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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult Adults who are struggling in their work or personal life, diagnosing ADHD can be a significant step towards getting control. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination which may include a review of school records and questionnaires completed by parents and teachers. It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. Check out NIMH for advice on how to talk to your health care provider 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 professional and personal lives. First, you should consult your GP or a mental health specialist who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP does not have any knowledge of ADHD and is unable to help, they can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment. adhd diagnosis adults will typically use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. Then, he will ask you questions about your symptoms and look at your family history and medical history to make sure that any other conditions are not causing your ADHD-like symptoms. People with ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and forgetting crucial details. They often have difficulty following instructions 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 listening to long speeches. Fidgeting, excessive talk or texting, or squirming, are other symptoms of adult ADHD. When determining whether someone has adult ADHD, it is important to eliminate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and substance abuse. Stress and certain physical conditions like thyroid problems can also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to consider the severity of the symptoms a person's experiences are when determining if they have diagnosed him or her with the disorder. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe. Many people with ADHD go their whole lives without ever being diagnosed because it is not apparent in childhood. A diagnosis can change the course of a person's life because they now understand why they struggled at school and didn't reach their maximum potential at work or home. Some may even feel guilty for blaming their problems on others or themselves, and they can experience regret over missed opportunities that could have been had if they had been properly treated. Treatment To receive treatment for ADHD in adults the first step is to talk with a healthcare professional. This can be accomplished 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 family-related mental health issues. This is due to the fact that there are a variety of physical and mental conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions must be ruled out to determine if you have ADHD. The expert will also inquire about your work and lifestyle, and how your symptoms affect your life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you displayed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They may also wish to interview people who were close to you in your childhood and ask about their memories. A thorough medical history will help the doctor decide whether you need medications or other treatments. Some medical conditions such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults who have an history of anxiety or depression may need more careful assessment and treatment, as these conditions are often associated with ADHD. If a professional believes that you require medication, he/she will prescribe the appropriate drug. The type of medication you will require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD, are stimulants. 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 are taking any other medications such as over-the-counter medications and supplements, as certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is a crucial component of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of anger, failure and underachievement that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can also teach you how to manage your anger and improve your time management and organization abilities. It is crucial to find a healthcare professional that specializes in mental illnesses. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However you might prefer to consult a specialist therapist. These experts are likely to be more familiar with the challenges of treating adult ADHD and have worked with other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can search ADDitude or your local mental health clinic to find a professional that assists adults with ADHD. Medication If you are an adult who has been struggling with ADHD getting a diagnosis is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you've found it difficult to reach your maximum potential at work, find it difficult to maintain relationships, or struggle to complete tasks at home, a diagnosis of ADHD may provide the solution you've been searching for. The first step in treating ADHD in adults is an extensive medical history, including your symptoms. The psychologist or psychiatrist will determine if the 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 suffer from untreated ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, like depression and anxiety. Jaksa says that these disorders can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. A constant stress and anger over the lack of performance can lead to feelings of self-doubt, Jaksa says. “Getting a diagnosis will help them understand the root causes of their struggles and may help to alleviate or alleviate some of their anxiety and help them concentrate more on areas in which they excel,” Jaksa says. Adults with ADHD are usually treated by a combination of medication along with behavior therapy. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and aid in the process of organizing. These medications can improve moods and increase motivation in many instances. People who are taking stimulants must be aware of potential adverse effects, such as insomnia and trouble with eating or drinking enough. The mood swings can also happen in those who take stimulants for ADHD and are often difficult to manage. Discuss with your doctor about whether you would be a good candidate for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or medicines. These studies help researchers find more effective ways to prevent, diagnose or treat illnesses and conditions. Counseling Untreated ADHD can cause issues in all areas of your life. Your relationships, career and financial health may be negatively impacted by procrastination, poor time management, impulsive spending and other signs. Finding a doctor and seeking treatment is the first step in lessening the negative effects and regaining control of your life. Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis when they were children because their parents and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or they had minor symptoms that weren't noticed. Some might have managed their symptoms as children but struggled as they grew older when their family and work responsibilities increased. To diagnose ADHD, mental health professionals need to find that your symptoms cause significant impairment 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 in college due to your inability to study for tests. Women are better at hiding symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for them to receive a diagnosis. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms that affect your work and home life speaking up with your doctor will help accelerate the process and enable you to get reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws. Your mental health professional, regardless of the type of ADHD you suffer from will want to know if your symptoms began before the age of 12. They may request that you talk to people who were around you during this time period. They may also take a number of tests to determine your attention and memory levels. After receiving a diagnosis, the specialist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. A majority of patients will try a variety of different treatments before they find the one that is most effective for them. It is suggested that you keep a journal of your progress and speak with your doctor on a regular basis so they can assist in adjusting your treatment program as needed.