• 목록
• 답변
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult

Adults who are struggling in their professional or personal lives may benefit from a diagnosis of ADHD. A diagnosis requires a thorough assessment that may include reviews of school records and questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers.

Most people with ADHD suffer from symptoms from childhood, and it is not unusual to be diagnosed with it at an adult age. Visit NIMH for tips on talking with your health professional about the disorder.

Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step to gain control over symptoms that wreak havoc on one's personal and professional lives. First, you must consult your GP or a mental health specialist who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP is unfamiliar with ADHD, he or she could refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct an assessment.

A mental health professional will typically employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you are suffering from the condition. Then, he will ask you questions about your symptoms and look at your medical history and family background to ensure that other medical conditions are not causing the symptoms of ADHD.

Because people who suffer from ADHD have a tendency to be unable to pay attention and are easily distracted, they often have trouble following instructions or listening in class or at work. They frequently lose essential items needed for their tasks such as wallets, keys, and tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused during long speeches or reading assignments. Fidgeting, over-talking or texting or squirming are other symptoms of adult adhd getting diagnosed.

It is essential to rule out other medical conditions in determining if a person has adult diagnosis for adhd ADHD. This includes anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Stress and certain physical conditions such as thyroid issues can be a source of symptoms similar to ADHD. The DSM-5 now requires professionals to consider how severe a person's symptoms are before identifying the disorder. Mild, moderate and severe are the classifications for adult ADHD.

Many people with ADHD have a lifelong struggle without ever getting a diagnosis because it is not apparent in the early years. For adults, a diagnosis could be a life-changing experience as they realize the reasons why they struggled at school and never seemed to attain their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilty about blameing other people or themselves for their troubles, and they may be devastated by missed opportunities that could have been if they were treated properly.

Treatment

To seek treatment for ADHD in adults, the first step is to consult an expert in healthcare. This can be done in person or by video calls. In the UK, only psychiatrists, psychologists and specialist nurses have the qualifications to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will want to know your medical history and family-related mental health issues. This is because there are many mental and physical ailments that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions need to be ruled out to make a diagnosis.

The expert will also inquire about your lifestyle and work and how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you displayed signs of ADHD before age 12. They may also interview those who were close to you as an infant and ask them about their experiences.

A thorough medical history can aid the doctor in determining whether you need medications or other treatments. Some medical conditions such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning, can adhd be diagnosed in adults cause ADHD symptoms. Adults with an history of anxiety or depression may need more careful assessment and treatment, as these conditions often coexist with ADHD.

If a medical professional believes that you need medication they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The type of medicine you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life. Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. However, they're not suitable for everyone and the first one you try may not be effective or have bothersome side effects. Your doctor will need to know if are taking any other medications that are not prescription drugs, such as over-the counter ones and supplements, since certain kinds of medications can interact with ADHD stimulants.

Counseling is an important component of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope with feelings of failure frustration, underachievement, and anger that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can teach you how to control your anger, as well as improve your time management and organizational skills.

If you suffer from an illness of the mind it is crucial to find an expert in healthcare who is trained in that condition. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD. However you might prefer to consult a specialist psychotherapist. These specialists are likely to have more experience with adult ADHD and the challenges they face, as well as having worked with other clients. You can search ADDitude or your local mental health clinic to find a professional who assists adults with adhd adult diagnosis.

Medication

If you're 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 you've found it difficult to achieve your full potential at work, have found it difficult to maintain relationships, or struggle to complete tasks at home and at work, a diagnosis of ADHD might be the answer you have been looking for.

ADHD treatment for adults begins with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, which includes the symptoms you've been experiencing. The psychologist or psychiatrist determines if you meet the requirements for ADHD in the add diagnostic criteria adults 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 frequently have coexisting disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these conditions can cause or worsen symptoms of ADHD. He adds that chronic stress and anger due to inadequate performance can trigger feelings of self-esteem loss. "Getting diagnosed will help them gain a perspective on the causes of their struggles. This can help to reduce or eliminate their worries and help them concentrate more productively on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.

Adults with ADHD are usually treated by a combination of medication along with behavior therapy. Stimulants can boost concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and aid in achieving organization. In many cases, these medications can also boost motivation and improve mood. People who take stimulants should be aware of possible adverse effects, such as insomnia and difficulty eating or drinking enough. Certain people who use stimulants to treat ADHD can suffer from mood swings that may be difficult to manage.

Discuss with your doctor about whether you're suitable for clinical trials of new treatments or drugs. These studies help researchers discover better ways to diagnose and treat or prevent diseases.

Counseling

Untreated ADHD can lead to problems in all aspects of your life. The effects of procrastination, among others, can negatively impact your relationships as well as your career and financial health. The first step to reduce the negative effects and regaining control is to get an assessment and seek treatment.

Many adults diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis as children because their teachers and family were unaware of the disorder or they had minor symptoms that weren't recognized. Some may have managed their symptoms during childhood, but struggled in adulthood when their family and work obligations increased.

In order to be diagnosed as having ADHD mental health professionals must determine that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. The impairment could mean losing your job because of an inability to concentration and organizational skills, or being put on academic probation at college due to the inability to do well on tests.

Women are generally better in hiding their symptoms than men, which may make it more difficult to receive a diagnosis. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that impact your life at work or at home you can accelerate the process of diagnosing by being open with your doctor. You might also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.

No matter what type of ADHD you suffer from the mental health professional will want to see 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 they might also administer a series tests to assess your memory and attention.

After you are given an diagnosis your therapist will recommend the use of a combination of medication and non-medication treatments to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different methods before they discover the one that works for them. It is recommended to keep a diary of your progress and speak with your doctor on a regular basis so they can help adjust your treatment plan according to your needs.