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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an AdultAdults who are struggling in their personal or professional lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A diagnosis is based on a thorough examination that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers.Most people suffering from ADHD live with symptoms from the age of five, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed with it at an adult age. NIMH offers guidelines on how to talk with your doctor about the disorder.DiagnosisIt is crucial to be diagnosed with ADHD as you reach adulthood. This will allow you to gain control over the symptoms that can cause a lot of trouble in your personal and professional life. The first step is to talk to your GP or seek out a mental health professional with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment.Typically an expert in mental health will employ the six-question ADHD screener to determine whether you are susceptible to the condition, says Adler. He or she will then ask you questions about your ADHD-like symptoms and look over your medical and family history to ensure that other conditions aren't causing them.Since people who suffer from ADHD are more likely to miss details and get easily distracted, they frequently have trouble following instructions or listening during class or at work. They tend to lose things essential to their tasks or activities, like tools, wallets, and keys. They may also have trouble staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting frequently or squirming around in their seats.When determining whether a person has 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 be a source of ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5, professionals are now required to assess the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them with ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed in their childhood because it's not evident. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing revelation because they can finally understand the reasons why they struggled at school and could not attain their full potential at work or at home. Some may even feel guilty for blaming their problems on others or themselves and can feel sadness over the missed opportunities that could have been a reality in the event that they had been properly treated.TreatmentThe first step to receive treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit a medical professional to get 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 specialist will require information about your medical history as well as family mental health issues. This is due to the fact that there are a variety of physical and mental conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions need to be ruled out to make a diagnosis.The doctor will inquire about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms impact your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you displayed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years. They may also want to interview those who knew you in your childhood and ask them about their experiences.A thorough medical history will help the doctor decide whether you need medications or other treatments. This is because certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid issues and lead poisoning may cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults with a history anxiety or depression will require evaluation and treated more carefully because these conditions frequently occur in conjunction.If the professional believes you require medication, they will prescribe a suitable medication. The type of medication you require is determined by the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. They are not suitable for everyone, and the first drug you try may not work or cause unwanted negative side consequences. Your healthcare provider might ask whether you are taking other medications. This includes over-the-counter medications or supplements as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of drugs can interfere with ADHD stimulants.Counseling is an important component of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of frustration, failure and underachievement that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can also help you learn 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 illnesses. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to see psychologists or specialist therapists. These professionals are likely to be more familiar with the challenges of treating adults with ADHD and have worked with other clients with similar struggles. You can inquire with your local mental health services or with 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 your life. If you are struggling to realize your full potential at work, have difficulty maintaining relationships, or have difficulties completing your tasks at home then an ADHD diagnosis might be the answer you've been looking for.ADHD treatment for adults begins with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've experienced. The psychologist or psychiatrist determines whether you meet the requirements 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 who are not treated for ADHD frequently have coexisting disorders, like depression and anxiety. Jaksa states that these disorders can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. He adds that chronic stress and frustration due to poor performance can lead to feelings of low self-esteem. "Getting a diagnose will help them gain a perspective on the causes of their struggles. This could help alleviate or eliminate their anxiety, and allow them to focus more effectively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states.The best treatment for adults with ADHD is typically an amalgamation of therapy and medication. Stimulants increase concentration, decrease impulse-driven behavior and aid in the process of organizing. These medications can boost moods and improve motivation in a variety of cases. The negative effects of stimulants are insomnia and difficulties drinking or eating enough. Mood swings can also occur in people who are taking stimulants to treat ADHD and are often difficult to manage.Discuss with your health care provider about whether you're suitable for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or medicines. These studies help researchers find more effective methods to prevent, diagnose or treat diseases and conditions.CounselingUntreated ADHD can lead to problems in all areas of your life. Your relationships, career and financial health may be negatively impacted by procrastination, poor time management, impulsive spending and other symptoms. The first step to reducing the negative effects and getting back in control is to get diagnosed and seek treatment.Many adults diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed as children because their parents and teachers were unaware of the disorder or they had mild symptoms that were not noticed. Others might have been able to manage their symptoms as children but struggled later in life as their family and work responsibilities increased.To diagnose ADHD Mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms cause significant impairment in two areas of your daily life. In the event of an impairment, you could lose your job due to a deficit in organization and focus or being placed on academic probation at college because you're unable to study for tests.Women are better at avoiding symptoms than men. This makes it harder for women to be diagnosed. If our source from ADHD symptoms that impact your life at work or at home, you can accelerate the process of diagnosing by being open with your doctor. You might also be eligible for reasonable accommodations under ADA laws 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 speak with people who were close to you at this time, and they might also administer a series tests to measure your attention and memory.When you receive a diagnosis, your therapist will recommend a combination of medication and non-medication treatments to help manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test different treatments before they find the one that works for them. It is suggested that you keep a journal of your progress and consult with your doctor on a regular basis so they can assist in adjusting your treatment program according to your needs.