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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult Adults who are struggling in their personal or professional lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A thorough assessment is required to make the diagnosis. This includes analyzing the school records and filling out questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers. It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. Check out NIMH for tips on talking to your health care provider regarding the disorder. Diagnosis It is essential to be diagnosed with ADHD at an early age. This will help you get control of the symptoms that can cause havoc in your professional and personal life. The first step is to consult your GP or an expert in mental health who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP does not have any knowledge of ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment. A mental health professional would typically employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you are suffering from the condition. He or she will then ask you questions about your symptoms that are similar to ADHD and review your medical and family history to determine if other conditions aren't causing them. Because people with ADHD have a tendency to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they frequently struggle with following directions or listening to lectures or at work. They are often unable to locate important items for tasks or activities such as wallets, keys, and tools. They may also have difficulty staying focused while reading or listening to long speeches. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting, or squirming, are other symptoms of adult ADHD. When determining whether someone has adult ADHD It is crucial to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, anxiety and substance abuse. Stress and certain physical conditions such as thyroid issues can be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to determine how severe a person's symptoms are before identifying the condition. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe. Many people who suffer from ADHD never receive a diagnosis in childhood because it is not evident. For adults, a diagnosis can be a life-changing experience because they can finally understand the reason why they struggled in school and failed to reach their potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty about being blamed for their troubles and could be devastated by missed opportunities when they were treated with respect. Treatment To get treatment for ADHD in adults The first step is to consult an expert in healthcare. This can be done in person or via video call. In the UK only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will want to know your medical history and your family's mental health issues. This is due to the fact that there are many physical and mental conditions which can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions need to be eliminated in order to establish a diagnosis. The expert will also inquire about your lifestyle and work and how your issues affect your life. They will be especially interested in if you displayed signs of ADHD before the age of 12 years old. They might also talk to people who were close to you as a child and ask them about their memories. A thorough medical history can aid the doctor in determining whether you require medication or other treatments. Certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning, can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults with a history depression or anxiety will need to be evaluated and treated with greater care, as these conditions often coexist. If a doctor believes that you need medication, they will prescribe a suitable medication. The type of medicine you need depends on your symptoms and the way they affect your life. The most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They are not for all people and the first treatment you try may not work or cause undesirable negative side effects. Your healthcare provider will want to know if you use any other medication, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, because certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is an important part of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of frustration, disappointment and inadequacy that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can also teach you to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management skills. It's important to seek out an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD. However, you may prefer to consult a specialist therapist. These specialists are likely to be more familiar with adults with ADHD and their challenges, as well as having experience working with other clients. You can contact your local mental health services or with ADDitude's directory to find a specialist who works with adults with ADHD. Medication If you're an adult who has had to deal with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder getting a diagnosis is the first step toward managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you are struggling to reach your full potential at work or have trouble maintaining relationships, or are having difficulties completing your tasks at home and at work, an ADHD diagnosis may be just what you need. The first step in treating ADHD for adults is thorough medical history review, which includes your symptoms. 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 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 are not treated for ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, including depression and anxiety. Jaksa says that these disorders can worsen or cause symptoms of ADHD. Stress and frustration from the lack of performance can result in feelings of low self-esteem he adds. “Getting diagnosed can help them gain a perspective on the reasons behind their struggles. This can help to reduce or eliminate their worries, and allow them to focus more effectively on areas in which they excel,” Jaksa states. The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is usually the combination of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease the risk of impulsive behavior, and help with organizing. In many instances they can boost motivation and improve mood. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of potential negative effects, which could include problems with sleeping and eating or drinking enough. how to get diagnosed with adhd who take stimulants to treat ADHD may have mood swings that could be difficult for them to manage. Discuss with your health care provider about whether you are an ideal candidate for clinical trials of new treatments or medicines. These studies aid researchers in finding better ways to prevent, diagnose or treat illnesses and conditions. Counseling If you have untreated ADHD it could cause various problems throughout your life. Procrastination and other symptoms can have a negative impact on your relationships and career as well as financial health. The first step to reduce the negative effects and getting control back is to obtain diagnosed and seek treatment. Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed when they were children because their teachers and family weren't aware of the disorder or they experienced mild symptoms that weren't recognized. Some adults may have been able to manage their symptoms as children, but were unable to manage their symptoms in adulthood due to increasing family and work obligations. To diagnose ADHD Mental health professionals must find that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your daily life. Impaired can be losing your job due to a deficit in organization and focus or being placed on academic probation at college due to your inability to do well on tests. Women tend to be better in hiding their symptoms than men, which can make it more difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. If, however, you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that are affecting your life at work and at home and family life, speaking openly about them with your doctor will help accelerate the process and enable you to benefit from reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws. Your mental health professional regardless of the kind of ADHD you suffer from will be interested in knowing if your symptoms began before the age of 12. They might ask you to speak to people who were close to you at this time, and they may also conduct a series of tests to assess your memory and attention. After receiving an assessment, the doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. A majority of patients will try a variety of different methods before they discover the one that works for them. Keep a record of your progress, and visit your doctor regularly to adjust your treatment plan as needed.