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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult Adults who are struggling with their personal or professional lives, diagnosing ADHD can be a significant step in taking control. A diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation which may include a review of school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers. It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. See NIMH for tips on talking with your health professional about the disorder. Diagnosis It is crucial to be diagnosed with ADHD at an early age. This will allow you to manage the symptoms that can cause a lot of trouble in your professional and personal life. The first step is to talk to your GP or seek out an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. If your doctor does not have any knowledge of ADHD, they may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment. Typically, a mental health professional will employ an eight-question ADHD screener to determine whether you might have the condition, according to Adler. They will interview you about your symptoms that are similar to ADHD and review your medical and family history to confirm that other conditions aren't contributing to them. Because people with ADHD are more likely to overlook details and become easily distracted, they often have difficulty following instructions or listening in class or on the job. They are often unable to locate important items for tasks or activities such as wallets, keys, and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused when reading or listening to long speeches. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting or squirming are other symptoms of adult ADHD. When determining whether a person has adult ADHD It is crucial to exclude other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and abuse of substances. Stress and certain physical conditions such as thyroid issues can be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. In the DSM-5 professionals are required to consider the severity of an individual's symptoms when diagnosing them with ADHD. Mild moderate, severe, and mild are the three categories for adults with ADHD. Many people who suffer from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis in childhood, because it's not readily apparent. A diagnosis can alter 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 for blaming others or themselves for their problems and could be resentful over missed opportunities if they were properly treated. Treatment To receive treatment for ADHD for adults The first step is to consult an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be done in person or by video calls. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The professional will need to know your medical history and family mental health issues. This is due to the fact that a number of physical and emotional conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD and must be addressed before a diagnosis can be made. The professional will also ask about your lifestyle and work, and how your symptoms impact your daily life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you displayed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They might also interview those who knew you in your childhood and ask about their experiences. A thorough medical history will aid your doctor in determining if you need medication or another treatment. This is because some medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults with a history of depression or anxiety may need more careful evaluation and treatment, because these conditions are often associated with ADHD. If the professional believes you require medication they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The kind of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your daily life. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. They aren't for everyone, and the first drug you try might not work or cause undesirable side consequences. Your healthcare provider will need to know if use any other medication, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as certain kinds of drugs may interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is also an important element of the treatment process for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of failure frustration, underachievement, and anger that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can teach you how to manage your anger, and improve your time management and organizational abilities. If you suffer from a mental illness, it's important to find an expert in healthcare who is trained in that condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However, you may prefer to consult a specialist psychotherapist. These experts 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 consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a professional who works with adults with ADHD. Medication A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step in managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you are struggling to achieve your full potential in the workplace or have trouble maintaining relationships, or have trouble completing tasks at home and at work, an ADHD diagnosis might be just what you require. ADHD treatment for adults begins with thorough interviews and a thorough review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychologist or psychiatrist determines if you satisfy the requirements for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which is 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 suffer from untreated ADHD are often co-morbid with disorders like anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. Stress and frustration from poor performance can also result in feelings of low self-esteem he says. “Getting diagnosed can help these individuals gain a perspective on the root of their issues. This can help to alleviate or eliminate their anxiety and enable them to focus more effectively on areas in which they excel,” Jaksa states. Adults with ADHD are usually treated best with a combination of medications in conjunction with behavior therapy. Stimulants can boost concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and aid in achieving organization. In many cases, these medications can also boost motivation and improve mood. Side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. People who take stimulants to treat ADHD may suffer from mood swings that may be difficult for them to manage. Speak to your doctor about whether or not you are eligible for clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies help researchers discover better ways to diagnose and treat illnesses, as well as prevent them from occurring. Counseling Untreated ADHD can lead to issues in all areas of your life. Procrastination and other signs can affect your relationships as well as your career and financial health. Finding a doctor and seeking treatment is the first step in reduce the negative impact and regaining control over your life. Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers were not aware of the disorder or because they had mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Some adults may have been able manage their symptoms in childhood, but were unable to manage them in adulthood due to the increased demands of work and family. 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. In the event of impairment, it could 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 do well on tests . Women are more adept at hiding symptoms than men. This makes it harder for them to receive a diagnosis. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms that are affecting your work and home life and family life, speaking openly about them with your doctor will help speed up the process and let you take advantage of reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws. Whatever kind of ADHD you have the mental health professional will verify that your symptoms started prior to the age of 12. They may ask you to speak to people who were around you during this time period. They may also perform a series of tests to assess your attention and memory abilities. When you receive a diagnosis your therapist will recommend a combination of medication and non-medical treatments to treat your symptoms. Most people will try several different treatments before settling on the most effective one. It is recommended to keep a diary of your progress and consult with your physician regularly so that they can assist in adjusting your treatment plan when needed.