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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult Adults who have difficulty in their professional or personal lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A thorough examination is necessary for determining a diagnosis. This involves examining school records as well as questionnaires filled out by caregivers and teachers. It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. See NIMH for tips on talking to your health care provider regarding the disorder. Diagnosis It is essential to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. This will allow you to 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 consult a mental health professional with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP doesn't have any experience in treating ADHD and is unable to help, they can refer you to either psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment. A mental health professional will usually employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you are suffering from the condition. The doctor will interview you about the symptoms of ADHD and review your medical history and family history to confirm that other medical conditions aren't the cause of them. People with ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and miss important details. They have a difficult time adhering to instructions in classes or at work. They tend to lose things necessary for tasks or activities, like keys, wallets and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused when listening to long speeches. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting or squirming are other symptoms of adult ADHD. It is essential to rule out other medical conditions in determining if a person has adult ADHD. These include depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Stress and other physical ailments like thyroid problems can be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. The DSM-5 now requires professionals to determine the severity of the symptoms a person's experiences are when determining if they have diagnosed the disorder. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe. Many people suffering from ADHD have a lifelong struggle without ever getting a diagnosis because it's not evident in the early years. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing experience as they realize the reason why they struggled in school and failed to achieve their full potential at work or at home. adhd diagnosis uk adults may feel guilty for blaming their problems on themselves or others and can feel grief over lost opportunities that could have been achieved if they had been properly treated. Treatment To seek treatment for ADHD in adults the first step is to speak with an expert in healthcare. This can be done either in person or via video calls. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will need to know your medical history as well as family-related mental health issues. This is because a variety of physical and emotional issues can cause symptoms similar to those that occur in ADHD and need to be eliminated before an assessment can be made. The expert will inquire about your lifestyle and work and how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you showed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years. They may also interview those who were close to you as an infant and inquire about their childhood memories. A thorough medical history can aid the doctor in determining whether you need medication or other treatments. Certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression will need to be assessed and treated with more care since these conditions can occur in conjunction. If a doctor believes that you require medication they will prescribe a suitable medication. The type of medication you will require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. However, they're not for everyone and the first stimulant you try may not be effective or have unpleasant adverse effects. Your doctor will be interested in knowing if you take any other medications such as over-the-counter medications and supplements, since 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 deal with the feelings of failure, underachievement and frustration that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to manage your anger, as well as improve your time management and organizing abilities. If you suffer from a mental illness it is essential to locate a healthcare professional who specializes in the field. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to see psychologists or specialist therapists. They are likely to be more familiar with adults with ADHD and their challenges as well as having experience working with other clients. You can contact your local mental health service or ADDitude's directory to find a specialist who can assist adults with ADHD. Medication A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you're struggling to realize your full potential at work or have trouble maintaining relationships, or experience difficulties completing your tasks at home and at work, an ADHD diagnosis might be just what you need. ADHD treatment for adults begins with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, which includes 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 with untreated ADHD often have coexisting disorders, including depression and anxiety. Jaksa says that these disorders can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. Stress and frustration from poor performance can also cause feelings of self-doubt, Jaksa says. “Getting an assessment will help them get a better understanding of the root of their struggles which can help alleviate or reduce some of their worries and allow them to concentrate more on the areas where they excel,” Jaksa says. Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with a combination of medications and behavior therapy. Stimulants improve concentration, reduce impulsive behavior and aid in organization. These medications can improve moods and increase motivation in many instances. People who take stimulants should be aware of possible adverse effects, such as insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. People who take stimulants to treat ADHD may suffer from mood swings that may be difficult for them to manage. Consult your physician about whether or not you're a candidate for clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies help researchers discover more effective methods to detect, prevent or treat diseases. Counseling Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all aspects of your life. Procrastination and other symptoms can have a negative impact on your relationships as well as your career and financial health. The first step to reducing the negative effects and getting control back is to obtain an assessment and seek treatment. Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children due to the fact that their families and teachers were unaware of the disorder or because they showed mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Some adults may be able to manage their symptoms in childhood, but struggled with these issues in adulthood due the increased demands of work and family. To determine ADHD, mental health professionals must find that your symptoms result in significant impairments in two areas of your daily life. In the event of impairment, it could mean losing your job because of an inability to concentration and organizational skills, or being put on academic probation at college due to the inability to study for tests. Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men, which could make it difficult for them to get a diagnosis. If you have ADHD symptoms that impact your work or home life it is possible to accelerate the process of diagnosis by being open with your doctor. You might 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 have, will want to know the time when your symptoms began. the age of 12. They may ask you to speak to people who were around you during this time and may also take a number of tests to assess your attention and memory abilities. When you receive an diagnosis, your therapist will recommend a combination of medication and non-medication treatments to treat your symptoms. The majority of people will test different methods before they discover the one that works best for them. It is recommended to keep a journal of your progress and consult with your physician regularly so that they can help you adjust your treatment plan according to your needs.