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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 diagnosis requires a thorough assessment that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers. It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. NIMH has suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about the disorder. Diagnosis Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step in gaining control over the symptoms that cause destruction on people's professional and personal lives. The first step is to speak with your GP or seek out an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP is unfamiliar with ADHD, he or she could refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment. Typically, a mental health professional will employ an eight-question ADHD screener to determine whether you might have the condition, says Adler. The doctor will ask you questions about your ADHD-like symptoms and review your medical and family history to ensure that other medical conditions aren't the cause of them. People suffering from ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and forgetting crucial details. They have a difficult time adhering to instructions in classes or at work. They often lose things necessary for tasks or activities, including tools, wallets, keys and wallets. They may also have trouble staying focused when listening to or reading long speeches. Fidgeting, excessive talk or texting, or squirming, are other symptoms of adult ADHD. When determining whether someone has adult ADHD It is crucial to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, anxiety and addiction to drugs. Stress and physical issues like thyroid issues can be a source of ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5 professionals are now required to consider the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them with ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe. Many people who suffer from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis in childhood because it is not obvious. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing experience because they finally understand why they struggled in school and never seemed to reach their potential at work or at home. Some may even feel guilty for blaming their problems on themselves or others and may experience regret over missed opportunities that could have been a reality if they had been properly treated. Treatment The first step in getting treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit a medical professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or by video call. In the UK only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will want to know your medical history and family-related mental health issues. This is because a variety of emotional and physical conditions can trigger symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD and need to be eliminated before an assessment can be made. The professional will ask you about your lifestyle and work as well as how your symptoms impact your daily life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you had signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They might also talk to people who were close to you as an infant and inquire about their childhood memories. provate adhd diagnosis 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 cause ADHD symptoms. Adults with a history anxiety or depression need to be assessed and treated with more care since these conditions can coexist. If a doctor believes that you require medication they will prescribe a suitable drug. The kind of medication you require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. However, they are not for everyone and the first one you try may not be effective or have uncomfortable side effects. Your doctor may inquire whether you are taking other medications. This includes over-the-counter medications or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is an important component of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of disappointment frustration, underachievement, and anger that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also teach you how to manage your anger and improve your time management and organization abilities. If you suffer from a mental illness, it's important to find a healthcare professional who specializes in the field. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to consult a specialist therapist or psychologist. They are likely to be more familiar with adult ADHD and their challenges as well as having worked with other clients. You can search ADDitude or your local mental health service to find a professional that is working with adults who suffer from ADHD. Medication A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you've been unable to reach your maximum potential at work, have found it difficult to maintain relationships or struggle to complete tasks at home, a diagnosis of ADHD may provide the answer you have been looking for. ADHD treatment for adults begins with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've experienced. The psychologist or psychiatrist will then determine if 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 frequently co-morbid with other disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Jaksa states that these disorders can worsen or cause symptoms of ADHD. He adds that chronic anxiety and frustration resulting from poor performance can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss. “Getting an assessment can help these individuals gain a perspective on the causes of their struggles. This may reduce or eliminate their anxieties, and allow them to focus on areas where they excel,” Jaksa states. The most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is typically an amalgamation of therapy and medication. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and aid in organizing. In many instances these drugs can enhance motivation and mood. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of the potential side effects, which include problems with sleeping and drinking or eating enough. People who take stimulants to treat ADHD may have mood swings that could be difficult to manage. Discuss with your health care provider regarding whether you're an ideal candidate for clinical trials of novel treatments or medications. These studies assist researchers in finding better methods to detect and treat or prevent diseases. Counseling If you have untreated ADHD it could cause many issues in every area of your life. Procrastination and other signs can affect your relationships, career, and financial health. Finding a doctor and seeking treatment is the first step to lessening the negative effects and regaining control of your life. Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed when they were children because their parents and teachers were unaware of the condition or they had mild symptoms that were not noticed. Some adults might have been able manage their symptoms as children, but struggled with them in adulthood due to the increased demands of work and family. To be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms are causing severe impairment in at least two areas of your life. The effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a lack in organization and focus or being placed on academic probation at college because you are unable to do well on tests. Women tend to be better at hiding their symptoms than men, which could make it harder for them to get a diagnosis. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that are affecting your life at work and at home speaking up with your doctor can accelerate the process and let you take advantage of reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws. Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD that you have will be interested in knowing if your symptoms began before the age of 12. They may ask you to talk to people who were around you during this time period. They may also take a number of tests to assess your memory and attention levels. After receiving an assessment, the doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication therapy 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 consult your doctor regularly to adjust your treatment plan as needed.