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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult For adults who find themselves struggling in their work or personal life in any way, recognizing ADHD could be a crucial step in taking control. A thorough examination is necessary to make the diagnosis. This involves examining school records as well as questionnaires filled out by teachers and caregivers. It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. See NIMH for suggestions on talking with your health professional about the condition. Diagnosis Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step in gaining control over the symptoms that can cause destruction on people's personal and professional lives. The first step is to consult your GP or a mental health professional who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD and/or ADHD, they might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for assessment. Typically an expert in mental health will use an eight-question ADHD screener to determine whether you might have the condition, according to Adler. He or she will then interview you about your ADHD-like symptoms and look over your medical history and family history to confirm that other conditions aren't causing them. Since people with ADHD tend to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often have difficulty following instructions or listening to lectures or at work. They tend to lose things that are essential for their work or activities, including keys, wallets and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting too much or squirming in the seat. It is important to rule other conditions out when determining whether someone suffers from adult ADHD. These include anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical ailments such as thyroid issues can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. 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 with ADHD have a lifelong struggle without ever receiving a diagnosis because it's not obvious in childhood. A diagnosis can change the course of an adult's life because they now understand why they struggled at school and never reached their full potential at work or home. They may feel guilty for being blamed for their problems, and they may be grieved over missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly. Treatment To seek treatment for ADHD for adults the first step is to speak with an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be conducted in person or by video call. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk will need to know your medical history and family mental health issues. This is due to the fact that there are a variety of mental and physical conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions need to be eliminated in order to establish a diagnosis. The expert will inquire about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms impact your daily life. They will be especially interested in if you showed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They may also interview people who were close to you as an infant and ask them about their experiences. A thorough medical history can aid the doctor in determining whether you need medication or other treatments. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, and lead poisoning, can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression will need to be assessed and treated with more care since these conditions can are in synergy. If a medical professional believes that you require medication they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The type of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your daily routine. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. They aren't for all people and the first treatment you try might not be effective or cause undesirable adverse effects. Your healthcare provider will want to know if you use any other medication that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, as certain kinds of drugs may interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is a crucial component of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope better with feelings of frustration, failure and underachievement that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, as well as improve your time management and organizational skills. If you suffer from a mental illness, it's important to find an expert in healthcare who is trained in the field. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to consult an expert psychologist or therapist. These experts are likely to be more familiar with the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have had experience in helping others who have similar issues. You can inquire with your local mental health clinic or consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a specialist who is working with adults suffering from ADHD. Medication A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you are struggling to realize your maximum potential in your work or have trouble maintaining relationships, or are having difficulties completing your tasks at home then an ADHD diagnosis may be the answer you've been looking for. ADHD treatment for adults starts with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've experienced. The psychiatrist or psychologist determines if 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 frequently have coexisting disorders, including anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. Chronic stress and frustration over inadequate performance can result in feelings of self-doubt, he says. “Getting a diagnosis can help them understand the root causes of their issues which can help reduce or eliminate some of their anxieties and help them concentrate more effectively on areas in which they excel,” Jaksa says. Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated by a combination of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in organization. These drugs can boost moods and improve motivation in many instances. The negative effects of stimulants are insomnia and difficulty drinking enough or eating well. People who take stimulants to treat ADHD might have mood swings that could be difficult for them to manage. Talk to your health care provider about whether you are a good candidate for clinical trials of new treatments or medications. These studies help researchers find more effective ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat illnesses and conditions. Counseling If you're suffering from untreated ADHD, it can cause various problems throughout your life. Your relationships, career and financial health may be negatively impacted by procrastination or poor time management, excessive spending and other signs. Finding a doctor and seeking treatment is the first step in lessening the negative effects and regaining control over your life. Many adults diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers were unaware of the disorder, or because they showed mild symptoms that were not spotted. Certain adults may have been able manage their symptoms as children but struggled with them in adulthood due to increasing family and work obligations. To be diagnosed with ADHD, mental health professionals must discover that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. In the event of impairment, it could result in losing your job because of lack of focus and organizational skills or being placed on academic probation at college due to the inability to learn for tests. Women tend to be better at hiding their symptoms than men, which may make it more difficult to receive a diagnosis. If, however, you are experiencing ADHD symptoms that affect your life at work and at home speaking up with your doctor can help speed up the process and let you get reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws. Your mental health professional, regardless of the type of ADHD you suffer from, will want to know whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They might ask you to talk with people who knew you during this time period. They may also perform a series of tests to assess your attention and memory levels. After receiving a diagnosis, the specialist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test different therapies before they can find the one that is most effective for them. Keep a record of your progress and consult your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as needed.