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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult Adults who are struggling in their professional or personal lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation which may include a review of school records and questionnaires filled out by teachers and caregivers. Most people with ADHD live with symptoms since the age of five, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed with it in adulthood. NIMH has suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about the condition. Diagnosis Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step in gaining control over the symptoms that cause havoc on a person's personal and professional lives. The first step is to talk to your GP or seek out a mental health professional with experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD and/or ADHD, they might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment. A mental health professional will usually employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. The doctor will interview you about your ADHD-like symptoms and review your medical and family history to determine if other medical conditions aren't the cause of them. Since people who suffer from ADHD tend to miss details and get easily distracted, they frequently struggle with following directions or listening in class or at work. They are more likely to lose items that are essential for their work or activities, like keys, wallets and tools. They may also have difficulty staying focused when reading or listening to long speeches. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking frequently or squirming around in the seat. It is important to rule out other medical conditions when determining if someone has adult ADHD. This includes depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical conditions such as thyroid issues can mimic ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 now requires professionals to assess the severity of a person's symptoms are before identifying the disorder. Mild, moderate and severe are the categories used to describe adult ADHD. Many people suffering from ADHD go their whole lives without ever receiving a diagnosis because it is not apparent during childhood. A diagnosis can change the course of an adult's life because they now understand the reasons why they struggled in school and didn't reach their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty about being blamed for their struggles and may also be devastated by missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis To seek treatment for ADHD for adults, the first step is to speak with a healthcare professional. This can be done in person or by video calls. In the UK only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will want to know your medical history as well as your family's mental health issues. This is because there are many mental and physical ailments which can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions must be ruled out to determine if you have ADHD. The doctor will also inquire about your lifestyle and work, and how your symptoms impact your daily life. They will be particularly interested in whether you showed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They might also interview those who knew you as a child and ask them about their experiences. A thorough medical history can aid the doctor in determining if 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 a history of anxiety or depression will need to be assessed and treated more carefully, as these conditions often coexist. If a doctor believes you require medication, they will prescribe the appropriate medication. The type of medicine you need depends on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. They aren't for all people and the first treatment you try might not work or cause unwanted negative side consequences. Your doctor may inquire whether you are taking other medications. This includes prescription drugs or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of medications may interfere with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is a crucial component of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope better with feelings of frustration, disappointment and inadequacy 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. It's important to seek out an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental disorders. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD. However you might prefer to seek out a specialist therapist. These specialists are likely to be more familiar with the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have worked with other patients who are struggling with 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 A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step in managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you're struggling to reach your maximum potential in your work or have trouble maintaining relationships, or have difficulty completing tasks at home then an ADHD diagnosis might be just what you require. The first step in treating ADHD in adults is a thorough medical history review, including your symptoms. The psychologist or psychiatrist 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 who are not treated for ADHD often have coexisting disorders, including anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these conditions can worsen or cause symptoms of ADHD. He adds that chronic stress and anger due to inadequate performance can trigger feelings of low self-esteem. “Getting a diagnose can help these individuals gain a perspective on the root of their issues. This could help reduce or eliminate their worries, and allow them to concentrate more productively on areas in which they excel,” Jaksa states. Adults with ADHD are usually treated best with a combination of medications and behavior therapy. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and aid in organizing. In many instances these drugs can improve mood and increase motivation. Some of the side effects of stimulants include sleepiness and having trouble drinking or eating enough. The mood swings can also happen in those who take stimulants to treat ADHD, and these are often difficult to manage. Talk to your health care provider about whether you are suitable for clinical trials of new treatments or drugs. These studies aid researchers in discovering better ways to diagnose and treat illnesses, as well as prevent them from occurring. Counseling Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all aspects of your life. Your relationships, career and financial health can be negatively impacted by procrastination and poor time management, impulsive spending, and other symptoms. The first step to reduce the negative effects and regaining control is to get a diagnosis and seek treatment. Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis as children, because their parents and teachers were unaware of the condition or they had mild symptoms that weren't recognized. Others might have managed their symptoms as children but struggled as they grew older when their work and family responsibilities increased. In order 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 impairment could result in losing your job due to of lack of focus and organization skills or being put on academic probation in college due to inability to study for tests. Women are better at hiding symptoms than men. This can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that are affecting your home and work life, being forthright about them with your doctor can speed up the process and enable you to get reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws. Your mental health professional regardless of the kind of ADHD you suffer from will be interested in knowing the time when your symptoms began. the age of 12. They might ask you to speak with people who were close to you at the time, and may also administer a series tests to test your attention and memory. After receiving an assessment, the doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication therapy to help manage your symptoms. A majority of patients will try a variety of different therapies before they can find the one that works for them. It is recommended that you keep a journal of your progress and consult with your physician regularly so that they can help adjust your treatment program as needed.