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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 thorough evaluation is needed to make an accurate diagnosis. This includes analyzing school records as well as questionnaires that are completed by teachers and caregivers. Most people with ADHD live with symptoms from the age of three, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed with it as an adult. See NIMH for suggestions 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 cause havoc on one's personal and professional lives. The first step is to speak with your GP or consult a mental health professional who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP does not have any experience in treating ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an assessment. A mental health professional would typically use a six question ADHD screener to determine if you suffer from the condition. They will interview you about the symptoms of ADHD and look over your medical and family history to determine if other conditions aren't contributing to them. People suffering from ADHD are prone to being easily distracted and can miss crucial details. They have a difficult time adhering to instructions in classes or at work. They are more likely to lose items that are essential for their work or activities, such as tools, wallets, keys and wallets. They may also have difficulty staying focused while listening to or reading long speeches. Fidgeting, over-talking or texting, or squirming, are other symptoms of adult ADHD. In determining if someone suffers from adult ADHD It is crucial to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, anxiety and substance abuse. Stress and other physical ailments like thyroid problems can be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. The DSM-5 now requires doctors to determine how severe a person's symptoms are before identifying the condition. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe. Many people suffering from ADHD live their entire lives without ever getting a diagnosis because it's not obvious in childhood. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing event because they finally understand why they struggled in school and never seemed to achieve their full potential at work or at home. They might feel guilty about being blamed for their problems and could be devastated by missed opportunities when they were treated with respect. Treatment To get treatment for ADHD for adults the first step is to talk with an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be done in person or through a video call. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The professional will ask about your medical history, including mental health issues that are present in the family. This is because a variety of physical and emotional issues can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD and need to be addressed before an assessment is made. The professional will also ask about your work and lifestyle and how your issues influence your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you displayed symptoms of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years. They might also talk to people who were close to you as a child and ask them about their experiences. adhd uk diagnosis detailed medical history can aid your doctor to determine whether you require medication or another treatment. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea and lead poisoning can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults who have an underlying history of depression or anxiety may need more careful assessment and treatment, as these conditions often coexist with ADHD. If a doctor believes that you require medication, they will prescribe a suitable drug. The kind of medication you require is determined by your symptoms and how they affect your life. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. However, they are not for everyone and the first stimulant you try may not be effective or cause uncomfortable adverse effects. Your doctor will want to know if you take any other medications that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, because certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is also an essential component of the treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope better with feelings of frustration, disappointment and inadequacy that are often associated untreated ADHD. It can teach you how to manage your anger, and improve your time management and organizing abilities. It's important to seek out an expert in healthcare who specializes in mental illnesses. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However you might prefer to seek out a specialist therapist. These experts are likely to be more knowledgeable about the challenges of treating adult ADHD and have experience helping other patients who are struggling with similar issues. You can check with 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're 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 life. If you're struggling to achieve your full potential at work or have trouble maintaining relationships, or have trouble completing tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis could be just what you require. The first step in treating ADHD for adults is a thorough medical history review, which includes your symptoms. The psychologist or psychiatrist determines if you meet the criteria for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. 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 afflicted with disorders such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. Stress and frustration from the lack of performance can result in feelings of low self-esteem, he says. “Getting an assessment can help them gain perspective on the root of their difficulties which can help alleviate or reduce some of their worries and allow them to concentrate more effectively on areas in which they excel,” Jaksa says. The best treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is typically the combination of therapy and medication. Stimulants can boost concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and aid in organizing. In many cases they can improve mood and increase motivation. People who take stimulants should be aware of the potential adverse effects, such as insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. Also, mood swings can occur in some people who take stimulants for ADHD, and these can be difficult to manage. Talk to your doctor about whether or not you're a candidate for clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies aid researchers in finding more effective methods to prevent, diagnose, or treat conditions and diseases. Counseling If you're suffering from untreated ADHD the disorder can lead to many issues throughout your life. Your relationships, work and financial health may be negatively affected by procrastination and poor time management, excessive spending and other signs. The first step to reduce the negative effects and getting control back is to obtain diagnosed and seek treatment. Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children or because their families and teachers were unaware of the condition or they displayed mild symptoms which were not noticed. Certain adults may have been able to manage their symptoms in childhood, but struggled with their symptoms in adulthood due to increasing family and work obligations. To be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two aspects of your life. Impaired can be losing your job due to a lack in focus and organization skills, or being placed on academic probation at your college because you're unable to concentrate on your tests. Women are generally better in hiding their symptoms than men, which can make it harder for them to get a diagnosis. If, however, you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that are affecting your work and home life, being forthright about them with your doctor can accelerate the process and let you get reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws. No matter what type of ADHD you have Your mental health professional will want to verify that your symptoms started prior to age 12. They may suggest that you speak to people who were close to you at this time, and may also conduct a series of tests to test your attention and memory. After receiving a diagnosis, the therapist will recommend a combination medication and non-medication therapy to help manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test different treatments before they find the one that works for them. Keep a journal of your progress, and consult your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan as necessary.