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

Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult

For adults who are struggling with their personal or professional lives and are unable to resolve the issue, identifying ADHD could be a crucial step in taking control. A thorough assessment is required for determining an accurate diagnosis. This includes analyzing school records as well as questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers.

It is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. NIMH has suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about the condition.

Diagnosis

It is essential to be diagnosed with ADHD as you reach adulthood. This will allow you to manage the symptoms that can cause havoc in your professional and personal life. The first step is to speak with your GP or seek out a mental health professional who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. If your GP is unfamiliar with ADHD or other disorders, they may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment.

Typically an expert in mental health will employ a six-question ADHD screener to determine if you might have the condition, says Adler. He or Getting diagnosed with adhd she will then interview you about your ADHD-like symptoms and examine your medical history and family history to determine if other medical conditions aren't the cause of them.

People suffering from ADHD tend to be easily distracted and miss important details. They have a difficult time adhering to instructions in classes or at work. They often lose things necessary for tasks or activities, including keys, wallets and tools. They may also have trouble staying focused when they are reading long speeches or assignments. Other symptoms of adult ADHD include fidgeting, texting or talking excessively or squirming in the seat.

It is crucial to rule out other conditions in determining if a person has adult ADHD. These include depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Stress and physical ailments like thyroid problems can also mimic ADHD symptoms. The DSM-5 is now requiring professionals to assess the severity of a person's symptoms are when diagnosing him or her with the disorder. Adult ADHD is classified as mild, moderate or severe.

Many people suffering from ADHD live their entire lives without ever being diagnosed because it's not obvious during childhood. For adults, a diagnosis could be a life-changing revelation because they finally understand why they struggled in school and failed to achieve their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on others or themselves and can feel sadness over the missed opportunities that could have been had if they had been properly treated.

Treatment

To seek treatment for ADHD for adults the first step is to speak with an expert in the field of healthcare. This can be conducted in person or by video calls. In the UK only psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will inquire about your medical history, which includes mental health issues in the family. This is because a variety of emotional and physical conditions can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD, and these must be addressed before a diagnosis is made.

The doctor will also inquire about your lifestyle and work and how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether you displayed symptoms of ADHD before the age of 12 years old. They may also wish to interview people who knew you as a child and ask about their memories.

A thorough medical history can aid your doctor to determine whether you require medication or another treatment. Certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning, can trigger ADHD symptoms. Adults who have a history of depression or anxiety will require evaluation and treated more carefully, as these conditions often occur in conjunction.

If a medical professional believes that you require medication, they will prescribe a suitable drug. The kind of medication you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the way they impact your daily routine. The most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. However, they are not suitable for everyone, and the first one you try may not be effective or trigger uncomfortable side effects. Your doctor will need to know if are taking any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, because certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants.

Counseling is an important aspect of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you cope better with feelings of frustration, disappointment and inadequacy that are frequently associated with untreated ADHD. It can teach you how to control your anger, improve your time management and organization skills.

It is essential to find a healthcare professional that specializes in mental illnesses. A psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose and treat ADHD however, you may prefer to consult an expert psychologist or therapist. These specialists are likely to be more knowledgeable about the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have had experience in helping other clients with similar struggles. 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 ADHD is the first step to managing your symptoms and enhancing your life. If you've struggled to achieve your maximum potential at work, are finding it difficult to maintain relationships, or struggle to complete tasks at home A diagnosis of ADHD might be the solution you've been searching for.

The first step in treating ADHD for adults is a thorough medical history review, including your symptoms. The psychologist or psychiatrist will then determine if American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for ADHD are applicable 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, such as anxiety and depression. These disorders can trigger or worsen symptoms of ADHD, Jaksa says. Chronic stress and frustration over inadequate performance can lead to feelings of self-doubt, he adds. "Getting an assessment can help them understand the root causes of their difficulties and may help to reduce or reduce some of their worries and help them concentrate more effectively on the areas where they excel," Jaksa says.

The most effective treatment for adults with ADHD is typically the combination of medication and behavior therapy. Stimulants can improve concentration, decrease impulsive behaviors and help with organization. In many instances, these medications can also boost motivation and improve mood. Side effects of stimulants include sleepiness and having trouble drinking enough or eating well. Also, mood swings can occur in some people who take stimulants to treat ADHD, and these can be difficult to manage.

Consult your physician about whether or not you are a candidate for clinical trials of new medicines or treatments. These studies aid researchers in finding more effective ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat illnesses and conditions.

Counseling

If you're suffering from untreated ADHD it could cause many issues throughout your life. Your relationships, career and financial health can be negatively affected by procrastination, poor time management, impulsive spending and other symptoms. The first step to reduce the negative effects and getting control back is to obtain a diagnosis and seek treatment.

Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis when they were children because their parents and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or they had mild symptoms that were not noticed. Others might have managed their symptoms during childhood, but struggled later in life as their family and work responsibilities increased.

In order to be diagnosed as having adhd diagnosis for adults, mental health professionals must discover that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in at minimum two areas of your life. The impairment could result in losing your job because of an inability to focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation in college due to inability to learn for tests.

Women are generally better in hiding their symptoms than men, which could make it difficult for them to get a diagnosis. If you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your home or work life you can accelerate the process of diagnosis by being upfront with your doctor. You might also be able to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.

Whatever kind of ADHD you suffer from the mental health professional will see that your symptoms began prior to age 12. They may ask to speak to people who were close to you at the time, and may conduct a series of tests to measure your memory and attention.

If you're given a diagnosis the therapist will suggest a combination of medication and non-medical treatments to help manage your symptoms. Most people will try several different treatments before finding the right one. It is suggested that you keep track of your progress and check in with your doctor on a regular basis so they can help adjust your treatment program according to your needs.