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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult Adults who are struggling in their work or personal life and are unable to resolve the issue, identifying ADHD could be a crucial step in gaining control. A thorough evaluation is needed to make a diagnosis. This includes reviewing the school records and filling out questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers. The majority of people with ADHD have symptoms from the age of five, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed at an adult age. Check out NIMH for suggestions on talking with your health professional about the condition. Diagnosis It is crucial to be diagnosed with ADHD as you reach adulthood. This will help you gain control over the symptoms that can cause havoc in your professional and personal life. First, you must consult your GP or a mental health professional who has experience treating adults with ADHD. If your GP is unfamiliar with ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for assessment. Typically an expert in mental health will employ the six-question ADHD screener to determine if you may be suffering from the condition, according to Adler. Then, he or she will interview you about your symptoms and look at your family history and medical background to ensure that any other conditions are not causing the symptoms of ADHD. People with ADHD tend to be easily distracted and miss crucial details. They have a difficult time following directions in class or at work. They are often unable to locate important items required for tasks or activities like keys, wallets, and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused when they are reading long speeches or assignments. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting or squirming are other signs of adult ADHD. It is important to rule other conditions out when determining if someone has adult ADHD. These include anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Stress and other physical ailments like thyroid problems can be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. In the DSM-5 professionals are now required to consider the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them with ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe. Many people suffering from ADHD go their whole lives without ever being diagnosed because it's not evident in the early years. A diagnosis can change the course of a person's life, as they can now see the reasons why they struggled in school and never reached their full potential at work or at home. They might feel guilty about blameing other people or themselves for their struggles, and they may be resentful over missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly. Treatment The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit a healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be conducted in person or by video call. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will need to know your medical history as well as your family's mental health issues. adhd diagnosis adult uk is because many emotional and physical conditions can trigger symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD and must be eliminated before a diagnosis is made. The professional will also ask about your lifestyle and work and how your symptoms affect your life. They will be especially interested in if you displayed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They might also interview people who knew you as a child and ask about their memories. A thorough medical history will help your doctor decide if you need medication or another treatment. Some medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, and lead poisoning, can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults who have an underlying history of depression or anxiety might require more careful evaluation and treatment because these conditions are often associated with ADHD. If a medical professional believes you need medication, he or she will prescribe the appropriate drug. The type of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your daily life. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. However, they are not right for everyone, and the first one you try might not be effective or cause unpleasant adverse side effects. Your doctor may inquire whether you're taking any other medication. This includes over-the-counter medications or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. 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 cope with the feelings of failure or underachievement that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn how to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management skills. If you have mental illness it is essential to locate a doctor who is specialized in this condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD. However it is recommended to consult a specialist psychotherapist. These experts are likely to be more familiar with the challenges of treating adults with ADHD and have experience helping other clients with similar struggles. You can contact your local mental health clinic or ADDitude's directory to find a professional who works with adults with ADHD. Medication A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've struggled to realize your full potential at work, find it difficult to maintain relationships or have trouble finishing tasks at home A diagnosis of ADHD might be the solution you've been searching for. ADHD treatment for adults starts with a thorough interview and 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 such as depression and anxiety. Jaksa states that these disorders can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. A constant stress and anger over inadequate performance can result in feelings of low self-esteem, he adds. “Getting an assessment can help these individuals get a better understanding of the root of their issues. This may alleviate or eliminate their anxiety and help them concentrate more productively on areas where they excel,” Jaksa states. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated best by a combination of medication in conjunction with behavior therapy. Stimulants improve concentration, reduce impulse-driven behavior and aid in the process of organizing. In many instances they can improve mood and increase motivation. 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 might experience mood swings that can be difficult for them to manage. Speak to your doctor about whether or not you're eligible for clinical trials of new medications or treatments. These studies aid researchers in discovering better ways to diagnose and treat illnesses, as well as prevent them from occurring. Counseling If you have untreated ADHD it could cause many issues in all areas of your life. Your relationships, work and financial health could be negatively impacted by procrastination or poor time management, impulsive spending, and other signs. The first step to reducing the negative effects and getting back in control is to get an assessment and seek treatment. Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children because their family and teachers were unaware of the condition or they experienced mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Some might have been able to manage their symptoms in childhood but struggled later in life when their family and work responsibilities increased. To diagnose ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your daily life. The effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a decline in focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at your college because you are unable to concentrate on your tests. Women tend to be better at hiding their symptoms than men, which may make it more difficult to receive a diagnosis. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that impact your work or home life, you can accelerate the process of diagnosis by being upfront with your doctor. You might also be eligible for reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws. No matter what kind of ADHD you suffer from the mental health professional will want to determine if your symptoms were present prior to age 12. They may ask to speak with people who were close to you at this time, and they might also conduct a series of tests to test your memory and attention. After receiving a diagnosis, the therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different methods before they discover the one that works best for them. It is suggested that you keep a diary of your progress and check in with your physician regularly so that they can assist in adjusting your treatment program when needed.