Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can provide 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 daily functioning, at home, at work, and in social settings. Talk therapy can enhance the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD, it may seem as if you're not living up to your potential. You may be overwhelmed as an adult due to the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You might be working full-time or caring for elderly parents or children, as well as managing household chores.
Inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and frustration. You might also feel hopeless or lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. It's not your problem in the event that you suffer from ADHD. It's important to recognize that there are solutions to overcome your difficulties. The first step is a diagnosis.
A medical professional can detect ADHD in adults by conducting a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, requiring you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining details on your mental health and medical history. The doctor may also inquire about the history of your family members with ADHD.
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 continue affecting your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in multiple environments, including at work, school and in your social interactions.
If your inattention is a serious issue, you may be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your obligations. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances, and you might also experience difficulties with everyday tasks such as remembering to go to the doctor or take your medication.
In people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations worse. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or struggle to wait in lines. Your impulsive behavior could lead to risky activities, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be inherited from families and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase your chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate adults with symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview and review of medical background, school or work records, family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialist may also conduct a physical examination and/or tests in the laboratory to determine if there are other conditions that share similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment in everyday life activities.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can cause chronic problems which could have been prevented or treated. This can cause to depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretation by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen by others as irresponsible, lazy or even a bad employee. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are at greater chance of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or they might depend on tools and techniques to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women suffering from ADHD also might have trouble identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention, not hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or ability. It's simply a different behavior and way of thinking that could cause difficulties in certain situations or environments.
Adults may exhibit different symptoms as children. However, diagnosed with adhd of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
People with undiagnosed ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, stay on top of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or shifts in mood. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the disorder may seem agitated and may try to accomplish several things at once, and fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and relationships issues.
ADHD is often not recognized as a child, and a lot of adults with the symptoms are unaware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life they may have been labeled an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from increasing symptoms as their obligations increase. They aren't able to handle all the balls at once - pursuing a career and taking care of family members, while also keeping up with housework and errands, and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if someone has ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members, friends, and others who know the person and a physical examination and a review a person's medical history. The person may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests are used to measure executive function and working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD improve their focus, organize their lives, remember important information and tasks, and manage their an impulsive behaviour. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can also be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but still improve symptoms. Patients with particular health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms, and how to develop healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Some adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies help scientists learn more about the latest methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults using several assessment tools will increase the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize mistakes in diagnosis. The process often includes an extended discussion with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your or your child's health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also review your past medical records and perform physical examination.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety, which need to be treated. In fact, it's thought that people with ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than other people. People who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to be victims of consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult to find and keep a job. They also have difficulty managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to have bad eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, individuals with ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children were diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. The sample size was small. A larger sample size could have provided more details about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a chronic and persistent disorder among adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life, and can result in a number of comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. People who do not treat ADHD are at a greater chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status and more serious mental health issues.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may require to receive psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.