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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult Adults who have difficulty in their personal or professional lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers. It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. Check out NIMH for tips on talking with your health professional regarding the disorder. Diagnosis Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step towards gaining control over symptoms that wreak havoc on one's personal and professional lives. The first step is to consult your GP or an expert in mental health who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP doesn't have any experience with ADHD or other disorders, they could recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment. Typically the mental health professional will use the six-question ADHD screener to determine if you may be suffering from the disorder, says Adler. He or she will then ask you questions about your symptoms that are similar to ADHD and examine your medical history and family history to determine if other conditions aren't causing them. People with ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and forgetting important details. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult have difficulty following instructions in class or at work. They are more likely to lose items essential to their tasks or activities, such as tools, wallets, keys and wallets. They might also have difficulty staying focused while reading or listening to long speeches. Fidgeting, over-talking or texting, or squirming, are other signs of adult ADHD. It is crucial to rule out other conditions when determining whether someone suffers from adult ADHD. These include depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical conditions like thyroid problems can also mimic ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to determine the severity of the symptoms a person's experiences are before identifying him or her with the disorder. Mild moderate, severe, and mild are the categories used to describe adult ADHD. Many people with ADHD go their whole lives without ever receiving a diagnosis because it's not obvious during childhood. A diagnosis can alter the course of an adult's life as they understand the reasons why they struggled in school and never reached their full potential at work or at home. They might even feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on themselves or others and may experience regret over missed opportunities that could have been a reality in the event that they had been properly treated. Treatment The first step to receive treatment for ADHD as an adult is to see the healthcare professional to get an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video conference. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The professional will ask about your medical history, which includes mental health issues that are present in the family. This is due to the fact that there are many mental and physical ailments that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions must be ruled out in order to make a diagnosis. The doctor will also inquire about your work and lifestyle, and how your symptoms impact your daily life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you showed symptoms of ADHD before age 12 years old. They may also interview those who were close to you as when you were a child and ask them about their memories. A thorough medical history can aid your doctor to determine whether you require medication or any other treatment. Certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults with a history anxiety or depression will require evaluation and treated with more care since these conditions can coexist. If a professional believes that you need medication, he/she will prescribe the right medication. The kind of medication you need depends on your symptoms and how they impact your life. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. They are not for all people and the first treatment you try might not work or cause unwanted adverse negative effects. Your doctor will need to know if use any other medication such as over-the-counter medications and supplements, as certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is a crucial part of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope better with feelings of anger, disappointment and inadequacy that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to manage your anger, as well as improve your time management and organizing skills. It is crucial to find a healthcare professional that specializes in mental illnesses. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However, you may prefer to seek out a specialist therapist. These specialists are likely to be more knowledgeable about the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have had experience in helping other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can check with your local mental health services or with ADDitude's directory to find a professional who can assist adults with ADHD. Medication If you are an adult who has had to deal with ADHD and is diagnosed, it's the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you've struggled to reach your maximum potential at work, find it difficult to maintain relationships or struggle to finish tasks at home, a diagnosis of ADHD could be the answer you have been seeking. ADHD treatment for adults begins with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychiatrist or psychologist 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 who suffer from untreated ADHD are often afflicted with disorders such as depression and anxiety. These disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. Chronic stress and frustration over inadequate performance can result in feelings of self-doubt, he says. “Getting a diagnosis will help them get a better understanding of the root of their difficulties, which may alleviate or eliminate some of their anxieties and allow them to concentrate more on areas in which they excel,” Jaksa says. The best treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is typically the combination of medication and behavior therapy. The stimulants help improve concentration, reduce the risk of impulsive behavior, and help with organization. These medications can boost moods and improve motivation in many instances. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of potential negative effects, which could include insomnia and trouble with drinking or eating enough. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD may experience mood swings that can be difficult for them to manage. Consult your physician about whether or not you are eligible for clinical trials of new medications or treatments. These studies help researchers discover more effective ways to diagnose and treat illnesses, as well as prevent them from occurring. Counseling If you're 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 as well as your career and financial health. The first step in reducing the negative effects and getting control back is to obtain a diagnosis and seek treatment. Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children due to the fact that their families and teachers weren't aware of the condition or they displayed mild symptoms which were not noticed. Some may have had the ability to manage their symptoms as children but struggled in adulthood when their family and work responsibilities increased. To be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must discover 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 organization skills or being put on academic probation at college due to the inability to do well on tests. Women are more adept at avoiding their symptoms than men, which can make it more difficult to receive 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 open 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 looking to determine if your symptoms began before the age of 12. They may suggest that you speak with people who were close to you at the time, and they may also conduct a series of tests to test your attention and memory. After receiving a diagnosis, the specialist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. A majority of patients will try a variety of different therapies before they can find the one that works for them. Keep a journal of your progress, and consult your physician regularly to alter your treatment plan if needed.