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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult Adults who are struggling in their personal or professional lives can benefit from diagnosing ADHD. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires filled out by teachers and caregivers. Most people with ADHD suffer from symptoms from childhood, and it is not unusual to be diagnosed with it in adulthood. Visit NIMH for suggestions on talking with your health professional about the disorder. Diagnosis Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that can cause destruction on people's personal and professional lives. The first step is to speak with your GP or seek out a mental health professional who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor does not have any experience in treating ADHD and is unable to help, they can 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 are suffering from the condition. Then, he or she will ask you questions about your symptoms, and examine your family history and medical history to make sure that there are no other conditions not causing your ADHD-like symptoms. People with ADHD tend to be easily distracted and forgetting crucial details. They have a difficult time following instructions in class or at work. They often lose things necessary for tasks or activities, including tools, wallets, and keys. They may also have trouble staying focused when listening to or reading long speeches. Fidgeting, over-talking or texting or squirming are other symptoms of adult ADHD. In determining if someone suffers from adult ADHD, it is important to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and abuse of substances. Stress and physical ailments like thyroid problems can also be a source of ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 now requires professionals to assess how severe a person's symptoms are before identifying them with the disorder. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe. Many people suffering from ADHD have a lifelong struggle without ever being diagnosed because it's not evident during childhood. A diagnosis can change the course of a person's life as they understand the reasons why they struggled in school and never reached their maximum potential at work or home. They might even feel guilty for blaming their issues on others or themselves and may experience grief over lost opportunities that could have been had when they were properly treated. Treatment To get treatment for ADHD in adults The first step is to consult an expert in healthcare. This can be done in person or through a video chat. In the UK only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The professional will require information about your medical history as well as family-related mental health issues. This is because many physical and emotional issues can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD and need to be addressed before the diagnosis can be made. The expert will inquire about your lifestyle and work, as well as how your symptoms affect your daily life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you showed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They might also interview people who knew you in childhood and ask them about their experiences. A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining if you require medication or other treatments. This is because certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, sleep apnea and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression need to be assessed and treated with more care, as these conditions often are in synergy. If a medical professional believes you need medication, he/she will prescribe the appropriate medication. The type of medicine you need depends on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. However, they're not right for everyone, and the first one you try might not be effective or trigger unpleasant side effects. Your healthcare provider might ask whether you're taking any other medication. This includes over-the-counter medications or supplements as well as prescription drugs. Certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is also an essential part of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope better with feelings of frustration, failure and underachievement that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can teach you how to control your anger, as well as improve your time management and organizational abilities. It is crucial to find a healthcare professional that specializes in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD. However you might prefer to seek out a specialist therapist. These experts are likely to be more familiar with the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have worked with others who have similar issues. You can search ADDitude or visit your local mental health services to find a professional who assists adults with ADHD. Medication If you're an adult who has been struggling with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, getting a diagnosis is the first step towards addressing your symptoms and improving your life. If you are struggling to achieve your maximum potential in your work or in maintaining relationships, or are having difficulty completing tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis might be just what you require. The first step to treat ADHD for adults is an extensive medical history, including your symptoms. The psychiatrist or psychologist determines whether 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 often have coexisting disorders, including depression and anxiety. adhd diagnosis for adults can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. A constant stress and anger over poor performance can also cause feelings of low self-esteem, he adds. “Getting diagnosed can help them gain a perspective on the root of their issues. This may alleviate or eliminate their anxiety and help them focus on areas where they excel,” Jaksa states. The best treatment for adults with ADHD is typically the combination of therapy and medication. Stimulants can boost concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and aid in achieving organization. In many cases, these medications can also enhance motivation and mood. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of potential negative effects, which could include problems with sleeping and drinking or eating enough. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD can experience mood swings that can be difficult to manage. Discuss with your doctor about whether you are a good candidate for clinical trials of novel treatments or medications. These studies assist researchers in finding better ways to diagnose, prevent or treat diseases. Counseling Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all aspects of your life. Your relationships, career and financial health could be negatively impacted by procrastination, poor time management, impulsive spending and other symptoms. Getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step to lessening the negative effects and regaining control over your life. Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children, either because their family and teachers were unaware of the condition or they showed mild symptoms that were not noticed. Some might have managed their symptoms in childhood but struggled as they grew older when their work and family responsibilities increased. To be diagnosed with ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in at least two areas of your life. In the event of impairment, it could result in losing your job because of lack of focus and organizational skills or being put on academic probation at college due to inability to learn for tests. Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If you suffer from ADHD symptoms that impact your home or work life, you can speed up the diagnosis process by being honest 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 suffer from will want to know the time when your symptoms began. the age of 12. They may request that you talk with people who knew you during this time and may also conduct a series of tests to determine your attention and memory abilities. After receiving a diagnosis, the specialist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different methods before they discover the one that is most effective for them. Keep a record of your progress, and visit your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as necessary.