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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult Adults who are struggling in their work or personal life, diagnosing ADHD is a significant step in getting control. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment, often including reviews of school records and questionnaires filled out by parents and teachers. Most people suffering from ADHD have symptoms from childhood, and it is not uncommon to be diagnosed with it in adulthood. See NIMH for tips on talking to your doctor about the disorder. Diagnosis It is important to get diagnosed with ADHD as you reach adulthood. This will allow you to get control of the symptoms that can cause a lot of trouble in your personal and professional life. The first step is to talk to your GP or find an expert in mental health who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP does not have any experience with ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment. Typically the mental health professional will employ an eight-question ADHD screener to determine if you may be suffering from the disorder, says Adler. Then, he or she will talk to you about your symptoms, and examine your family history and medical history to confirm that there are no other conditions not causing the symptoms of ADHD. People suffering from ADHD tend to be easily distracted and miss important details. They often have difficulty following instructions in class or at work. They tend to lose things essential to their tasks or activities, like tools, wallets, and keys. They might also have difficulty staying focused while reading or listening to long speeches. Fidgeting, over-talking or texting or squirming are other signs of adult ADHD. When determining whether a person has adult ADHD It is crucial to exclude other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, anxiety and substance abuse. Stress and physical ailments like thyroid problems can be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. In the DSM-5 professionals are required to assess the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them with ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe. Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed in 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 full potential at work or home. Some may even feel guilty for blaming their problems on themselves or others and may experience grief over lost opportunities that could have been had if they had been properly treated. Treatment To receive treatment for ADHD for adults the first step is to speak with a healthcare professional. This can be done in person or through a video call. In the UK only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues that are present in the family. This is because a variety of physical and emotional conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD and must be addressed before the diagnosis can be made. The professional will ask you about your job and lifestyle as well as how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you showed symptoms of ADHD before age 12. They might also interview people who knew you in your childhood and ask about their experiences. A detailed medical history can help your doctor decide if you need medication or other treatment. This is because some medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression need to be assessed and treated with greater care because these conditions frequently coexist. If the professional believes you need medication, they will prescribe a suitable drug. The kind of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your life. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. However, they're not for everyone and the first one you try may not be effective or cause uncomfortable adverse side effects. Your doctor may inquire whether you're taking any other medications. This includes over-the-counter medications, supplements, and prescription drugs. Certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is an important part of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal better with feelings of anger, failure and underachievement that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn how to manage your anger as well as improve your time management and organization skills. It is essential to find an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD. However you might prefer to consult a specialist psychotherapist. These experts are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adult ADHD and have experience helping other clients with similar struggles. You can use search engines like ADDitude or contact your local mental health clinic to find a specialist who is working with adults who suffer from ADHD. Medication A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step towards managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you've been unable to achieve your full potential at work, are finding it difficult to maintain relationships or struggle to finish tasks at home and at work, a diagnosis of ADHD could be the solution you've been looking for. The first step in treating ADHD in adults is a thorough medical history, 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 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 with untreated ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, including anxiety and depression. These conditions can cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. Stress and frustration from the lack of performance can lead to feelings of low self-esteem he says. “Getting diagnosed will help them get a better understanding of the root of their issues. This may reduce or eliminate their worries, and allow them to concentrate more productively on areas where they excel,” Jaksa states. The most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is typically a combination of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants can improve concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and aid in organizing. These medications can boost moods and improve motivation in a variety of cases. Side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulty drinking or eating enough. The mood swings can also happen in some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD and can be difficult to manage. Discuss with your health care provider about whether you are suitable for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or medications. These studies assist researchers in finding better methods to prevent, diagnose, or treat conditions and diseases. Counseling Untreated ADHD can lead to problems in all aspects of your life. The effects of procrastination, among others, can negatively impact your relationships, career, and financial health. Finding a doctor and seeking treatment is the first step towards lessening the negative effects and regaining control over your life. Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children due to the fact that their families and teachers were not aware of the disorder, or because they displayed mild symptoms which were not noticed. Some might have managed their symptoms in childhood but struggled in adulthood when their family and work responsibilities increased. In order to be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two areas of your life. The impairment could result in losing your job because of a lack of focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at college due to the inability to learn for tests. Women are more adept in hiding their 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 accelerate the process of diagnosis by being honest with your doctor. You might also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws. Whatever type of ADHD you suffer from the mental health professional will see that your symptoms started prior to the age of 12. They may suggest that you speak with people who were close to you at this time, and they may conduct a series of tests to test your attention and memory. After receiving an diagnosis, your therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different methods before they discover the one that is most effective for them. Keep www.iampsychiatry.uk of your progress, and make sure to consult your doctor regularly to adjust your treatment plan as necessary.