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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 thorough examination is necessary to determine if you have a diagnosis. This includes reviewing school records and questionnaires that are completed by caregivers and teachers. It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. NIMH provides suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about the disorder. Diagnosis Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step to gain control over symptoms that wreak destruction on people's personal and professional lives. First, I Am Psychiatry must consult your GP or an expert in mental health who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP doesn't have any experience with ADHD, they may refer you to either a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment. A mental health professional would typically employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you have the condition. Then, the doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and review your medical history and family history to make sure that there are no other conditions not causing your ADHD-like symptoms. People suffering from ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and forgetting crucial details. They have a difficult time following instructions in class or at work. They are more likely to lose items essential to their tasks or activities, like keys, wallets and tools. They may also have difficulty staying focused while listening to or reading long speeches. Fidgeting, excessive talk or texting, or squirming, are other signs of adult ADHD. It is crucial to rule out other medical conditions when determining whether someone suffers from adult ADHD. These include depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical ailments such as thyroid issues can also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to determine the severity of a person's symptoms are when diagnosing him or her with the disorder. Mild moderate, severe, and mild are the categories used to describe adult ADHD. Many people who suffer from ADHD never receive a diagnosis in childhood, because it's not evident. A diagnosis can change the course of a person's life, as they can now see the reasons why they struggled in school and didn't reach their maximum potential at work or home. They may feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on themselves or others and may experience grief over lost opportunities that could have been had if they had been properly treated. Treatment To receive treatment for ADHD for adults, the first step is to consult an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be done in person or via video calls. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The specialist will require information about your medical history and your family's mental health issues. This is because many emotional and physical conditions can cause symptoms similar to those that occur in ADHD and must be eliminated before a diagnosis can be made. The professional will ask you about your lifestyle and work as well as how your symptoms impact your daily life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you showed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years. They may also speak with people who were close to you as when you were a child and inquire about their childhood memories. A thorough medical history can aid your doctor to determine whether you require medication or another treatment. Certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults with an underlying history of anxiety or depression may need more careful evaluation and treatment, because these conditions can be co-existing with ADHD. If a medical professional believes that you require medication they will prescribe a suitable medication. The kind of medication you require is determined by your symptoms and how they impact your life. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. However, they are not right for everyone and the first one you try may not be effective or have unpleasant 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 medications may interfere with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is also an important part of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of failure, underachievement and frustration that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you to manage your anger and improve your time management and organization abilities. If you have an illness of the mind it is crucial to find a doctor who is specialized in this condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to consult an expert psychologist or therapist. They are likely to be more familiar with adults with ADHD and the challenges they face and also have previous experience working with clients. You can inquire with your local mental health clinic or ADDitude's directory to find a professional who is working with adults suffering from ADHD. Medication A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in managing your symptoms and improving life. If you've found it difficult to realize your maximum potential at work, find it difficult to maintain relationships, or struggle to finish tasks at home and at work, a diagnosis of ADHD may provide the answer you have been searching for. ADHD treatment for adults begins with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've experienced. The psychiatrist or psychologist 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 who are not treated for ADHD frequently have coexisting disorders, like depression and anxiety. These conditions can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. A constant stress and anger over poor performance can also lead to feelings of self-doubt, Jaksa says. “Getting an assessment can help them understand the root of their struggles, which may reduce or alleviate some of their anxiety and allow them to concentrate more on the areas where they excel,” Jaksa says. The best treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is usually the combination of therapy and medication. The stimulants help improve concentration, reduce impulsive behavior and aid in the process of organizing. In many instances, these medications can also improve mood and increase motivation. Some of the side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulty drinking or eating enough. Certain people who use stimulants to treat ADHD might suffer from mood swings that may be difficult for them to manage. Talk to your health care provider about whether you would be a good candidate for clinical trials of novel treatments or drugs. These studies help researchers discover more effective ways to diagnose, prevent or treat diseases. Counseling If you're suffering from untreated ADHD, it can cause various problems throughout your life. Your relationships, career and financial health may be negatively affected by procrastination, poor time management, impulsive spending and other signs. Finding a doctor and seeking treatment is the first step towards reducing these negative impacts and regaining control of your life. Many adults diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis when they were children because their parents and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or they experienced mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Others might have been able to manage their symptoms as children but struggled later in life when their family and work obligations increased. To be diagnosed with ADHD, mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. Impairment can mean losing your job because of a lack of focus and organizational skills or being put on academic probation in college due to your inability to learn for tests. Women are more adept at avoiding their symptoms than men, which could make it harder to receive a diagnosis. If, however, you are suffering from ADHD symptoms that are affecting your home and work life speaking up with your doctor can help accelerate the process and enable you to take advantage of reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws. Regardless of the type of ADHD you have, your mental health professional will verify that your symptoms began prior to age 12. They might ask you to talk to people who knew you at this period and could conduct a series of tests to determine your memory and attention levels. After receiving a diagnosis, the therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication therapy to help manage your symptoms. The majority of patients will try various treatments before settling on the most effective one. Keep a journal of your progress, and consult your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as needed.