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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult Adults who are struggling in their professional or personal lives can benefit from diagnosing ADHD. A diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers. Most people with ADHD suffer from symptoms from the age of five, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed in adulthood. NIMH has guidelines on how to talk with your doctor about the disorder. Diagnosis It is crucial to be diagnosed with ADHD at an early age. This will help you manage the symptoms that can cause chaos in your personal and professional life. The first step is to consult your GP or a mental health specialist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. If your doctor does not have any experience with ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to either psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment. Typically, a mental health professional will employ an eight-question ADHD screener to determine if you might have the condition, says Adler. He or she will then interview you about your ADHD-like symptoms and examine your medical and family history to confirm that other conditions aren't causing them. People with ADHD tend to be easily distracted and forgetting important details. They have a difficult time following instructions in class or at work. They often lose important items required for tasks or activities such as keys, wallets, and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused when listening to or reading long speeches. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting excessively or squirming in their seats. It is essential to rule out other medical conditions in determining if a person has adult ADHD. This includes depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and certain physical conditions like thyroid issues could also mimic the symptoms of ADHD. In the DSM-5 professionals are now required to consider the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them with ADHD. Mild moderate, severe and mild are the three categories for adults with ADHD. Many people suffering from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis in their childhood because it's not readily apparent. A diagnosis can alter the course of a person's life because they now understand the reasons why they struggled in school and failed to reach their full potential at work or home. Some may even feel guilty for blaming their problems on others or themselves, and they can experience grief over lost opportunities that could have been achieved when they were properly treated. Treatment To get treatment for ADHD for adults, the first step is to talk with an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be done in person or through a video chat. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, including mental health issues within the family. This is because many physical and emotional conditions can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD and must be ruled out before a diagnosis is made. The professional will ask you 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 interview people who were close to you as a child and ask them about their memories. A detailed medical history can aid your doctor in determining whether you require medication or other treatment. Some medical conditions such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults with a history of depression or anxiety might require more careful evaluation and treatment because these conditions can be co-existing with ADHD. If a doctor believes that you require medication they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The type of medicine you require is determined by your symptoms and the way they affect your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD. However, they're not for everyone and the first stimulant you try may not be effective or trigger bothersome side effects. Your healthcare provider might ask whether you are taking other medication. This includes prescription drugs or supplements, as well as prescription drugs. Certain types of drugs can interfere with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is also an essential element of the treatment process for adults with ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope better with feelings of anger, failure and underachievement that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, and improve your time management and organizing abilities. If you have mental illness it is crucial to find an expert in healthcare who is trained in this condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD. However you might prefer to consult a specialist psychotherapist. These experts are likely to be more familiar with the challenges of treating adult 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 consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a professional who is working with adults suffering from ADHD. Medication A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you are struggling to achieve your maximum potential in your work, have difficulty maintaining relationships, or are having difficulties completing your tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis may be just what you need. ADHD treatment for adults begins with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've experienced. 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 who suffer from untreated ADHD often have coexisting disorders, like anxiety and depression. Jaksa states that these disorders can worsen or cause symptoms of ADHD. Chronic stress and frustration over poor performance can also result in feelings of low self-esteem Jaksa says. “Getting diagnosed can help these individuals get a better understanding of the causes of their struggles. This could help reduce or eliminate their worries and help them focus more effectively on areas where they excel,” Jaksa states. adhd diagnosis uk adults for adults with ADHD is usually an amalgamation of medication and behavior therapy. The stimulants help improve concentration, reduce impulse-driven behavior and aid in the process of organizing. In many instances these drugs can boost motivation and improve mood. People who take stimulants should be aware of possible side effects, which include insomnia and difficulty drinking or eating enough. People who take stimulants to treat ADHD might suffer from mood swings that may be difficult to manage. Talk to your doctor about whether or not you're eligible for clinical trials on new medications or treatments. These studies help researchers discover better ways to diagnose, prevent or treat diseases. Counseling Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all aspects of your life. Procrastination and other signs can affect your relationships and career as well as financial health. The first step to reduce the negative effects and getting control back is to obtain diagnosed and seek treatment. Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children, either because their family and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or because they had mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Others might have been able to manage their symptoms during childhood, but struggled as they grew older as their family and work responsibilities increased. To be diagnosed with ADHD mental health professionals must discover that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. In the event of impairment, it could result in losing your job because of a lack of focus and organizational skills or being placed on academic probation at college due to inability to study for tests. Women are more adept at avoiding symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms that affect your work and home life, being forthright about them with your doctor will help speed up the process and let you take advantage of reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws. Your mental health professional, regardless of the type of ADHD you have, will be looking to determine whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They might ask you to talk with people who knew you at this time and may also conduct a series of tests to evaluate your attention and memory abilities. After receiving an diagnosis, your specialist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication therapy to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different treatments before they find the one that works best for them. It is suggested that you keep a journal of your progress and check in with your doctor regularly so they can help you adjust your treatment plan as needed.