5, professionals are now required to assess the severity of an individual's symptoms when diagnosing them with ADHD. Mild, moderate and severe are the classifications for adult ADHD. Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed in their childhood because it's not evident. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing experience as they realize the reasons why they struggled at school and failed to reach their potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty about blaming others or themselves for their struggles, and they may be grieved over missed opportunities if they were properly treated. Treatment The first step in getting treatment for ADHD as an adult is to consult a healthcare professional to have an assessment. This can be accomplished in person or by video conference. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The professional will ask about your medical history, including mental health issues that are present in the family. This is because there are a variety of mental and physical ailments that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions must be eliminated in order to establish a diagnosis. The professional will ask you about your job and lifestyle and how your symptoms impact your daily life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you showed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They may also interview people who were close to you as an infant and ask them about their experiences. A detailed medical history can help your doctor decide if you need medication or any other treatment. This is due to the fact that certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid issues and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults with an underlying history of depression or anxiety might require a more thorough assessment and treatment, as these conditions are often associated with ADHD. If a doctor believes that you require medication, they will prescribe a suitable drug. The type of medication you need will depend on your symptoms and the way they impact your life. Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They aren't for everyone and the first medication you try might not be effective or cause undesirable adverse effects. Your doctor may inquire if you are taking any other medication. This includes over-the-counter drugs or supplements as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is also an essential component of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal better with feelings of anger and failure that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn to manage your anger and improve your time management and organization skills. It is crucial to find a healthcare professional that specializes in mental disorders. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to consult an expert psychologist or therapist. They are likely to be more familiar with adult ADHD and the challenges they face and also have worked with other clients. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult can inquire with your local mental health clinic or with ADDitude's directory to find a professional who is working with adults suffering from ADHD. Medication If you are an adult who has struggled with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, getting a diagnosis is the first step towards addressing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you're struggling to achieve your maximum potential in your work or in maintaining relationships, or are having difficulty completing tasks at home then an ADHD diagnosis could be just what you require. ADHD treatment for adults starts with an extensive interview and a review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've experienced. The psychologist or psychiatrist determines if you meet the requirements 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 are often co-morbid with disorders such as anxiety and depression. These disorders can trigger or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. He says that stress and anger due to low performance can cause feelings of low self-esteem. “Getting a diagnose can help them get a better understanding of the reasons behind their struggles. This can help to reduce or eliminate their anxieties and help them focus on areas where they excel,” Jaksa states. Adults with ADHD are typically treated with a combination of medications in conjunction with behavior therapy. The stimulants help improve concentration, reduce impulsive behavior and aid in the process of organizing. These drugs can improve moods and boost motivation in many cases. Side effects of stimulants include sleepiness and having trouble eating or drinking enough. Certain people who use stimulants to treat ADHD may have mood swings that could be difficult to manage. Speak to your doctor about whether or not you are eligible for clinical trials on new medications or treatments. These studies aid researchers in discovering better ways to diagnose and treat or prevent diseases. Counseling If you are suffering from untreated ADHD it could cause many issues in every area of your life. The effects of procrastination, among others, can have a negative impact on your relationships, career, and financial health. Finding a doctor and seeking treatment is the first step towards reducing these negative impacts and regaining control over your life. Many adults diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis when they were children because their family and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or they experienced mild symptoms that were not noticed. Some adults might have been able to manage their symptoms as children, but had difficulty with their symptoms in adulthood due to increased work and family obligations. To determine ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your everyday life. Impairment can result in losing your job due to of lack of focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at college due to inability to do well on tests. Women are better at avoiding symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive a diagnosis. If you suffer from ADHD symptoms that impact your life at work or at home it is possible to speed up the diagnosis process by being upfront with your doctor. You might also be able to get reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws. Your mental health professional, regardless of the type of ADHD you suffer from, will be looking to determine if your symptoms began before the age of 12. They may request that you talk to people who knew you at this period and could perform a series of tests to evaluate your memory and attention levels. After receiving a diagnosis, the therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. The majority of patients will try various treatments before they find the best one. Keep a record of your progress, and make sure to consult your doctor regularly to adjust your treatment plan if needed.