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https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-diagnosis/
Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult Adults who are struggling in their personal or professional lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD A diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires filled out by parents and teachers It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD NIMH offers suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about the condition Diagnosis Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step in gaining control over symptoms that wreak havoc on ones personal and professional lives The first step is to talk to your GP or consult an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD If your GP does not have any experience with ADHD or other disorders they could recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment Typically the mental health professional will use the sixquestion ADHD screener to determine whether you may be suffering from the condition says Adler Then the doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and look at your medical history and family background to ensure that there are no other conditions not causing the symptoms of ADHD People with ADHD tend to be easily distracted and miss important details They often have difficulty following instructions in class or at work They frequently lose essential items needed for their tasks such as keys wallets and tools They may also have difficulty staying focused while listening to long speeches Fidgeting excessive talking or texting or squirming are other symptoms of adult ADHD When determining whether someone has adult ADHD it is important to eliminate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms such as depression anxiety bipolar disorder and addiction to drugs Stress and physical ailments like thyroid problems can also be a source of ADHD symptoms The DSM5 is now requiring professionals to assess the severity of the symptoms a persons experiences are when determining if they have diagnosed him or her with the condition adhd in adults undiagnosed severe and mild are the categories used to describe adult ADHD Many people suffering from ADHD have a lifelong struggle without ever being diagnosed because it is not apparent during childhood A diagnosis can alter the course of a persons life as they can now see the reasons why they struggled in school and didnt reach their maximum potential at work or home Some may even feel guiltridden for blaming their troubles on others or themselves and they can experience grief over lost opportunities that could have been had when they were properly treated Treatment To get treatment for ADHD in adults the first step is to talk with an expert in the field of healthcare This can be done in person or via video call Only psychiatrists psychologists and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK The doctor will need to know your medical history and family mental health issues This is because there are many mental and physical ailments which can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD These conditions need to be ruled out in order to determine if you have ADHD The professional will ask you about your job and lifestyle and how your symptoms affect your daily life They will be particularly interested in whether you displayed symptoms of ADHD before the age of 12 years old They may also interview people who were close to you as a child and ask them about their experiences A detailed medical history can help your doctor decide whether you require medication or any other treatment Certain medical conditions like sleep apnea thyroid disorders and lead poisoning can cause ADHD symptoms Adults with a history anxiety or depression need to be assessed and treated with greater care since these conditions can are in synergy If the professional believes you need medication they will prescribe a suitable drug The type of medicine you need will depend on your symptoms and the way they affect your life The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD However they are not suitable for everyone and the first stimulant you try may not be effective or cause unpleasant adverse side effects Your healthcare provider will want to know if you take any other medications that are not prescription drugs such as overthe counter ones and supplements because certain kinds of drugs may interact with ADHD stimulants Counseling is an important component of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD Individual therapy can help you to cope better with feelings of anger and failure that are often associated untreated ADHD It can teach you how to control your anger and improve your time management and organizing skills It is essential to find a healthcare professional that specializes in mental illnesses A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD but you might prefer to consult a specialist therapist or psychologist These professionals are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adults with ADHD and have had experience in helping other clients with similar struggles You can inquire with your local mental health service or consult ADDitudes directory of professionals to find a specialist who is working with adults suffering from ADHD Medication If youre an adult who has had to deal with ADHD getting a diagnosis is the first step to managing your symptoms and improving your life If youre struggling to realize your full potential at work or have trouble maintaining relationships or are having trouble completing tasks at home and at work an ADHD diagnosis might be the answer youve been looking for ADHD treatment for adults begins with a thorough interview and review of your medical history which includes the symptoms youve experienced The psychiatrist or psychologist determines if you satisfy the requirements for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition DSM5 which is published by the American Psychiatric Association To be diagnosed with ADHD you must have at least five symptoms of inattention or hyperactivityimpulsivity that persist throughout most of your day and interfere with social academic or professional functioning Adults who suffer from untreated ADHD are often comorbid with disorders such as depression and anxiety Jaksa says that these disorders can worsen or cause symptoms of ADHD He says that stress and frustration due to poor performance can lead to feelings of lowselfesteem Getting an evaluation can help them understand the root of their difficulties and may help to alleviate or eliminate some of their anxieties and help them concentrate more effectively on the areas where they excel Jaksa says The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is usually an amalgamation of therapy and medication Stimulants can improve concentration decrease impulsive behavior and help with organization In many cases these medications can also boost motivation and improve mood People who are taking stimulants must be aware of possible negative effects which could include insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough Certain people who use stimulants to treat ADHD can suffer from mood swings that may be difficult for them to manage Discuss with your doctor about whether youre an ideal candidate for clinical trials of novel treatments or medicines These studies help researchers discover better ways to diagnose prevent or treat diseases Counseling Untreated ADHD can lead to problems in all areas of your life The effects of procrastination among others can negatively impact your relationships as well as your career and financial health Getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step to lessening the negative effects and regaining control of your life Many adults diagnosed with ADHD did not receive a diagnosis as children because their teachers and family were unaware of the disorder or they had mild symptoms that werent noticed Some adults may have been able manage their symptoms as children but were unable to manage their symptoms in adulthood due to increasing family and work obligations To be diagnosed with ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in at least two aspects of your life Impairment can result in losing your job due to of a lack of focus and organization skills or being put on academic probation at college due to your inability to study for tests Women are generally better at avoiding their symptoms than men which may make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis If however you are suffering from ADHD symptoms that are affecting your work and home life and family life speaking openly about them with your doctor can help speed up the process and let you get reasonable accommodations under the ADA and other workplace laws Your mental health professional regardless of the type of ADHD you suffer from will want to know whether your symptoms started before the age of 12 They may suggest that you speak with people who were close to you at this time and they might also conduct a series of tests to measure your attention and memory After receiving an assessment the specialist will recommend a combination medication and nonmedication treatment to help manage your symptoms Most people will try a few different treatments before they find the best one Keep a journal of your progress and consult your doctor regularly to adjust your treatment plan as necessary
