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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult For adults who find themselves struggling professionally or personally, diagnosing ADHD can be a significant step in taking control. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination which may include a review of school records and questionnaires filled out by parents and teachers. Most people suffering from ADHD have symptoms since the age of five, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed with it as an adult. NIMH has tips on how to talk with your doctor about the condition. Diagnosis It is crucial to be diagnosed with ADHD as you reach adulthood. This will help you manage the symptoms that can cause chaos in your professional and personal life. First, you must consult your GP or a mental health professional who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD, he or she may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment. Typically, a mental health professional will employ the six-question ADHD screener to determine if you are susceptible to the disorder, says Adler. Then, he will ask you questions about your symptoms and review your family history and medical history to make sure that other medical conditions are not causing your ADHD-like symptoms. Because people who suffer from ADHD have a tendency to overlook details and become easily distracted, they frequently struggle with following directions or listening in class or at work. They are often unable to locate important items required for tasks or activities such as keys, wallets, and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused when reading or listening to long speeches. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting too much or squirming in their seats. When determining whether a person has adult ADHD it is essential to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, anxiety and addiction to drugs. Stress and physical ailments like thyroid issues can mimic ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5 professionals are required to take into consideration the severity of a person's symptoms when determining if they are suffering from ADHD. Mild moderate, severe, and mild are the classifications for adult ADHD. Many people with ADHD have a lifelong struggle without ever receiving a diagnosis because it's not obvious in childhood. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing revelation as they realize the reasons why they struggled at school and never seemed to achieve their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty about blaming others or themselves for their problems and may also be resentful over missed opportunities when they were treated with respect. Treatment To receive treatment for ADHD for adults The first step is to consult a healthcare professional. This can be done in person or via video call. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, which includes mental health issues that are present in the family. This is because a variety of emotional and physical conditions can trigger symptoms similar to those that occur in ADHD and need to be ruled out before the diagnosis is made. The expert will inquire about your work and lifestyle, as well as how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether you showed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They may also interview people who were close to you as an infant and inquire about their childhood memories. A thorough medical history will help the doctor decide whether you require medication or other treatments. This is because some medical conditions, like thyroid problems, sleep apnea and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression will require evaluation and treated more carefully, as these conditions often coexist. If a doctor believes that you require medication they will prescribe a suitable drug. The kind of medication you need will depend on your symptoms and how they impact your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. They aren't for everyone and the first medication you try may not work or cause unwanted adverse consequences. Your healthcare provider may ask if you are taking any other medication. This includes prescription drugs or supplements as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds 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 and failure that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you how to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management abilities. If you suffer from a mental illness it is crucial to find a healthcare professional who specializes in that condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to see a specialist therapist or psychologist. These specialists are likely to be more familiar with the challenges of treating adults with ADHD and have had experience in helping other clients with similar struggles. You can check with your local mental health service or consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a specialist who is working with adults suffering from ADHD. Medication If you are an adult who has had to deal with ADHD getting a diagnosis is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've found it difficult to realize your full potential at work, have found it difficult to maintain relationships, or have trouble finishing tasks at home and at work, a diagnosis of ADHD might be the solution you've been seeking. The first step to treat ADHD in adults is an extensive medical history, including your symptoms. The psychologist or psychiatrist determines whether you meet 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 depression and anxiety. These disorders can cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. A constant stress and anger over inadequate performance can lead to feelings of low self-esteem he says. “Getting a diagnosis can help them gain perspective on the root causes of their struggles which can help reduce or eliminate some of their anxieties and help them concentrate more effectively on areas in which they excel,” Jaksa says. adhd diagnosis in adults for adults suffering from ADHD is typically an amalgamation of therapy and medication. The stimulants help improve concentration, reduce impulsive behavior and aid in organizing. These medications can improve moods and boost motivation in many cases. Some of the side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulty drinking enough or eating well. People who take stimulants to treat ADHD may experience mood swings that can be difficult for them to manage. Discuss with your health care provider about whether you would be a good candidate for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or medications. These studies assist researchers in finding better ways to diagnose, prevent or treat diseases. Counseling Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all areas of your life. The effects of procrastination, among others, can affect your relationships and career as well as financial health. The first step to reduce the negative effects and regaining control is to get diagnosed and seek treatment. Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis as children because their parents and teachers were unaware of the condition or they had minor symptoms that weren't recognized. Certain adults may have been able to manage their symptoms as children, but had difficulty with these issues in adulthood due increasing family and work obligations. To determine if you have ADHD mental health professionals need to find that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two areas of your daily life. The effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a lack in organization and focus or being placed on academic probation at your college due to your inability to concentrate on your tests. Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men, which may make it harder to receive an accurate diagnosis. If you have ADHD symptoms that impact your life at work or at home, you can accelerate the process of diagnosis by being upfront with your doctor. You may also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws. Whatever type of ADHD you suffer from, your mental health professional will want to see that your symptoms started before age 12. They may suggest that you speak to people who were close to you at this time, and they may also conduct a series of tests to measure your memory and attention. After receiving an diagnosis, your specialist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication therapy to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different treatments before they find the one that is most effective for them. It is recommended that you keep a diary of your progress and consult with your doctor regularly so they can assist in adjusting your treatment plan according to your needs.