Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could provide treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be a major hindrance with your daily life at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving the communication and problem-solving abilities. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
It could be that you feel that you're not performing to your full potential if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you might feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel like you're unable to manage the many responsibilities in front of you. You could be full-time at work as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, and managing household chores.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can cause embarrassment, anger despair and an eroding of confidence. If you have ADHD It's not your fault. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is a diagnosis.
A medical professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by performing a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering information regarding your medical and psychiatric background. The doctor may also ask you to provide information about your family history of 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 been present prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily activities. You should also be having difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different situations, including school, work and social interactions.
If your inattention is a serious issue, you may skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and fail to fulfill your responsibilities. You may have difficulty managing your finances and health, and you could also be having problems with tasks that are simple such as remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication.
People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations with other people and spit out answers to questions before they're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness can result in risky behavior, such as driving too quickly or spending money recklessly.
According to studies the genetics and the environment play a major role in the development ADHD. Symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at critical developmental stages increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health care specialist who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview, a review of medical history, work or school records, family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to identify other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and are causing significant impairments in daily life.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues, work-related or financial stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen as a lazy, irresponsible person, a bad employee or just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. They may employ strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, such as frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on tools to compensate for their disorganization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to experience hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or capability. It's simply a different approach to thinking and acting that could cause difficulties in certain settings or situations.
In adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as they became older. However, symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria set forth in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, stay on top of work or school tasks and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect everyday functioning and lead to mental issues such as depression, anxiety or shifts in mood. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition may appear restless and try to do several things at once, and fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which could cause confusion or relationship problems.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged in childhood and many adults suffering from the disorder aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and everyday life, they may have been labeled an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're unable to handle all the balls they have to keep in the air--pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, juggling household chores and errands, as well as working on social and romantic relationships.
A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if someone has ADHD. The assessment usually involves conversations with family members or friends who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and mental health history. The patient may be asked to fill out standard ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to assess executive and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and keep track of important information. They also help control impulse-driven behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants, but they can aid in the treatment of ADHD. People who have certain health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor before taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms as well as build healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults with ADHD. These studies help scientists discover more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk more info of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults will often conduct an extended interview. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the history of your your child's health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They will also go through your past medical records and perform an examination of your body.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which must be treated. It is estimated that those with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often find it difficult to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a difficult time managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing other health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to have poor eating habits and have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, individuals with ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as young children were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. However, the sample size was small. An enlargement of the sample could have provided more details about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has revealed that ADHD is a long-lasting and persistent disorder that affects adults. It has a negative effect on quality of life and can cause range of comorbidities, including learning disabilities, mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. People with untreated ADHD are at an increased risk for incarceration, divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric issues.
Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy throughout their lives.