Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may provide treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must affect daily functioning, at home, work and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it might seem as if you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel you're unable get a handle on the many responsibilities in front of you. You could be working full time, caring for children or an aging parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.
Inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and anger. You might be feeling hopeless, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD, it's not your fault. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is an assessment.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be utilized by a medical professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining information about your mental and medical history. The doctor may also ask you 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 occurred before age 12 and continue to cause problems with your life. You may also have issues with these behavior in multiple environments, including at work, school as well as in your social interactions.
If your inattention is a significant issue, you may miss appointments, make careless 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 problems with tasks that are simple like 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 disrupt conversations with others and spit out answers to questions before you're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in a line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to risky activities, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to research, genetics and environment play a significant role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to be inherited from the family, and some scientists believe that problems with your central nervous system during crucial developmental stages increase the risk of developing.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview and a review of medical records, workplace or school records and family medical histories and a mental screening. A trained professional can conduct physical examinations and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment to everyday life activities.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems, financial stress or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents such as motor crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to confusion among family members, friends and coworkers. They might be viewed as lazy, irresponsible, a bad employee or simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Women tend to be better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, for example frequent distractions and daydreaming, or use tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and ineffective time management. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It's important to remember that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capacity. It's just an altered way of thinking and behave that could cause problems in certain situations.
In adults, it may be difficult to determine ADHD because the symptoms may have changed over time as they grew up. However, the 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
Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay on track, complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. These symptoms can affect daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, or shifts in mood. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition can appear agitated and try to do several things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and relationships issues.
The symptoms of the disorder usually are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults with them don't know they have ADHD. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and everyday life. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood however, many who have ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They can't manage all the balls in the air working on a job and taking care of family members as well as keeping up with housework and errands, and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with family, friends and others who know the person well as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical and mental health background. The patient could be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to assess working memory and executive function as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated by stimulant medications. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They also help control impulsive behaviors. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may also be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but still improve symptoms. People who have certain health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms, and how to establish healthy school, family and work relationships. A few adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These studies allow scientists to learn more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of ADHD for adults using various assessment tools will increase the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease mistakes in diagnosis. The process usually involves an extended discussion with a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your your child's health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They might also look over your medical records and conduct a physical examination.
Many people suffering from ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it is believed that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than other people. People website who suffer from ADHD are also at a greater risk of using drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard 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 health issues, such as heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in a minor mental health clinic when they were children. However, the size of the sample was small. A larger sample size could have provided more information on the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can lead to other issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as the abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at a higher risk for incarceration, divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric issues.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy throughout their lives.