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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult Adults who are struggling in their personal or professional lives can benefit from diagnosing ADHD. A thorough examination is necessary to make a diagnosis. This includes reviewing school records as well as questionnaires filled out by teachers and caregivers. Most people with ADHD suffer from symptoms since the age of three, and it's not uncommon to be diagnosed with it in adulthood. See NIMH for suggestions on talking with your health professional about the condition. Diagnosis It is crucial to be diagnosed with ADHD at an early age. This will help you gain control over the symptoms that can cause havoc in your professional and personal life. The first step is to speak with your GP or seek out an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. If your doctor is not familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for assessment. Typically the mental health professional will use an eight-question ADHD screener to determine whether you are susceptible to the disorder, says Adler. They will ask you questions about your symptoms that are similar to ADHD and examine your medical and family history to determine if other medical conditions aren't the cause of them. Because people who suffer from ADHD have a tendency to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often have difficulty following instructions or listening in class or on the job. They are often unable to locate important items needed for their tasks such as keys, wallets, and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long lectures or reading assignments. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, talking or texting frequently or squirming around in their seats. It is crucial to rule other conditions out in determining if a person has adult ADHD. This includes depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. 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 assess the severity of a person's symptoms when diagnosing them as having ADHD. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe. Many people suffering from ADHD live their entire lives without ever getting a diagnosis because it's not obvious in childhood. For adults, a diagnosis could be a life-changing event because they can finally understand why they struggled in school and could not reach their potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty for blaming others or themselves for their troubles and could be resentful over missed opportunities when they were treated with respect. Treatment The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD as an adult is to visit a healthcare professional to get an assessment. This can be accomplished in person or by video conference. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The professional will require information about your medical history and family-related mental health issues. This is because a variety of physical and emotional conditions can trigger symptoms similar to those that occur in ADHD, and these must be eliminated before a diagnosis is made. The expert will also inquire about your work and lifestyle and how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether you had symptoms of ADHD before age 12 years old. They might also interview people who knew you in your childhood and ask about their experiences. A thorough medical history will aid your doctor in determining whether you require medication or another treatment. This is due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning can cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults with a history depression or anxiety will require evaluation and treated more carefully, as these conditions often coexist. If the professional believes you require medication they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The type of medicine you need depends on your symptoms and the way they affect your life. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. adhd diagnosis in adults are not suitable for everyone and the first medication you try might not be effective or cause undesirable negative side effects. Your healthcare provider may ask whether you're taking any other medications. This includes over-the-counter drugs or supplements as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of drugs can interfere with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is also an important component of the treatment process for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal better with feelings of anger, failure and underachievement that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also help you how to manage your anger as well as improve your time management and organization abilities. If you suffer from mental illness, it's important to find an expert in healthcare who is trained in the field. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to consult a specialist therapist or psychologist. These specialists are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adult ADHD and have had experience in helping other clients with similar struggles. You can search ADDitude or contact your local mental health clinic to find a specialist who is working with adults who suffer from ADHD. Medication If you are an adult who has had to deal with ADHD, getting a diagnosis is the first step towards addressing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you are struggling to realize your full potential in the workplace or in maintaining relationships, or experience difficulty completing 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 determines if you satisfy the criteria for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which is 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 suffer from untreated ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, including depression and anxiety. These conditions can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. He adds that chronic stress and frustration due to low performance can cause feelings of self-esteem loss. “Getting a diagnosis can help these individuals gain perspective on the root causes of their issues which can help alleviate or eliminate some of their anxieties and allow them to concentrate more on areas in which they excel,” Jaksa says. The most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is typically a combination of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants improve concentration, reduce impulse-driven behavior and aid in the process of organizing. In many instances they can boost motivation and improve mood. People who take stimulants should be aware of the potential adverse effects, such as insomnia and trouble with eating or drinking enough. Mood swings can also occur in some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD and are often difficult to manage. Discuss with your health care provider about whether you are suitable for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or medications. These studies aid researchers in finding more effective methods to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases and conditions. Counseling Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all aspects of your life. Your career, relationships and financial health may be negatively impacted by procrastination and poor time management, impulsive spending, and other symptoms. The first step to reducing the negative effects and getting back in control is to get a diagnosis and seek treatment. Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD were not diagnosed when they were children because their teachers and family were unaware of the disorder or they had mild symptoms that were not noticed. Some might have managed their symptoms in childhood but struggled later in life as their family and work responsibilities increased. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, mental health professionals must find that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in at least two areas of your life. In the event of impairment, it could result in losing your job due to of lack of focus and organizational skills or being put on academic probation at college due to your inability to study for tests. Women are more adept at avoiding symptoms than men. This can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. If, however, you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that affect your home and work life, being forthright about them with your doctor will help accelerate the process and enable you to get reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws. Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD you have, will want to know whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They may suggest that you speak to people who were close to you at this time, and they may conduct a series of tests to assess your attention and memory. After receiving an assessment, the specialist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. The majority of patients will try several different treatments before they find the best one. Keep a record of your progress, and visit your doctor regularly to adjust your treatment plan as necessary.