10 Things You Learned From Kindergarden That Will Help You Get How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD
Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who are struggling professionally or personally, diagnosing ADHD can be a significant step towards taking control. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment, often including reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers.
It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. See NIMH for suggestions on talking to your doctor regarding the disorder.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that can cause havoc on a person's professional and personal lives. The first step is to talk with your GP or consult an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment.
Typically an expert in mental health will use an eight-question ADHD screener to determine whether you might have the condition, according to Adler. He or she will then interview you about your ADHD-like symptoms and examine your medical history and family history to determine if other conditions aren't contributing to them.
Since people with ADHD have a tendency to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often have difficulty following instructions or listening during class or on the job. They often lose important items required for tasks or activities such as wallets, keys and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused when listening to or reading long speeches. Fidgeting, excessive talking or texting, or squirming, are other symptoms of adult ADHD.
When determining whether a person has adult ADHD it is essential to exclude other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, depression and abuse of substances. Stress and physical ailments like thyroid issues could be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. The DSM-5 now requires doctors to consider the severity of a person's symptoms are when diagnosing the disorder. Adult ADHD is classified as moderate, mild or severe.
Many people with ADHD live their entire lives without ever getting a diagnosis because it is not apparent during childhood. A diagnosis can alter the course of an adult's life as they understand the reasons why they struggled in school and didn't reach their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty about blaming others or themselves for their problems and may also be grieved over missed opportunities if they were properly treated.
Treatment
To seek treatment for ADHD for adults the first step is to talk with an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be accomplished in person or by video conference. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The professional will need to know your medical history as well as family mental health issues. This is due to the fact that a number of physical and emotional conditions can trigger symptoms that are similar to those associated with ADHD, and these must be addressed before a diagnosis can be made.
The expert will also inquire about your work and lifestyle, and how your symptoms affect your life. They are particularly interested in whether or not you had symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12. They may also wish to interview people who knew you in your childhood and ask them about their experiences.
A thorough medical history can help your doctor decide if you need medication or another treatment. This is because certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning can cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults with an underlying history of depression or anxiety might require a more thorough assessment and treatment, as 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 how they affect your life. The most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They aren't for everyone and the first medication you try might not work or cause unwanted negative side negative effects. Your doctor will need to know if use any other medication, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as certain kinds of drugs may interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is a crucial element of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with the feelings of disappointment or underachievement that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can also teach you to manage your anger and improve your organization and time management skills.
If you have a 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. However you might prefer to consult a specialist therapist. These specialists 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 use search engines like ADDitude or contact your local mental health service to find a professional that works with adults who have ADHD.
Medication
If you are an adult who has had to deal with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and is diagnosed, it's the first step toward managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you are struggling to realize your maximum potential in your work or have trouble maintaining relationships, or experience difficulty completing tasks at home then an ADHD diagnosis might be the answer you've been looking for.
The first step to treat ADHD in adults is an extensive medical history review, including your symptoms. The psychiatrist or psychologist will then 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 frequently have coexisting disorders, like depression and anxiety. These disorders can trigger or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. He adds that chronic stress and anger due to poor performance can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss. "Getting a diagnosis can help them gain perspective on the root of their struggles which can help alleviate or eliminate some of their anxieties and help them focus more productively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa says.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated best with a combination of medications in conjunction with behavior therapy. Stimulants can boost concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and aid in achieving organization. In many instances they can improve mood and increase motivation. People who take stimulants should be aware of possible adverse effects, such as insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. The mood swings can also happen in people who are taking stimulants to treat ADHD, and these can be difficult to manage.
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Counseling
If you are suffering from untreated ADHD, it can cause a variety of problems throughout your life. Procrastination and other signs can have a negative impact on your relationships, career, and financial health. Finding a doctor and seeking treatment is the first step in reducing these negative impacts and regaining control over your life.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children, either because their family and teachers were not aware of the condition or they had mild symptoms that weren't noticed. Some may have had the ability to manage their symptoms in childhood but struggled in adulthood when their family and work responsibilities increased.
In order to be diagnosed as having ADHD, mental health professionals must discover that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two areas of your life. Impaired can be losing your job due to a decline in focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at college because you're unable to concentrate on your tests.
Women are generally better in hiding their symptoms than men, which can make it more difficult for them to get a diagnosis. If you have ADHD symptoms that affect your work or home life, you can speed up the diagnosis process by being open with your doctor. You may also be able to get reasonable accommodations under ADA laws as well as other workplace laws.
Your mental health professional, regardless of the type of ADHD you suffer from will want to know if your symptoms began before the age of 12. They may request that you speak to people who knew you at this time and may also perform a series of tests to assess your memory and attention levels.
After receiving an diagnosis, your doctor will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication treatment to manage your symptoms. Most people will try a few different treatments before finding the right one. Keep a journal of your progress and visit your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as needed.