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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult Adults who have difficulty in their personal or professional 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. Most people suffering from ADHD have symptoms since the age of five, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed as an adult. NIMH offers guidelines on how to talk with your doctor about the condition. Diagnosis Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step in gaining control over the symptoms that can cause destruction on people's professional and personal 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 is not familiar with ADHD and/or ADHD, they might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment. Typically, a mental health professional will use the six-question ADHD screener to determine if you are susceptible to the disorder, says Adler. He or she will then interview you about the symptoms of ADHD and examine your medical history and family history to determine if other medical conditions aren't the cause of them. Since people who suffer from ADHD are more likely to overlook details and become easily distracted, they frequently struggle with following directions or listening in class or on the job. They frequently lose essential items for tasks or activities such as keys, wallets and other tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused while listening to or reading long speeches. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting or squirming are other symptoms of adult ADHD. In determining if someone suffers from adult ADHD it is essential to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and abuse of substances. Stress and certain physical conditions like thyroid problems can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In the DSM-5 professionals are required to take into consideration the severity of an individual's symptoms when diagnosing them with ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe. Many people with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis in their childhood because it's not readily apparent. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing revelation because they finally understand the reason why they struggled in school and could not reach their potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty about blameing other people or themselves for their struggles and may also be resentful over missed opportunities if they were properly treated. Treatment The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to consult the healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be accomplished in person or by video call. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The specialist will need to know your medical history as well as your family's mental health issues. This is because there are a variety of mental and physical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions need to be ruled out to establish a diagnosis. The doctor will inquire about your lifestyle and work and how your symptoms affect your daily life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you had signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They may also wish to interview those who knew you as a child and ask them about their experiences. A thorough medical history can aid the doctor in determining whether you need medications or other treatments. Certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning, can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults with a history of anxiety or depression might require more careful evaluation and treatment, because these conditions often coexist with ADHD. If a professional believes that you require medication, he/she will prescribe the appropriate drug. The type of medication you require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily routine. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. However, they are not for everyone, and the first one you try may not be effective or trigger uncomfortable adverse effects. Your healthcare provider will need to know if use any other medication that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, as certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is also an essential part of the treatment process for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of failure frustration, underachievement, and anger that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn how to manage your anger as well as improve your time management and organization skills. 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, you may prefer to consult a specialist therapist or psychologist. They are likely to have more experience with adult ADHD and their challenges, as well as having worked with other clients. You can inquire with your local mental health clinic or ADDitude's directory to find a specialist who can assist adults with ADHD. Medication A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you're struggling to realize your full potential at work or in maintaining relationships, or have difficulty completing tasks at home then an ADHD diagnosis could be the answer you've been looking for. ADHD treatment for adults starts with thorough interviews and a thorough review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've experienced. The psychologist or psychiatrist will then determine if 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 frequently co-morbid with other disorders, like anxiety and depression. These disorders can cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. Chronic stress and frustration over the lack of performance can cause feelings of low self-esteem, Jaksa says. “Getting an assessment will help them get a better understanding of the causes of their struggles. This could help reduce or eliminate their worries, and allow them to focus on areas in which they excel,” Jaksa states. Adults with ADHD are typically treated by a combination of medication and behavior therapy. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and aid in organizing. In many cases these drugs can improve mood and increase motivation. The negative effects of stimulants are insomnia and difficulties eating or drinking enough. Mood swings can also occur in people who are taking stimulants to treat ADHD and can be difficult to manage. Talk to your doctor about whether or not you are eligible for clinical trials on new medications or treatments. These studies assist researchers in finding better ways to diagnose and treat or prevent diseases. Counseling If you are suffering from untreated ADHD it could cause a variety of problems in all areas of your life. Procrastination and other symptoms can affect your relationships as well as your career and financial health. Finding a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step in reducing these negative impacts and regaining control of your life. Many adults diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis as children, because their teachers and family were unaware of the condition or they experienced mild symptoms that weren't recognized. Some adults may have been able manage their symptoms as children but were unable to manage them in adulthood due to increasing family and work obligations. To determine if you have ADHD mental health professionals need to find that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two areas of your daily life. Impairment can result in losing your job because of lack of concentration and organizational skills, or being put on academic probation in college due to your inability to do well on tests. Women are generally better at avoiding their symptoms than men, which could make it more difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis. However, if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that are affecting your work and home life speaking up with your doctor can accelerate the process and allow you to take advantage of reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws. Regardless of the kind of ADHD you suffer from Your mental health professional will see that your symptoms began before age 12. They might ask you to speak to people who were around you during this time and may also take a number of tests to evaluate your memory and attention levels. After receiving adhddiagnosis , your doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication therapy to help manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test different treatments before they find the one that works best for them. Keep a record of your progress and make sure to consult your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as needed.