Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can open up treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect everyday functioning at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
You might feel that you are not performing to your full potential if have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel like you're unable to get a handle on the many tasks in front of you. You may be working full-time or caring for elderly parents or children, as well as taking care of household chores.
Your difficulty in keeping up may cause embarrassment, anger despair, and an eroding of confidence. It's not an issue when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to recognize that there are solutions to overcome your challenges. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A health professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by performing an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. 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 psychopathological history. The doctor might 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 prior to age 12 and continue to interfere with your life. You should also be having issues with these behaviors at the very least in two different situations such as school, work and social relationships.
If your inattention is a major problem, you might be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your obligations. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a difficult working through everyday tasks like making sure you take your medication on time or visiting the doctor for a checkup.
In people with ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations worse. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or have trouble waiting in line. Your impulsivity could cause risky actions like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to studies the genetics and the environment play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically be passed down through the family, and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system during crucial developmental stages increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health care specialist who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview and an examination of medical records, workplace or school records and family medical histories and a mental screening. A specialized professional may conduct physical examinations or lab tests to rule out other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at least six months and result in significant impairment of everyday activities.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can cause chronic problems which could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues financial or work-related stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.
Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by friends, relatives and coworkers. They may be perceived as lazy, irresponsible or even just plain crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at chance of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder to get a proper diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. They may also use strategies and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women suffering from ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention, not hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or capacity. It's merely a different way to think and behave that may cause difficulties in certain situations.
Adults may have different symptoms as children. However, symptoms of ADHD in adults still match the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD might struggle to stay organized, keep track of school or work obligations and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with daily functioning and cause emotional issues like anxiety, depression or changes in mood. Hyperactive or impulsive people might appear to be agitated and they may try to accomplish a lot simultaneously. They may fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which can cause confusion or problems with relationships.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged in the early years and a lot of adults with the symptoms aren't aware that they have it. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood, however, many people who have ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They aren't able to handle all the balls in the air - pursuing a career and caring for their family, while also keeping up with chores at home and errands and maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with relatives, friends and others who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and mental health background. The person may be asked to complete standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to assess working memory and executive function as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD improve their focus and organize their lives, remember important information and tasks, and manage an impulsive behaviour. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants, but they can improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with particular health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes must check here consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms and to develop healthy school, family and workplace relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies help scientists learn more about the latest methods to identify, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults using several assessment instruments will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize mistakes in diagnosis. The process usually involves an extended interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your or your child's health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They could also review your medical records and perform an examination of your body.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other mental or physical disorders such as anxiety or depression, which must be treated. It is estimated that people with ADHD are six-times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of using drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard to find and keep jobs. They also have difficulty managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at risk of developing other health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and to struggle to maintain and form romantic relationships.
In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in a minor mental health clinic when they were children. However, the sample size was very small. An enlargement of the sample would provide more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a chronic and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of life and can cause range of comorbidities, like mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated and divorce as well as a lower socioeconomic status for those with ADHD.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.