![[PukiWiki]](image/pukiwiki.png "[PukiWiki]")
|
Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult For adults who are struggling professionally or personally in any way, recognizing ADHD is a significant step towards gaining control. A thorough assessment is required to make a diagnosis. This involves examining school records as well as questionnaires that are completed by teachers and caregivers. Diagnosis Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is often the first step in gaining control over the symptoms that can cause havoc on a person's professional and personal lives. The first step is to speak with your GP or find a mental health professional who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP does not have any experience with ADHD, they may refer you to psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment. Typically, a mental health professional will use a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you might have the condition, according to Adler. Then, he or she will talk to you about your symptoms and review your family history and medical background to ensure that other medical conditions are not causing your ADHD-like symptoms. Since people who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they frequently struggle with following directions or listening during class or on the job. They frequently lose essential items required for tasks or activities such as wallets, keys, and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused when they are reading long speeches or assignments. Other signs of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking excessively or squirming in the seat. It is essential 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 like thyroid issues could be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to consider the severity of the symptoms a person's experiences are when determining if they have diagnosed him or her with the disorder. Mild, moderate and severe are the three categories for adults with ADHD. Many people suffering from ADHD go their whole lives without ever receiving a diagnosis because it's not evident in the early years. A diagnosis can change the course of an adult's life as they understand why they struggled at school and didn't reach their full potential at work or home. Some may even feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on others or themselves and may experience regret over missed opportunities that could have been achieved if they had been properly treated.
Treatment To seek treatment for ADHD for adults the first step is to consult an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be done either in person or by video conference. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The professional will want to know your medical history as well as family-related mental health issues. This is because there are many mental and physical ailments that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions need to be eliminated in order to establish a diagnosis. The doctor will also inquire about your work and lifestyle and how your issues affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you showed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years old. They may also wish to interview people who knew you in childhood and ask them about their experiences. A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining whether you require medication or other treatments. Certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning, can cause ADHD symptoms. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression will need to be evaluated and treated more carefully since these conditions can occur in conjunction. If a medical professional believes you require medication, they will prescribe the right medication. The type of medication you will require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. They aren't for everyone and the first medication you try may not work or cause unwanted adverse consequences. Your healthcare provider might ask if you are taking any other medication. This includes over-the-counter medications or supplements as well as prescription drugs. Certain kinds of drugs may interfere with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is also an important element of the treatment process for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of frustration, failure and underachievement that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can teach you how to manage your anger, improve your time management and organizing skills. It's important to seek out a healthcare professional that specializes in mental disorders. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to consult a specialist therapist or psychologist. These professionals will likely be more familiar with adults with ADHD and the challenges they face and also have experience working with other clients. You can search ADDitude or contact your local mental health services to find a professional that works with adults who have ADHD. Medication A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the first step in managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you've found it difficult to reach your maximum potential at work, are finding it difficult to maintain relationships or struggle to complete tasks at home A diagnosis of ADHD could be the solution you've been seeking. The first step to treat ADHD for adults is a thorough medical history, including 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 are not treated for ADHD often have coexisting disorders, like anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these disorders can worsen or cause symptoms of ADHD. Stress and frustration from inadequate performance can cause feelings of self-doubt, Jaksa says. "Getting an assessment can help these individuals understand the causes of their struggles. This could help reduce or eliminate their anxieties and enable them to focus more effectively on areas in which they excel," Jaksa states. Adults with ADHD are typically treated with a combination of medications in conjunction with behavior therapy. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and aid in organizing. These medications can boost moods and improve motivation in many instances. People who take stimulants should be aware of possible side effects, which include insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. Also, mood swings can occur in some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD and they are often difficult to manage. Talk to your health care provider regarding whether you're suitable for clinical trials of upcoming treatments or medications. These studies assist researchers in finding more effective methods to detect and treat illnesses, as well as prevent them from occurring. Counseling Untreated ADHD can cause problems in all areas of your life. Your relationships, work and financial health can be negatively affected by procrastination, poor time management, impulsive spending and other symptoms. The first step in 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 weren't aware of the disorder or because they had mild symptoms that were not spotted. Some adults might be able to manage their symptoms as children, but had difficulty with them in adulthood due to increased work and family obligations. In order to be diagnosed as having ADHD, mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two areas of your life. The effects of ADHD can include losing your job due to a lack in focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at your college because you are unable to concentrate on your tests. Women are generally better at avoiding their symptoms than men, which may make it more difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. If you have ADHD symptoms that impact your work or home life you can accelerate the process of diagnosing by being honest with your doctor. You may also be eligible for reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws. Regardless of the kind of ADHD you suffer from Your mental health professional will verify that your symptoms began before age 12. They may suggest that you speak with people who were close to you at this time, and they may also administer a series tests to measure your attention and memory. After receiving an assessment, the therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication treatment to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different treatments before settling on the most effective one. Keep a record of your progress, and consult your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as needed. |
