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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult Adults who are struggling in their work or personal life in any way, recognizing ADHD can be a significant step towards getting control. A diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation, often including reviews of school records and questionnaires filled out by parents and teachers. Most people suffering from ADHD have symptoms since the age of five, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed at an adult age. Visit NIMH for advice on how to talk with your health professional regarding the disorder. Diagnosis It is important to get diagnosed with ADHD at an early age. This will allow you to get control of the symptoms that can cause a lot of trouble in your personal and professional life. The first step is to talk with your GP or seek out an expert in mental health who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD, he or she may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment. Typically the mental health professional will use an eight-question ADHD screener to determine whether you might have the disorder, says Adler. Then, the doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, and examine your medical history and family background to ensure that there are no other conditions not causing the symptoms of ADHD. Since people with ADHD tend to overlook details and become easily distracted, they often have difficulty following instructions or listening to lectures or on the job. They often lose things that are essential for their work or activities, such as tools, wallets, keys and wallets. They may also have difficulty staying focused while reading or listening to long speeches. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking excessively or squirming in their seats. When determining whether a person has adult ADHD it is essential to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, anxiety and substance abuse. Stress and other physical ailments such as thyroid issues can also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. In the DSM-5, professionals are now required to consider the severity of a person's symptoms when determining if they are suffering from ADHD. Mild moderate, severe and mild are the three categories for adults with ADHD. Many people suffering from ADHD go their whole lives without ever getting a diagnosis because it is not apparent in the early years. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing experience because they can finally understand why they struggled in school and never seemed to attain their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty about blameing other people or themselves for their struggles, and they may be grieved 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 consult a medical professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video calls. In the UK only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The professional will ask about your medical history, including mental health issues that are present in the family. This is because many physical and emotional conditions can cause symptoms similar to those that occur in ADHD, and these must be addressed before the diagnosis can be made. The expert will also inquire about your work and lifestyle and how your issues influence your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you displayed symptoms of ADHD before the age of 12 years old. They may also wish to interview those who knew you in your childhood and ask about their memories. A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining whether you need medication or other treatments. This is because certain medical conditions, including sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression will need to be evaluated and treated more carefully because these conditions frequently coexist. If a medical professional believes you require medication, he/she will prescribe the appropriate drug. The type of medication you require is determined by the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. They aren't for everyone and the first medication you try might not be effective or cause unwanted side negative effects. Your healthcare provider may ask if you are taking any other medication. This includes over-the-counter medications or supplements as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is also an important component of the treatment process for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal with the feelings of failure frustration, underachievement, and anger that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn how to manage your anger as well as improve your organization and time management skills. If you have mental illness it is crucial to find a doctor who is specialized in that condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to consult psychologists or specialist therapists. These specialists are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adult ADHD and have worked with other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can check with your local mental health clinic or ADDitude's directory to find a specialist who works with adults with ADHD. Medication If you're an adult who has been struggling with ADHD, getting a diagnosis is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you've found it difficult to realize your maximum potential at work, are finding it difficult to maintain relationships, or struggle to finish tasks at home A diagnosis of ADHD could be the answer you have been seeking. The first step in treating ADHD for adults is thorough medical history, including your symptoms. The psychiatrist or psychologist determines whether 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 with untreated ADHD are frequently co-morbid with other disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Jaksa says that these disorders can worsen or cause symptoms of ADHD. He also says that constant stress and frustration due to low performance can cause feelings of self-esteem loss. “Getting diagnosed will help them get a better understanding of the root of their issues. This may reduce or eliminate their anxieties, and allow them to focus more effectively on areas where they excel,” Jaksa states. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated by a combination of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease the risk of impulsive behavior, and help with organizing. These medications can improve moods and boost motivation in many instances. Some of the side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulties drinking or eating enough. Some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD may have mood swings that could be difficult to manage. Consult your physician about whether or not you are an eligible participant in clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies assist researchers in finding better ways to diagnose and treat or prevent diseases. Counseling If you're suffering from untreated ADHD it could cause many issues throughout your life. Your relationships, work and financial health may be negatively affected by procrastination, poor time management, excessive spending and other symptoms. The first step to reducing the negative effects and regaining control is to get a diagnosis and seek treatment. Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed when they were children because their teachers and family were unaware of the disorder or they had minor symptoms that weren't recognized. Others might have had the ability to manage their symptoms during childhood, but struggled as they grew older when their family and work obligations increased. In order to be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms are causing severe impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. The effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a deficit in organization and focus, or being placed on academic probation at your college due to your inability to concentrate on your tests. Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your home or work life, you can accelerate the process of diagnosing by being upfront with your doctor. You may also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws. Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD you suffer from will be looking to determine if your symptoms began before the age of 12. They might ask you to speak to people who knew you at this time and may also conduct a series of tests to assess your memory and attention levels. After receiving an diagnosis, your therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication therapy to help manage your symptoms. how do i get an adhd diagnosis of people will test different methods before they discover the one that works for them. It is recommended that you keep a journal of your progress and consult with your doctor regularly so they can assist in adjusting your treatment plan when needed.