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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult For adults who are struggling with their personal or professional lives, diagnosing ADHD can be a significant step in getting control. A diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by parents and teachers. It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. See NIMH for suggestions on talking to your doctor regarding the disorder. Diagnosis Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step towards gaining control over symptoms that wreak havoc on a person's professional and personal lives. First, you must consult your GP or an expert in mental health who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. If your doctor does not have any experience with ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to either a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment. A mental health professional would 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 examine your family history and medical background to ensure that other medical conditions are not causing your symptoms of ADHD. People with ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and can miss crucial details. They may have trouble adhering to instructions in classes or at work. They often lose important items required for tasks or activities like keys, wallets and other tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused when listening to or reading long speeches. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting or squirming are other signs of adult ADHD. When determining whether someone has adult ADHD it is essential to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and substance abuse. Stress and physical conditions like thyroid problems can also mimic ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5, professionals are now required to consider the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them as having ADHD. Mild, moderate and severe are the three categories for adults with ADHD. Many people with ADHD go their whole lives without ever being diagnosed because it's not obvious during childhood. For adults, a diagnosis can be a life-changing experience because they can finally understand the reason why they struggled in school and could not achieve their full potential at work or at home. They might even feel guilty for blaming their problems on themselves or others and can feel regret over missed opportunities that could have been achieved when they were properly treated. Treatment The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit a medical professional to have an assessment. This can be done in person or through a 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 because a variety of physical and emotional issues can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD and must be ruled out before a diagnosis is made. The professional will also ask about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms affect your life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you displayed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They may also want to interview people who were close to you in childhood and ask about their memories. A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining if you need medication or other treatments. Certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning, can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults who have 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 require is determined by the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. The most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. However, they are not right for everyone and the first one you try may not be effective or cause bothersome adverse effects. Your healthcare provider may ask whether you are taking other medications. This includes over-the-counter medications or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. Certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is a crucial part of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of failure or underachievement that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can teach you how to control your anger, and improve your time management and organization abilities. It is essential to find an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental illnesses. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to see a specialist therapist or psychologist. These specialists are likely to be more familiar with the challenges of treating adults with ADHD and have had experience in helping other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can use search engines like ADDitude or your local mental health clinic to find a specialist who works with adults who have ADHD. Medication If you are an adult who has had to deal with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, getting a diagnosis is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you are struggling to realize your full potential at work, have difficulty maintaining relationships, or are having difficulty completing tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis may be the answer you've been looking for. ADHD treatment for adults starts 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 who suffer from untreated ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, like depression and anxiety. These disorders can trigger or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. He adds that chronic anxiety and frustration resulting from inadequate performance can trigger feelings of low-self-esteem. “Getting an assessment will help them understand the root of their struggles which can help reduce or alleviate some of their anxiety and allow them to focus more productively on the areas where they excel,” Jaksa says. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated by a combination of medication in conjunction with behavior therapy. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and aid in achieving organization. In many instances these drugs can boost motivation and improve mood. People who take stimulants should be aware of possible negative effects, which could include insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. Mood swings can also occur in people who are taking stimulants for ADHD, and these can be difficult to manage. Speak to your doctor about whether or not you're an eligible participant in clinical trials of new medications or treatments. These studies help researchers discover more effective ways to diagnose, prevent or treat diseases. Counseling If you have untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to various problems throughout your life. Your career, relationships and financial health can be negatively affected by procrastination, poor time management, excessive spending and other signs. Getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step to reducing these negative impacts and regaining control over your life. Many adults diagnosed with ADHD did not receive a diagnosis as children because their teachers and family were unaware of the disorder or they had mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Some may have managed their symptoms in childhood but struggled in adulthood when their work and family responsibilities increased. To determine ADHD, mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms cause significant impairment in two areas of your daily life. Impaired can be losing how to get diagnosed with adhd ADHD Diagnosis to a lack in organization and focus, or being placed on academic probation at your college because you're unable to concentrate on your tests. Women are generally better in hiding their symptoms than men, which could make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your life at work or at home it is possible to accelerate the process of diagnosing by being honest with your doctor. You might also be eligible for reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws. Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD that you have will be interested in knowing whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They may ask you to speak to people who knew you during this time period. They may also conduct a series of tests to determine your attention and memory abilities. After you are given a diagnosis, your therapist will recommend a combination of medication and non-medication treatments to help manage your symptoms. The majority of patients 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 necessary.