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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult For adults who are struggling in their work or personal life, diagnosing ADHD is a significant step in gaining control. A diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation, often including reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers. Most people with ADHD have symptoms from the age of three, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed in adulthood. NIMH offers guidelines on how to talk with your doctor about the disorder. Diagnosis Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step in gaining control over the symptoms that cause havoc on one's professional and personal lives. The first step is to talk with your GP or find a mental health professional who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP doesn't have any knowledge of ADHD and is unable to help, they can recommend you to psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment. Typically, a mental health professional will employ an eight-question ADHD screener to determine if you are susceptible to the disorder, says Adler. They will ask you questions about the symptoms of ADHD and examine your medical and family history to ensure that other conditions aren't causing them. People suffering from ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and can miss important details. They have a difficult time following instructions in class or at work. They tend to lose things essential to their tasks or activities, including tools, wallets, and keys. They may also have trouble staying focused while listening to or reading long speeches. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting excessively or squirming in the seat. It is essential to rule out other conditions when determining whether someone suffers from adult ADHD. This includes depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and other physical ailments such as thyroid issues can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In the DSM-5 professionals are now required to assess the severity of a person's symptoms when determining if they are suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe. Many people with ADHD have a lifelong struggle without ever receiving a diagnosis because it is not apparent in childhood. For adults, a diagnosis can be a life-changing revelation as they realize the reason why they struggled in school and could not achieve their full potential at work or at home. They might feel guilty about blaming others or themselves for their struggles and could be grieved over missed opportunities if they were properly treated. Treatment The first step in getting treatment for ADHD as an adult is to see a healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done either in person or via video conference. In the UK only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The professional will ask about your medical history, including mental health issues within the family. This is due to the fact that there are a variety of physical and mental conditions that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions must be eliminated in order to establish a diagnosis. The professional will also ask about your work and lifestyle, and how your symptoms impact your daily life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you displayed symptoms of ADHD before the age of 12. They may also speak with those who were close to you as a child and ask them about their memories. A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining whether you require medication or other treatments. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea and lead poisoning can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults who have an history of depression or anxiety may need more careful assessment and treatment, as these conditions are often associated with ADHD. If a doctor believes you need medication, he/she will prescribe the appropriate drug. The kind of medication you need depends on your symptoms and how they impact your life. Stimulants, which are the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They aren't for all people and the first treatment you try might not work or cause undesirable side negative effects. Your healthcare provider might ask whether you are taking other medication. This includes prescription drugs, supplements, and prescription drugs. Certain kinds of drugs may interfere with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is an important component of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of disappointment or underachievement that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn to manage your anger and improve your time management and organization skills. If you have a mental illness it is essential to locate a doctor who is specialized in this condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However it is recommended to consult a specialist therapist. These specialists are likely to be more familiar with the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have experience helping others who have similar issues. You can contact your local mental health service or ADDitude's directory to find a specialist who can assist adults with ADHD. Medication A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you're struggling to reach your full potential in the workplace or in maintaining relationships, or experience difficulties completing your tasks at home then an ADHD diagnosis could be just what you require. ADHD treatment for adults starts with thorough interviews and a thorough review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychiatrist or psychologist 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 with untreated ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, including depression and anxiety. adhd diagnosis in adults can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. A constant stress and anger over the lack of performance can cause feelings of low self-esteem, he says. “Getting diagnosed can help these individuals get a better understanding of the reasons behind their struggles. This can help to reduce or eliminate their anxieties, and allow them to concentrate more productively on areas in which they excel,” Jaksa states. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated best by a combination of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants can boost concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and help with organization. In many instances they can enhance motivation and mood. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of possible adverse effects, such as problems with sleeping and drinking or eating enough. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD may have mood swings that could be difficult to manage. Consult your physician about whether or not you are eligible for clinical trials of new medications or treatments. These studies aid researchers in discovering better methods to detect and treat illnesses, as well as prevent them from occurring. Counseling If you are suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to a variety of problems in all areas of your life. Your relationships, career and financial health can be negatively impacted by procrastination and poor time management, impulsive spending, and other signs. The first step to reducing the negative effects and getting back in control is to get diagnosed and seek treatment. Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children due to the fact that their families and teachers were unaware of the disorder, or because they had mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Others might have been able to manage their symptoms during childhood, but struggled later in life when their work and family responsibilities increased. 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. In the event of impairment, it could mean losing your job because of a lack of focus and organization skills or being put on academic probation at college due to the inability to study for tests. Women tend to be better at avoiding their symptoms than men, which may make it more difficult to receive a diagnosis. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms that are affecting your home and work life and family life, speaking openly about them with your doctor can accelerate the process and allow you to take advantage of reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws. No matter what kind of ADHD you suffer from Your mental health professional will want to determine if your symptoms began before age 12. They may ask you to talk to people who knew you at this time and may also perform a series of tests to determine your attention and memory levels. When you receive a diagnosis your therapist will recommend a combination of medications and non-medical treatments to manage your symptoms. The majority of patients will try various treatments before they find the best one. Keep a log of your progress, and visit your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as necessary.