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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 assessment is required to determine if you have the diagnosis. This includes reviewing school records as well as questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers. Most people with ADHD have symptoms from the age of five, and it's not unusual to be diagnosed with it in adulthood. NIMH has tips on how to talk with your doctor about the condition. Diagnosis Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step in gaining control over the symptoms that cause destruction on people's personal and professional lives. First, you should consult your GP or an expert in mental health who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP isn't familiar with ADHD or other disorders, they could refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for assessment. Typically, a mental health professional will use a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you might have the condition, says Adler. The doctor will ask you questions about the symptoms of ADHD and look over your medical and family history to determine if other conditions aren't causing them. Because people who suffer from ADHD are more likely to miss details and get easily distracted, they often have difficulty following instructions or listening during class or at work. They often lose things essential to their tasks or activities, including keys, wallets and tools. They may also have difficulty staying focused when listening to long speeches. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking frequently or squirming around in their seats. In determining if someone suffers from adult ADHD, it is important to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and addiction to drugs. Stress and certain physical conditions like thyroid issues could be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to assess how severe a person's symptoms are before identifying him or her with the condition. Mild moderate, severe, and mild 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 childhood. For adults, being diagnosed can be a life-changing revelation because they can finally understand the reason why they struggled in school and never seemed to reach their potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty for being blamed for their troubles and may also be resentful over missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly. Treatment The first step in getting treatment for ADHD as an adult is to consult a healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or by video call. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The professional will ask about your medical history, which includes mental health issues within the family. This is because many emotional and physical conditions can trigger symptoms similar to those that occur in ADHD, and these must be addressed before a diagnosis can be made. The doctor will also inquire about your lifestyle and work and how your issues influence your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you displayed signs of ADHD prior to the age of 12 years. diagnosed with adhd may also interview those who were close to you as when you were a child and ask them about their memories. A thorough medical history will aid your doctor in determining if you need medication or another treatment. This is because certain medical conditions, including sleep apnea, thyroid problems and lead poisoning, can trigger symptoms of ADHD. Adults with an history of depression or anxiety may need more careful evaluation and treatment, because these conditions often coexist with ADHD. If a professional believes that you require medication, he or she will prescribe the right medication. The kind of medication you will require will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily routine. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. However, they are not right for everyone and the first one you try might not be effective or cause unpleasant side effects. Your doctor will want to know if you are taking any other medications that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, as certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants. Counseling is an essential part of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope better with feelings of frustration, failure and underachievement that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to manage your anger, improve your time management and organizing abilities. If you have a mental illness, it's important to find a doctor who is specialized in this condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However you might prefer to consult a specialist psychotherapist. These experts 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 check with your local mental health service or with ADDitude's directory to find a specialist who is working with adults suffering from ADHD. Medication A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in managing your symptoms and improving your life. If you're struggling to achieve your full potential in the workplace, have difficulty maintaining relationships, or are having trouble completing tasks at home then an ADHD diagnosis may be the answer you've been looking for. The first step in treating ADHD in adults is a thorough medical history review, including your symptoms. The psychologist or psychiatrist 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 with untreated ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, including anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these conditions can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. He adds that chronic stress and anger due to poor performance can lead to feelings of low-self-esteem. “Getting an evaluation can help these individuals get a better understanding of the root causes of their struggles, which may alleviate or reduce some of their worries and help them concentrate more on the areas where they excel,” Jaksa says. The most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is usually the combination of therapy and medication. The use of stimulants can help improve concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and aid in achieving organization. These drugs can boost moods and improve motivation in many instances. People who take stimulants should be aware of potential negative effects, which could include insomnia and trouble with drinking or eating enough. Mood swings can also occur in people who are taking stimulants to treat ADHD and they are often difficult to manage. Talk to your doctor about whether or not you're eligible for clinical trials of new medications or treatments. These studies aid researchers in discovering more effective ways to diagnose and treat illnesses, as well as prevent them from occurring. Counseling If you have untreated ADHD, it can cause various problems throughout your life. Procrastination and other symptoms can have a negative impact on your relationships as well as your career and financial health. Finding a doctor and seeking treatment is the first step to reduce the negative impact and regaining control of your life. Many adults diagnosed with ADHD weren't diagnosed as children, either because their family and teachers were unaware of the condition or they showed mild symptoms that were not noticed. Others might have managed their symptoms during childhood, but struggled as they grew older when their family and work responsibilities increased. To diagnose ADHD mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two areas of your everyday 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 study for tests. Women tend to be better at hiding their symptoms than men, which may make it more difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis. However, if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms that affect your work and home life and family life, speaking openly about them with your doctor can help accelerate the process and enable you to take advantage of reasonable accommodations under ADA and other workplace laws. Your mental health professional, regardless of the type of ADHD that you have will be looking to determine whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. They may suggest that you speak with people who were close to you at the time, and may also conduct a series of tests to test your attention and memory. If you're given an diagnosis the therapist will suggest the use of a combination of medication and non-medication therapies to help manage your symptoms. The majority of people will test different therapies before they can find the one that is most effective for them. It is suggested that you keep track of your progress and check in with your physician regularly so that they can help adjust your treatment plan when needed.