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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 thorough assessment is required for determining an accurate diagnosis. This includes analyzing school records and questionnaires that are completed by teachers and caregivers. It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. NIMH offers guidelines on how to talk with your doctor about the disorder. Diagnosis Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that can cause havoc on one's personal and professional lives. The first step is to consult your GP or a mental health specialist who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment. A mental health professional will usually employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. The doctor will interview you about your symptoms that are similar to ADHD and examine your medical history and family history to determine if other conditions aren't contributing to them. Since people who suffer from ADHD have a tendency to miss details and get easily distracted, they often have trouble following instructions or listening to lectures or on the job. They tend to lose things essential to their tasks or activities, such as tools, wallets, and keys. They may also have trouble staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Fidgeting, over-talking or texting, or squirming, are other signs of adult ADHD. It is important to rule out other conditions in determining if a person has adult ADHD. These include depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical conditions like thyroid issues can mimic ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 now requires doctors to assess how severe a person's symptoms are when determining if they have diagnosed him or her with the disorder. Mild moderate, severe, and mild are the categories used to describe adult ADHD. Many people suffering from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis in their childhood because it's not obvious. A diagnosis can change the course of a person's life as they understand the reasons why they struggled in school and didn't reach their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty about blaming others or themselves for their problems and may also be resentful over missed opportunities if they were properly treated. Treatment To receive treatment for ADHD in 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. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The professional will require information about your medical history as well as family-related mental health issues. This is due to the fact that there are many mental and physical conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions must be eliminated in order to determine if you have ADHD. The professional will also ask about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms influence 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 might also talk to those who were close to you as when you were a child and ask them about their experiences. A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining whether you require medication or other treatments. This is because some medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning, can trigger symptoms of ADHD. Adults with an underlying history of anxiety or depression may need more careful evaluation and treatment because these conditions often coexist with ADHD. If a professional believes that you require medication, he/she will prescribe the appropriate drug. The type of medication you require is determined by your symptoms and the way they impact your life. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. They are not suitable for everyone, and the first drug you try might not be effective or cause undesirable negative side effects. Your healthcare provider will want to know if you use any other medication that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, since certain kinds of drugs may interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is a crucial component of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of frustration and failure that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. diagnosed with adhd can teach you how to control your anger, as well as improve your time management and organizational abilities. It's important to seek out a healthcare professional that specializes in mental illnesses. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to see an expert psychologist or therapist. These professionals will likely be more familiar with adults with ADHD and their struggles and also have previous experience working with clients. You can check with your local mental health service or with ADDitude's directory to find a specialist who is working with adults suffering from ADHD. Medication If you're an adult who has had to deal with ADHD getting a diagnosis is the first step towards addressing your symptoms and improving your life. If you're struggling to achieve your full potential in the workplace or in maintaining relationships, or are having trouble completing tasks at home and at work, an ADHD diagnosis might be just what you require. ADHD treatment for adults begins with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychologist or psychiatrist will determine if the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for ADHD are applicable 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 afflicted with disorders like anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these disorders can worsen or cause symptoms of ADHD. Chronic stress and frustration over poor performance can also result in feelings of low self-esteem, he adds. “Getting an assessment can help them get a better understanding of the root of their difficulties, which may reduce or eliminate some of their anxieties and allow them to concentrate more effectively on areas in which they excel,” Jaksa says. The most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is usually the combination of behavior therapy and medication. Stimulants can boost concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and aid in organizing. These medications can improve moods and boost motivation in many instances. The negative effects of stimulants are insomnia and difficulty drinking enough or eating well. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD may experience mood swings that can be difficult to manage. Discuss with your health care provider regarding whether you would be suitable for clinical trials of new treatments or drugs. These studies assist researchers in finding better methods to prevent, diagnose or treat diseases and conditions. Counseling If you are suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to many issues throughout your life. The effects of procrastination, among others, can have a negative impact on your relationships and career as well as financial health. Finding a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step to reduce the negative impact and regaining control over your life. Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children, either because their family and teachers were not aware of the condition or they displayed mild symptoms which were not spotted. Some adults might have been able to manage their symptoms as children but were unable to manage their symptoms in adulthood due to the increased demands of work and family. To diagnose ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your daily life. Impairment can result in losing your job due to of lack of concentration and organizational skills, or being placed on academic probation in college due to the inability to learn for tests. Women tend to be better at hiding their symptoms than men, which could make it harder for them to get an accurate diagnosis. If you suffer from ADHD symptoms that impact your life at work or at home you can speed up the diagnosis process by being upfront with your doctor. You may also be eligible for reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws. Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD you have, will be looking to determine whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They may ask to speak with people who were close to you at this time, and may conduct a series of tests to test your memory and attention. If you're given a diagnosis your therapist will recommend the use of a combination of medication and non-medical treatments to manage your symptoms. A majority of patients will try a variety of different therapies before they can find the one that is most effective for them. Keep a journal of your progress and visit your physician regularly to alter your treatment plan as needed.