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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 examination is necessary to make a diagnosis. This includes reviewing school records and questionnaires that are completed by caregivers and teachers. It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. Visit NIMH for advice on how to talk to your doctor about the condition. Diagnosis It is important to get diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. This will help you get control of the symptoms that can cause a lot of trouble in your personal and professional life. The first step is to talk with your GP or find an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD, he or she may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment. Typically, a mental health professional will use a six-question ADHD screener to determine whether you might have the condition, says Adler. Then, the doctor will interview you about your symptoms and look at your medical history and family history to make sure that any other conditions are not causing the symptoms of ADHD. Because people with ADHD have a tendency to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often struggle with following directions or listening during class or at work. They tend to lose things necessary for tasks or activities, like 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 too much or squirming in the seat. When determining whether a person has adult ADHD It is crucial to exclude other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, anxiety and substance abuse. Stress and physical issues such as thyroid issues can mimic ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 now requires doctors to consider how severe a person's symptoms are when diagnosing the condition. Mild, moderate and severe are the categories used to describe adult ADHD. Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed in childhood, because it's not readily apparent. For adults, a diagnosis could be a life-changing event as they realize the reasons why they struggled at school and failed to achieve their full potential at work or at home. They might even feel guilty for blaming their issues on themselves or others and may experience sadness over the missed opportunities that could have been achieved in the event that they had been properly treated. Treatment To seek treatment for ADHD in adults the first step is to talk with an expert in healthcare. This can be done in person or through a video chat. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will want to know your medical history and family-related mental health issues. This is because a variety of emotional and physical conditions can trigger symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD, and these must be eliminated before the diagnosis can be made. The professional will ask you about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms impact your life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you showed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They might also talk to those who were close to you as when you were a child and ask them about their experiences. A thorough medical history will aid your doctor in determining if you need medication or any other treatment. This is because certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, sleep apnea and lead poisoning can cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have a history of depression or anxiety might require a more thorough evaluation and treatment because these conditions can be co-existing with ADHD. If a medical professional believes that you require medication they will prescribe a suitable medication. The type of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life. Stimulants, which are the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. However, they're not right for everyone and the first one you try might not be effective or trigger uncomfortable adverse effects. Your doctor will be interested in knowing if you take any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, because certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is a crucial component of the treatment process for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal better with feelings of anger, failure and underachievement that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to manage your anger, as well as improve your time management and organizational abilities. It is essential to find an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental illnesses. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD. However, you may prefer to consult a specialist psychotherapist. These professionals are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adult 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 professional who is working with adults suffering from ADHD. Medication A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step in managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you've been unable to achieve your maximum potential at work, are finding it difficult to maintain relationships or have trouble finishing tasks at home, a diagnosis of ADHD could be the answer you have been looking for. The first step to treat ADHD in adults is an extensive medical history review, including your symptoms. The psychologist or psychiatrist determines if you meet the criteria 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 often have coexisting disorders, like depression and anxiety. These disorders can cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. He adds that chronic stress and anger due to poor performance can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss. “Getting an assessment can help these individuals get a better understanding of the causes of their struggles. This could help reduce or eliminate their worries and enable them to concentrate more productively on areas where they excel,” Jaksa states. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated by a combination of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants can improve concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and aid in organizing. These drugs can improve moods and boost motivation in many instances. People who take stimulants should be aware of possible adverse effects, such as insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. The mood swings can also happen in people who are taking stimulants for ADHD and they can be difficult to manage. Consult your physician about whether or not you're a candidate for clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies assist researchers in finding better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases and conditions. Counseling If you're suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to various problems in every area of your life. Procrastination and other signs can affect your relationships, career, and financial health. The first step in reducing the negative effects and getting control back is to obtain a diagnosis and seek treatment. Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children, because their teachers and family weren't aware of the disorder or they had minor symptoms that weren't recognized. Certain adults may have been able manage their symptoms as children, but were unable to manage them in adulthood due to increasing family and work obligations. To diagnose ADHD, mental health professionals need to find that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your daily life. In the event of an impairment, you could lose your job due to a lack in organization and focus, or being placed on academic probation at your college because you're unable to do well on tests. Women are better at avoiding symptoms than men. how to diagnose adhd makes it harder for them to receive a diagnosis. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that impact your life at work or at home, you can accelerate the process of diagnosis by being open 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 kind of ADHD you suffer from, will want to know if your symptoms began before the age of 12. They may suggest that you talk to people who were close to you at this time, and they may conduct a series of tests to test your memory and attention. After receiving an assessment, the specialist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different treatments before they find the one that works best for them. Keep a log of your progress, and visit your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as needed.