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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult For adults who find themselves struggling professionally or personally in any way, recognizing ADHD can be a significant step in getting control. A thorough examination is necessary to make the diagnosis. This includes reviewing the school records and filling out questionnaires that are completed by caregivers and teachers. Most people with ADHD have symptoms since childhood, and it is not uncommon to be diagnosed as an adult. Check out NIMH for suggestions on talking to your doctor about the disorder. Diagnosis Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step in gaining control over symptoms that wreak havoc on a person's personal and professional lives. First, you must consult your GP or an expert in mental health who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. If your doctor does not have any experience with ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment. A mental health professional will typically use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you are suffering from the condition. Then, the doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, and examine your family history and medical history to confirm that any other conditions are not causing the symptoms of ADHD. Because people who suffer from ADHD have a tendency to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often have trouble following instructions or listening to lectures or on the job. They frequently lose essential items for tasks or activities like keys, wallets and other tools. They may also have trouble staying focused when listening to or reading long speeches. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting, or squirming, are other signs of adult ADHD. It is important to rule other conditions out when determining whether someone suffers from adult ADHD. This includes depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical ailments like thyroid problems can also mimic ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5, professionals are now required to take into consideration the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them as having ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe. Many people suffering from ADHD never receive a diagnosis in childhood because it is not evident. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing revelation as they realize the reason why they struggled in school and never seemed to achieve their full potential at work or at home. They might even feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on themselves or others, and they can experience regret over missed opportunities that could have been achieved when they were properly treated. Treatment To get treatment for ADHD for adults the first step is to consult a healthcare professional. This can be accomplished in person or via video conference. In the UK only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will need to know your medical history and family mental health issues. This is because a variety of physical and emotional conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD and need to be addressed before the diagnosis is made. The professional will also ask about your lifestyle and work and how your issues influence your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you had signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They might also interview people who knew you in childhood and ask them about their experiences. A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining if you require medication or other treatments. Some medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea and lead poisoning can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults with a history anxiety or depression will need to be evaluated and treated with more care because these conditions frequently are in synergy. If a medical professional believes that you need medication they will prescribe a suitable drug. The type of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They aren't for everyone and the first medication you try might not be effective or cause unwanted side effects. Your doctor will be interested in knowing if you take any other medications such as over-the-counter medications and supplements, since certain kinds of drugs may interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is an essential part of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of disappointment, underachievement and frustration that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you how to manage your anger and improve your time management and organization skills. If you suffer from a mental illness it is essential to locate a healthcare professional who specializes in the field. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to see an expert psychologist or therapist. They are likely to be more familiar with adult ADHD and the challenges they face and also have experience working with other clients. You can contact your local mental health clinic or ADDitude's directory to find a specialist who is working with adults suffering 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 struggled to reach your full potential at work, find it difficult to maintain relationships or struggle to finish tasks at home A diagnosis of ADHD could be the answer you have been seeking. ADHD treatment for adults starts with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychiatrist or psychologist determines whether you meet 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 with untreated ADHD are frequently co-morbid with other disorders, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. Chronic stress and frustration over the lack of performance can cause feelings of self-doubt, Jaksa says. adhd undiagnosed in adults Getting an assessment will help them gain a perspective on the causes of their struggles. This can help to reduce or eliminate their anxieties, and allow them to focus more effectively on areas in which they excel,” Jaksa states. The most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is usually the combination of therapy and medication. Stimulants can improve concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and aid in organizing. These drugs can improve moods and increase motivation in many instances. Some of the side effects of stimulants include sleepiness and having trouble drinking enough or eating well. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD can have mood swings that could be difficult for them to manage. Discuss with your doctor about whether you're an ideal candidate for clinical trials of new treatments or medicines. These studies assist researchers in finding better methods to detect and treat illnesses, as well as prevent them from occurring. Counseling Untreated ADHD can lead to problems in all areas of your life. Procrastination and other symptoms can affect your relationships, career, and financial health. Finding a doctor and seeking treatment is the first step towards reduce the negative impact and regaining control over your life. Many adults diagnosed with ADHD did not receive a diagnosis as children, because their family and teachers were unaware 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 had difficulty with them in adulthood due to increasing family and work obligations. To diagnose ADHD, mental health professionals must find that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two areas of your everyday life. The impairment could mean losing your job because of an inability to focus and organization skills or being put on academic probation in college due to your inability to do well on tests. Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men, which may make it difficult to receive a diagnosis. If you suffer from ADHD symptoms that impact your home or work life, you can accelerate the process of diagnosing by being upfront with your doctor. You might also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws. Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD you suffer from, will be looking to determine if your symptoms began before the age of 12. They may request that you talk to people who knew you at this time period. They may also conduct a series of tests to assess your memory and attention levels. When you receive the diagnosis, your therapist will recommend the use of a combination of medication and non-medication treatments to treat your symptoms. Most people will try a few different treatments before settling on the most effective one. It is suggested that you keep a diary of your progress and consult with your physician regularly so that they can help you adjust your treatment plan according to your needs.