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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult For adults who are struggling in their work or personal life and are unable to resolve the issue, identifying ADHD can be a significant step towards taking control. A thorough examination is necessary for determining an accurate diagnosis. This includes reviewing school records as well as questionnaires completed by teachers and caregivers. It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. See NIMH for tips on talking to your doctor about the disorder. Diagnosis Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that can cause destruction on people's professional and personal lives. First, you must consult your GP or a mental health professional who has experience treating adults with ADHD. If your GP is unfamiliar with ADHD, he or she might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for assessment. Typically an expert in mental health will employ an eight-question ADHD screener to determine whether you may be suffering from the condition, says Adler. He or she will then interview you about the symptoms of ADHD and look over your medical and family history to ensure that other conditions aren't causing them. People suffering from ADHD tend to be easily distracted and miss crucial details. They may have trouble following directions in class or at work. They are often unable to locate important items needed for their tasks like keys, wallets, and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused when they are reading long speeches or assignments. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking excessively or squirming in the seat. It is important to rule out other medical conditions when determining if someone has adult ADHD. This includes anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical issues like thyroid problems can also mimic ADHD symptoms. 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 do not receive a diagnosis in childhood because it is not evident. For adults, a diagnosis could be a life-changing event because they finally understand the reason why they struggled in school and failed to achieve their full potential at work or at home. Some may even feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on others or themselves and may experience sadness over the missed opportunities that could have been had if they had been properly treated. Treatment To seek treatment for ADHD for adults the first step is to talk with a healthcare professional. This can be done in person or via video calls. In adhd diagnoses , only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will want to know your medical history and family mental health issues. This is due to the fact that there are many mental and physical conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. These conditions must be eliminated in order to make a diagnosis. The doctor will also inquire about your work and lifestyle, and how your symptoms impact your daily life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you displayed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They may also speak with people who were close to you as when you were a child and inquire about their childhood memories. A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining whether you require medication or other treatments. This is because some medical conditions, including sleep apnea, thyroid issues and lead poisoning can cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults with an history of anxiety or depression might require more careful evaluation and treatment, because these conditions are often associated with ADHD. If a doctor believes that you need medication, they will prescribe a suitable medication. The kind of medication you require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. However, they are not suitable for everyone and the first stimulant you try might not be effective or trigger bothersome adverse side effects. Your doctor will need to know if use any other medication such as over-the-counter medications and supplements, since certain kinds of drugs may interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is an essential part of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of frustration and failure that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, and improve your time management and organizing abilities. If you have a mental illness, it's important to find a healthcare professional who specializes in that condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD, but you might prefer to consult an expert psychologist or therapist. These specialists are likely to be more familiar with adult ADHD and their challenges and also have experience working with other clients. You can contact your local mental health services or consult ADDitude's directory of professionals to find a professional who can assist adults with ADHD. Medication If you are an adult who has had to deal with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, getting a diagnosis is the first step toward managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you're struggling to achieve your full potential in the workplace, have difficulty maintaining relationships, or experience difficulties completing your tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis may be just what you need. The first step in treating ADHD in adults is an extensive medical history review, which includes your symptoms. The psychiatrist or psychologist 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 who suffer from untreated ADHD are often co-morbid with disorders like anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these conditions can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. He adds that chronic stress and frustration due to inadequate performance can trigger feelings of self-esteem loss. “Getting a diagnosis can help them gain perspective on the root of their struggles which can help reduce or reduce some of their worries and help them concentrate more on areas in which they excel,” Jaksa says. The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is usually a combination of behavior therapy and medication. Stimulants can boost concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and aid in organizing. In many instances, these medications can also improve mood and increase motivation. Side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulties eating or drinking enough. Mood swings can also occur in some people who take stimulants for ADHD and they can be difficult to manage. Discuss with your health care provider about whether you're an ideal candidate for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or drugs. These studies aid researchers in finding more effective methods to prevent, diagnose, or treat conditions and diseases. Counseling Untreated ADHD can lead to issues in all areas of your life. Procrastination and other symptoms can affect your relationships, career, and financial health. The first step in reducing the negative effects and regaining control is to get diagnosed and seek treatment. Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD did not receive a diagnosis as children, because their parents and teachers were unaware of the condition or they had mild symptoms that were not noticed. Some adults may be able to manage their symptoms as children, but were unable to manage their symptoms in adulthood due to the increased demands of work and family. To determine if you have ADHD, mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms are causing 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 focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at your college because you're unable to do well on tests. Women are more adept in hiding their symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms that affect your life at work and at home and family life, speaking openly about them with your doctor can help speed up the process and enable you to benefit from reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws. Whatever type of ADHD you have, your mental health professional will want to verify that your symptoms began before age 12. They may ask to talk to people who were close to you at this time, and may also conduct a series of tests to assess your attention and memory. After you are given the diagnosis your therapist will recommend the use of a combination of medication and non-medication treatments to help manage your symptoms. The majority of patients will try a few different treatments before settling on the most effective one. Keep a log of your progress and consult your doctor regularly to adjust your treatment plan if needed.