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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult For adults who are struggling professionally or personally in any way, recognizing ADHD can be a significant step in getting control. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by parents and teachers. It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. Visit NIMH for tips on talking to your health care provider regarding the disorder. Diagnosis Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that can cause havoc on a person's personal and professional lives. The first step is to talk with your GP or seek out a mental health professional who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP is unfamiliar with ADHD or other disorders, they may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment. Typically, a mental health professional will use a six-question ADHD screener to determine whether you are susceptible to the condition, says Adler. Then, he or she will interview you about your symptoms and review your family history and medical history to make sure that other medical conditions are not causing your symptoms of ADHD. People suffering from ADHD tend to be easily distracted and forgetting important details. They may have trouble following directions in class or at work. They often lose things that are essential for their work or activities, such as tools, wallets, keys and wallets. They may also have trouble staying focused when they are reading long speeches or assignments. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking too much or squirming in their seats. In determining if someone suffers from adult ADHD, it is important to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, depression and substance abuse. Stress and certain physical conditions such as thyroid issues can also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. In the DSM-5 professionals are now required to take into consideration the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them with ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe. Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed in their childhood because it's not obvious. A diagnosis can change the course of a person's life because they now understand the reasons why they struggled in school and never reached their full potential at work or home. Some may even feel guilty for blaming their issues on themselves or others and can feel grief over lost opportunities that could have been a reality in the event that they had been properly treated. Treatment The first step in getting treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit a healthcare professional to have an assessment. This can be done in person or through a video chat. In the UK only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues in the family. This is because a variety of emotional and physical conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD, and these must be addressed before a diagnosis is made. The professional will ask you about your job and lifestyle and how your symptoms impact your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you had signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They may also want to interview people who knew you as a child and ask them about their experiences. A thorough medical history will help your doctor decide if you need medication or other treatment. Certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults with a history of depression or anxiety might require more careful evaluation and treatment, because these conditions are often associated with ADHD. If a medical professional believes you need medication, he/she will prescribe the appropriate drug. The type of medication you will require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily routine. Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They are not for all people and the first treatment you try may not work or cause undesirable adverse consequences. Your healthcare provider may ask whether you're taking any other medications. This includes over-the-counter medications, supplements, and prescription drugs. Certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is also an important element of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope better with feelings of frustration, failure and underachievement that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to manage your anger, as well as improve your time management and organizing abilities. It is crucial to find an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental illnesses. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However it is recommended to seek out a specialist therapist. These specialists are likely to be more knowledgeable about the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have worked with other clients with similar struggles. You can contact your local mental health services or consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a professional who is working with adults suffering from ADHD. Medication A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've been unable to achieve your full potential at work, are finding it difficult to maintain relationships, or have trouble finishing tasks at home A diagnosis of ADHD might be the answer you have been looking for. The first step to treat ADHD for adults is thorough medical history review, including your symptoms. 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), 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 are not treated for ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. He adds that chronic stress and frustration due to low performance can cause feelings of low-self-esteem. “Getting an assessment can help these individuals get a better understanding of the causes of their struggles. This may alleviate or eliminate their anxiety, and allow them to focus on areas where they excel,” Jaksa states. The most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is typically a combination of behavior therapy and medication. The stimulants help improve concentration, reduce impulse-driven behavior and aid in organization. adhd diagnosis uk adults can boost moods and improve motivation in many instances. The negative effects of stimulants are insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. The mood swings can also happen in those who take stimulants for ADHD and can be difficult to manage. Speak to your doctor about whether or not you're eligible for clinical trials of new medications or treatments. These studies help researchers discover more effective methods to detect, prevent or treat diseases. Counseling Untreated ADHD can lead to problems in all areas of your life. Procrastination and other symptoms can affect your relationships, career, and financial health. The first step in reducing the negative effects and regaining control is to get diagnosed and seek treatment. Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed when they were children because their parents and teachers were unaware of the disorder or they experienced mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Some adults might be able to manage their symptoms in childhood, but struggled with their symptoms in adulthood due to the increased demands of work and family. To be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. The effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a decline in organization and focus, or being placed on academic probation at college due to your inability to concentrate on your tests. Women are more adept at hiding symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If you have ADHD symptoms that impact your work or home life you can speed up the diagnosis process by being upfront with your doctor. You may also be eligible for reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws. Your mental health professional, regardless of the type of ADHD you have will be interested in knowing the time when your symptoms began. the age of 12. They may ask to talk to people who were close to you at this time, and they may also administer a series tests to test your attention and memory. After you are given the diagnosis, your therapist will recommend a combination of medication and non-medication therapies to treat your symptoms. Most people will try several different treatments before settling on the most effective one. It is suggested that you keep a diary of your progress and check in with your physician regularly so that they can help adjust your treatment program when needed.