Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could open up treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must interfere with everyday functioning at home, at work, and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD, it may seem that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you could feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel that you can't get a handle on the many tasks in front of you. You could be working full time and caring for your children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your difficulty keeping up can result in embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and a loss of confidence. It's not your problem if you have ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your issues. The first step to an assessment.
A medical professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This includes talking with you about symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining information about your mental and medical history. The doctor may inquire about the history of ADHD in your family.
To qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, you must have experienced at least five persistent symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity. These symptoms must have occurred before the age of 12 and have continued to impact your life. You should also be struggling with these behaviors in multiple settings, such as at school, work, and in your social interactions.
If your inattention is a major problem, you might skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your obligations. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a difficult time with simple tasks like making sure you take your medication on time or going to the doctor for a checkup.
People with ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You could interrupt other people's conversations and spit out answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior like driving too quickly or spending money recklessly.
According to studies that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be passed down through families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase your chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview and review of medical history, work or school records, family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months, and result in significant impairment of everyday activities.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, work-related or financial stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretations by family members, friends, and coworkers. They could be seen as irresponsible, lazy or a poor employee, or simply crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression.
Women are generally better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, for example constant distractions and daydreaming or use tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women suffering from ADHD might also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It's important to remember that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capability. It's just an alternative way of thinking and behave that could cause challenges in certain situations.
In adults, it may be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as people became older. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay on track, complete their work and school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning and cause mental issues such as depression, anxiety or mood swings. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the disorder may seem agitated and may try to accomplish several things at once, and fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to others that can cause confusion and relationships issues.
ADHD is not often recognized in childhood and many adults with the symptoms are not aware of it. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and life, they may have been labeled an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people suffering from ADHD experience increasing symptoms as their obligations increase. They're not able to manage all the balls in the air such as pursuing a career or caring for their family and juggling with housework and errands, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person has ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with relatives, friends and others who know the person well and a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric history. The person could also be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. how is adhd diagnosed in adults can be used to test executive and working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated by stimulant medications. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, manage their lives and keep track of important information. They also help control impulsive behaviors. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can also be used to treat ADHD. They work more slowly than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. People who have certain health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms as well as establish healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies help scientists learn more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator will also ask you about your the child's previous health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They could also review your medical records and conduct a physical examination.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety that need to be treated. It is estimated that people who have ADHD are six-times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also are at a higher risk of using drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time to find and keep jobs. They also have a tougher managing their finances and juggling household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to have poor eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in a minor mental health clinic when they were children. The sample size was small. An enlargement of the sample might provide more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven ADHD to be a persistent and persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of living and lead to other conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at an increased chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious mental health issues.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may require to receive psychotherapy and/or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.