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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. ADHD Diagnosis is needed to make a diagnosis. This involves examining school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers. Most people with ADHD have symptoms from the age of three, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed at an adult age. Check out NIMH for suggestions on talking to your health care provider regarding the disorder. Diagnosis Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that cause havoc on one's personal and professional lives. The first step is to speak with your GP or find a mental health professional with experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor does not have any experience in treating ADHD and is unable to help, they can refer you to either psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment. A mental health professional will typically employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. Then, he will talk to you about your symptoms and look at your medical history and family history to confirm that other medical conditions are not causing the symptoms of ADHD. Because people with ADHD have a tendency to overlook details and become easily distracted, they often struggle with following directions or listening in class 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 difficulty staying focused while listening to long speeches. Fidgeting, excessive talk or texting, or squirming, are other symptoms of adult ADHD. It is crucial to rule other conditions out in determining if a person has adult ADHD. These include anxiety, depression 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 live their entire lives without ever being diagnosed because it is not apparent during childhood. A diagnosis can change the course of an adult's life as they understand why they struggled at school and never reached their full potential at work or at home. They might feel guilty about being blamed for their problems and could be resentful over missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly. Treatment The first step to receive treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit the healthcare professional to have an assessment. This can be done in person or through a video calls. In the UK only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The professional will ask about your medical history, which includes mental health issues within the family. This is because there are a variety of physical and mental conditions that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions need to be eliminated in order to determine if you have ADHD. The expert will inquire about your job and lifestyle as well as how your symptoms impact your daily life. They will be especially interested in if you showed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They may also wish to interview those who knew you in your childhood and ask them about their experiences. A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining whether you require medication or other treatments. This is because certain medical conditions, including sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning can cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults with a history depression or anxiety will need to be evaluated and treated with greater care since these conditions can occur in conjunction. If a doctor believes that you need medication, they will prescribe a suitable drug. The type of medicine you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. They are not suitable for all people and the first treatment you try may not work or cause undesirable negative side consequences. Your healthcare provider will be interested in knowing if you use any other medication such as over-the-counter medications and supplements, because certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is an essential aspect of treatment for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal with feelings of failure or underachievement that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management abilities. It is crucial to find an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD. However it is recommended to seek out a specialist therapist. These professionals will likely be more familiar with adult ADHD and their struggles, as well as having worked with other clients. You can search ADDitude or your local mental health services to find a specialist who is working with adults who suffer from ADHD. Medication If you're an adult who has been struggling with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder getting a diagnosis is the first step toward managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you are struggling to realize your full potential in the workplace or have trouble maintaining relationships, or have difficulty completing tasks at home and at work, an ADHD diagnosis could be just what you need. The first step to treat ADHD for adults is a thorough medical history review, including your symptoms. The psychiatrist or psychologist 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 with untreated ADHD are often co-morbid with disorders such as anxiety and depression. These disorders can trigger or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. Chronic stress and frustration over inadequate performance can cause feelings of low self-esteem, Jaksa says. “Getting a diagnose can help these individuals gain a perspective on the root of their issues. This can help to reduce or eliminate their anxieties and enable them to focus on areas in which they excel,” Jaksa states. The best treatment for adults with ADHD is usually an amalgamation of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants improve concentration, reduce impulse-driven behavior and aid in organizing. These drugs can improve moods and boost motivation in many cases. People who take stimulants should be aware of possible adverse effects, such as insomnia and trouble with eating or drinking enough. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD can experience mood swings that can be difficult to manage. Consult your physician about whether or not you're eligible for clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies help researchers find more effective methods to prevent, diagnose, or treat illnesses and conditions. Counseling If you have untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to many issues in every area of your life. Your career, relationships 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 control back is to obtain a diagnosis and seek treatment. Many adults diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis as children, because their teachers and family were unaware of the disorder or they experienced mild symptoms that were not noticed. Some may have been able to manage their symptoms in childhood but struggled later in life as their family and work obligations increased. To determine ADHD, mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your daily 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 inability to do well on tests. Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men. This 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 it is possible to speed up the diagnosis process by being upfront with your doctor. You might also be able to get reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws. Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD you suffer from, will be looking to determine whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They may ask you to talk to people who knew you at this time and may also conduct a series of tests to evaluate your memory and attention levels. When you receive a diagnosis your therapist will recommend a combination of medication and non-medication treatments to treat your symptoms. The majority of patients will try a few different treatments before settling on the most effective one. Keep a journal of your progress, and make sure to consult your doctor regularly to adjust your treatment plan as necessary.