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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult Adults who are struggling in their personal or professional lives can benefit from diagnosing ADHD. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination, often including reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by parents and teachers. The majority of people with ADHD suffer from symptoms since the age of three, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed with it at an adult age. NIMH offers guidelines on how to talk with your doctor about the disorder. Diagnosis Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step in gaining control over symptoms that wreak havoc on one's professional and personal lives. The first step is to talk with your GP or seek out a mental health professional who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. If your doctor is not familiar with ADHD and/or ADHD, they could refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment. A mental health professional would typically use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you have the condition. Then, he will interview you about your symptoms, and examine your family history and medical history to confirm that there are no other conditions not causing your ADHD-like symptoms. Since people with ADHD are more likely to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often have trouble following instructions or listening in class or at work. They frequently lose essential items required for tasks or activities like keys, wallets, and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting, or squirming, are other symptoms of adult ADHD. It is crucial to rule out other conditions when determining whether someone suffers from adult ADHD. These include depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and other physical ailments like thyroid problems 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 diagnosing them with ADHD. Mild moderate, severe, and mild are the categories used to describe adult ADHD. Many people suffering from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis in their childhood because it's not obvious. A diagnosis can change the course of a person's life as they understand why they struggled at school and failed to reach their maximum potential at work or home. They might feel guilty about blameing other people or themselves for their problems and may also be grieved over missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly. Treatment The first step in getting treatment for ADHD as an adult is to consult the healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video conference. In the UK only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The professional will ask about your medical history, including mental health issues that are present in the family. This is due to the fact that a number of emotional and physical conditions can cause symptoms similar to those that occur in ADHD and need to be ruled out before an assessment can be made. The professional will ask you about your work and lifestyle, as well as how your symptoms affect your life. iampsychiatry.uk are particularly interested in whether or not you had symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years. They may also want to interview those who knew you in your childhood and ask about their memories. A thorough medical history can aid your doctor to determine whether you require medication or any other treatment. This is because some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, sleep apnea and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have a history of 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 appropriate medication. The type of medication you require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your life. The most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. However, they're not right for everyone and the first one you try may not be effective or have bothersome side effects. Your doctor may inquire whether you are taking other medications. This includes over-the-counter drugs or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of medications can interfere with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is a crucial part of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with feelings of failure or underachievement that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, as well as improve your time management and organization skills. If you have mental illness it is crucial to find a doctor who is specialized in this condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to see an expert psychologist or therapist. These specialists are likely to be more familiar with adults with ADHD and their challenges, as well as having worked with other clients. You can search ADDitude or your local mental health service to find a professional that works with adults who have ADHD. Medication A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you're struggling to achieve your full potential at work or in maintaining relationships, or experience difficulty completing tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis might be just what you require. The first step in treating ADHD in adults is thorough medical history review, which includes your symptoms. 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 apply 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 suffer from untreated ADHD are often co-morbid with disorders such as anxiety and depression. These disorders can trigger or worsen the 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 evaluation can help these individuals understand the root of their issues which can help alleviate or eliminate some of their anxieties and help them concentrate more on areas in which they excel,” Jaksa says. The best treatment for adults with ADHD is typically an amalgamation of behavior therapy and medication. Stimulants can improve concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and aid in organizing. In many cases they can improve mood and increase motivation. Side effects of stimulants include sleepiness and having trouble drinking or eating enough. The mood swings can also happen in people who are taking stimulants to treat ADHD, and these are often difficult to manage. Talk to your doctor about whether or not you are eligible for clinical trials on new medications or treatments. These studies assist researchers in finding more effective methods to prevent, diagnose or treat conditions and diseases. Counseling If you have untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to a variety of problems in all areas of your life. Your relationships, work and financial health may be negatively affected by procrastination and poor time management, impulsive spending, and other symptoms. The first step to reduce the negative effects and getting back in control is to get diagnosed and seek treatment. Many adults diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or because they had mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Some may have been able to manage their symptoms as children but struggled later in life as their family and work responsibilities increased. In order to be diagnosed as having ADHD, mental health professionals must find that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two areas of your life. The effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a lack in focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at your college because you're unable to concentrate on your tests. Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your home or work life you can speed up the diagnosis process by being upfront with your doctor. You may also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws. No matter what type of ADHD you suffer from the mental health professional will verify that your symptoms were present prior to the age of 12. They might ask you to talk with people who knew you during this time period. They may also perform a series of tests to assess your attention and memory abilities. When you receive the diagnosis your therapist will recommend the use of a combination of medication and non-medical treatments to help manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test different therapies before they can find the one that works for them. Keep a record of your progress and make sure to consult your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as needed.