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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult Adults who are struggling professionally or personally, diagnosing ADHD can be a significant step in taking control. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination, often including reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers. Most people suffering from ADHD live with symptoms from the age of three, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed with it at an adult age. NIMH has guidelines on how to talk with your doctor about the condition. Diagnosis Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that cause havoc on a person's professional and personal lives. The first step is to consult your GP or an expert in mental health who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor is not familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for assessment. Typically the mental health professional will use the six-question ADHD screener to determine whether you are susceptible to the disorder, says Adler. They will interview you about your ADHD-like symptoms and look over your medical history and family history to ensure that other conditions aren't contributing to them. People with ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and can miss important details. They may have trouble following instructions in class or at work. They often lose things that are essential for their work or activities, including keys, wallets and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused when reading or listening to long speeches. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking frequently or squirming around in their seats. When determining whether a person has adult ADHD it is essential to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and abuse of substances. Stress and other physical ailments like thyroid issues could also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. In the DSM-5 professionals are required to consider the severity of a person's symptoms when determining if they are suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe. Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed in childhood, because it's not evident. A diagnosis can change the course of an adult's life, as they can now see the reasons why they struggled in school and failed to reach their maximum potential at work or home. They might feel guilty about blameing other people or themselves for their struggles and could be grieved over missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly. Treatment To get treatment for ADHD in adults The first step is to speak with an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be done either in person or by video call. In the UK only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The professional will ask about your medical history, which includes mental health issues that are present in the family. This is because a variety of physical and emotional issues can cause symptoms similar to those that occur in ADHD, and these must be addressed before an assessment can be made. The professional will ask you about your job and lifestyle and how your symptoms affect your daily life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you displayed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They may also speak with those who were close to you as when you were a child and ask them about their experiences. A thorough medical history can aid the doctor in determining if you need medication or other treatments. This is because certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning, can trigger symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have a history of depression or anxiety will require evaluation and treated more carefully, as these conditions often are in synergy. If a doctor believes that you require medication, they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The kind of medication you need depends on your symptoms and the way they impact your life. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They aren't for everyone and the first medication you try might not work or cause undesirable adverse effects. Your doctor will want to know if you take any other medications such as over-the-counter medications and supplements, because certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is also an essential component of the treatment process for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal better with feelings of frustration, disappointment and inadequacy that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn how to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management abilities. It's important to seek out the services of a doctor who is specialized in mental disorders. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However, you may prefer to consult a specialist therapist. These professionals are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adult ADHD and have experience helping other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can contact your local mental health service or consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a specialist who can assist adults with ADHD. Medication A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards managing your symptoms and improving life. If you've been unable to reach 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 may provide the solution you've been seeking. ADHD treatment for adults starts with an extensive interview and a review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've experienced. The psychologist or psychiatrist will then determine if 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 with untreated ADHD are frequently co-morbid with other disorders, such as depression and anxiety. These disorders can trigger or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. He says that stress and anger due to low performance can cause feelings of self-esteem loss. “Getting an assessment will help them get a better understanding of the reasons behind their struggles. This may reduce or eliminate their anxieties and enable them to concentrate more productively on areas where they excel,” Jaksa states. adhd diagnosed www.iampsychiatry.uk for adults with ADHD is typically the combination of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease the risk of impulsive behavior, and help with organizing. These medications can improve moods and boost motivation in a variety of cases. People who take stimulants should be aware of possible negative effects, which could include insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. Certain people who use stimulants to treat ADHD can suffer from mood swings that may be difficult for them 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 assist researchers in finding better methods to prevent, diagnose or treat conditions and diseases. Counseling If you're suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to many issues in all areas of your life. Procrastination and other symptoms can negatively impact your relationships as well as your career and financial health. Finding a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step in lessening the negative effects and regaining control over your life. Many adults diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers were not aware of the disorder, or because they displayed mild symptoms which weren't noticed. Others might have had the ability to manage their symptoms as children but struggled in adulthood when their family and work responsibilities increased. To determine if you have ADHD, mental health professionals need to find that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your everyday life. Impairment can result in losing your job due to of lack of focus and organizational skills or being put on academic probation at college due to the inability to learn for tests. Women are better at avoiding symptoms than men. This makes it harder for them to receive a diagnosis. If, however, you are suffering from ADHD symptoms that are affecting your life at work and at home speaking up with your doctor will help accelerate the process and enable you to get reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws. Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD you suffer from will be interested in knowing whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They might ask you to talk to people who were close to you at the time, and they might also administer a series tests to measure your attention and memory. After receiving an assessment, the therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test a few different treatments before finding the right one. Keep a record of your progress and make sure to consult your doctor regularly to adjust your treatment plan as needed.