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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 assessment which may include a review of school records and questionnaires completed by parents and teachers. Most people suffering from ADHD suffer from symptoms since childhood, and it is not uncommon to be diagnosed at an adult age. See NIMH for advice on how to talk to your doctor about the condition. Diagnosis Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step to gain control over the symptoms that cause destruction on people's personal and professional lives. First, you must consult your GP or a mental health specialist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP is unfamiliar with ADHD and/or ADHD, they may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment. A mental health professional will usually employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. Then, he will talk to you about your symptoms and review your family history and medical history to confirm that there are no other conditions not causing your ADHD-like symptoms. Because people with ADHD have a tendency to miss details and get easily distracted, they often have trouble following instructions or listening in class or at work. They frequently lose essential items needed for their tasks such as wallets, keys and other tools. They may also have trouble staying focused while reading or listening to long speeches. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting too much or squirming in the seat. In determining if someone suffers from adult ADHD It is crucial to eliminate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, depression and substance abuse. Stress and certain physical conditions like thyroid issues could also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The DSM-5 now requires doctors to assess how severe a person's symptoms are before identifying him or her with the condition. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe. Many people with ADHD live their entire lives without ever getting a diagnosis because it's not evident during childhood. A diagnosis can alter the course of an adult's life as they understand the reasons why they struggled in school and failed to reach their full potential at work or home. They may feel guilty for blaming their issues on others or themselves and may experience regret over missed opportunities that could have been had in the event that they had been properly treated. Treatment To receive treatment for ADHD in adults, the first step is to speak with an expert in healthcare. This can be conducted in person or by video calls. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The specialist will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues within the family. This is because there are a variety of mental and physical conditions which can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions must be ruled out to determine if you have ADHD. The doctor will inquire about your job and lifestyle, as well as how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you displayed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They may also interview those who were close to you as a child and ask them about their memories. A detailed medical history can aid your doctor to determine if you need medication or another treatment. This is due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid issues and lead poisoning, can trigger symptoms of ADHD. Adults with a history anxiety or depression will need to be evaluated and treated with more care because these conditions frequently occur in conjunction. If a professional believes that you need medication, they will prescribe the right medication. The kind of medication you require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily routine. The most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. However, they are not right for everyone and the first stimulant you try might not be effective or trigger bothersome adverse side effects. Your healthcare provider will want to know if you use any other medication such as over-the-counter medications and supplements, as certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is also an essential element of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of anger, failure and underachievement that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can teach you how to manage your anger, as well as improve your time management and organization abilities. If you have a mental illness it is essential to locate a healthcare professional who specializes in the field. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However it is recommended to consult a specialist therapist. These professionals are likely to be more familiar with the challenges of treating adult ADHD and have had experience in helping others who have similar issues. You can inquire with your local mental health service or with ADDitude's directory to find a specialist who is working with adults suffering from ADHD. Medication If you are an adult who has struggled with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, getting a diagnosis is the first step toward managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've been unable to reach your maximum potential at work, are finding it difficult to maintain relationships, or struggle to complete tasks at home, a diagnosis of ADHD could be the solution you've been looking for. ADHD treatment for adults begins with an extensive interview and a review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychologist or psychiatrist determines if you satisfy the criteria 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 with untreated ADHD frequently have coexisting disorders, including anxiety and depression. These disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. He says that anxiety and frustration resulting from poor performance can lead to feelings of low self-esteem. “Getting an assessment can help these individuals get a better understanding of the root of their issues. This may reduce or eliminate their worries and enable them to concentrate more productively on areas in which they excel,” Jaksa states. Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated by a combination of medication in conjunction with behavior therapy. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease impulse-driven behavior and aid in organization. These medications can improve moods and boost motivation in many cases. The negative effects of stimulants are insomnia and difficulty drinking or eating enough. The mood swings can also happen in some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD and are often difficult to manage. Talk to your doctor about whether or not you're an eligible participant in clinical trials on new medications or treatments. These studies help researchers discover better ways to diagnose and treat illnesses, as well as prevent them from occurring. Counseling Untreated ADHD can lead to problems in all aspects of your life. Procrastination and other symptoms can affect your relationships, career, and financial health. The first step to reducing the negative effects and getting control back is to obtain diagnosed and seek treatment. Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis as children because their teachers and family were unaware of the condition or they had mild symptoms that weren't recognized. Others might have had the ability to manage their symptoms in childhood but struggled as they grew older when their family and work responsibilities increased. In adhd diagnosis in adult ADHD Diagnosis to be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms are causing severe impairment in at least two aspects of your life. Impairment can mean losing your job because of lack of concentration and organizational skills, or being placed on academic probation at college due to inability to study for tests. Women are better at avoiding symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive a diagnosis. If you have ADHD symptoms that impact your work or home life you can speed up the diagnosis process by being honest with your doctor. You might also be able to get reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws. Regardless of the kind of ADHD you suffer from, your mental health professional will verify that your symptoms started prior to the age of 12. They may ask you to talk to people who knew you during this time and may also perform a series of tests to evaluate your attention and memory levels. After receiving a diagnosis, the therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication therapy to help manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test various treatments before they find the best one. It is recommended that you keep track of your progress and check in with your physician regularly so that they can help adjust your treatment plan according to your needs.