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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an AdultAdults who are struggling in their professional or personal lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment, often including reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers.It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. NIMH has suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about the disorder.DiagnosisIt is important to get diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. This will allow you to gain control over the symptoms that can cause havoc in your personal and professional life. First, you should consult your GP or a mental health specialist who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your doctor does not have any knowledge of ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment.Typically an expert in mental health will employ the six-question ADHD screener to determine if you may be suffering from the disorder, says Adler. Then, he will interview you about your symptoms and look at your family history and medical history to confirm that any other conditions are not causing the symptoms of ADHD.Since people with ADHD tend to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they frequently struggle with following directions or listening in class or on the job. They often lose things necessary for tasks or activities, including tools, wallets, keys and wallets. They may also have trouble staying focused while listening to or reading long speeches. Fidgeting, over-talking or texting, or squirming, are other signs of adult ADHD.In determining if someone suffers from adult ADHD, it is important to exclude other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, anxiety and substance abuse. Stress and physical conditions such as thyroid issues can mimic ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to determine the severity of the symptoms a person's experiences are before identifying the condition. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed in childhood, because it's not obvious. For adults, a diagnosis could be a life-changing revelation as they realize why they struggled in school and failed to reach their potential at work or at home. They may feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on themselves or others and may experience grief over lost opportunities that could have been had when they were properly treated.TreatmentThe first step in getting treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit a healthcare professional to have an assessment. This can be conducted in person or by video call. In the UK, only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will need to know your medical history as well as your family's mental health issues. This is because a variety of emotional and physical conditions can cause symptoms similar to those that occur in ADHD, and these must be eliminated before an assessment is made.The doctor will inquire about your work and lifestyle as well as how your symptoms impact your daily life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you displayed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years. They may also want to interview people who were close to you in your childhood and ask about their memories.A thorough medical history can help your doctor decide if you need medication or another treatment. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, and lead poisoning, can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults with a history depression or anxiety will need to be evaluated and treated with greater care, as these conditions often occur in conjunction.If a doctor believes you require medication, he or she will prescribe the appropriate drug. The kind of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your daily routine. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. They aren't for everyone, and the first drug you try may not work or cause undesirable side effects. Your doctor will need to know if take any other medications that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, because certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants.Counseling is also an essential part of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal better with feelings of anger, failure and underachievement that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you how to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management skills.It is essential to find an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental disorders. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to see a specialist therapist or psychologist. These specialists are likely to be more familiar with the challenges of treating adults with ADHD and have had experience in helping other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can check with your local mental health service or ADDitude's directory to find a specialist who can assist adults with ADHD.MedicationA diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving life. If you're struggling to reach your full potential at work, have difficulty maintaining relationships, or have difficulties completing your tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis may be just what you need.The first step to treat ADHD in adults is thorough medical history review, including your symptoms. The psychologist or psychiatrist will then determine if the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for ADHD are applicable 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 are frequently co-morbid with other disorders, such as anxiety and depression. These disorders can cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. He adds that chronic stress and anger due to low performance can cause feelings of self-esteem loss. "Getting an assessment can help them understand the reasons behind their struggles. This could help reduce or eliminate their anxieties and enable them to focus on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is usually an amalgamation of therapy and medication. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, decrease impulsive behavior and help with organization. In many cases, these medications can also boost motivation and improve mood. Some of the side effects of stimulants include sleepiness and having trouble eating or drinking enough. Mood swings can also occur in some people who take stimulants for ADHD and can be difficult to manage.Talk to your doctor about whether or not you are eligible for clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies help researchers discover better ways to diagnose and treat illnesses, as well as prevent them from occurring.CounselingIf you are suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to a variety of problems in every area of your life. Procrastination and other symptoms can negatively impact your relationships as well as your career and financial health. Finding a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step in reduce the negative impact and regaining control of your life.Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children, because their family and teachers were unaware of the condition or they had minor symptoms that weren't noticed. Some adults may have been able manage their symptoms as children but had difficulty with these issues in adulthood due increased work and family obligations.To be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. In adhd diagnosis uk adults of an impairment, you could lose your job due to a decline in organization and focus or being placed on academic probation in college due to your inability to do well on tests.Women are generally better in hiding their symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to get a diagnosis. If, however, you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that are affecting your work and home life speaking up with your doctor can help accelerate the process and let you take advantage of reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws.No matter what type of ADHD you suffer from the mental health professional will want to determine if your symptoms were present prior to the age of 12. They may ask you to talk with people who were around you during this period and could conduct a series of tests to evaluate your attention and memory levels.After receiving a diagnosis, the therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. A majority of patients will try a variety of different therapies before they can find the one that works for them. Keep a record of your progress and visit your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan if needed.