Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may 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 significantly interfere with your daily activities at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Family and marital counseling can be beneficial as well.
Symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it could appear as if you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel you're unable manage the many tasks in front of you. You may be working full-time and caring for your children or an aging parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can cause embarrassment, anger, hopelessness and the loss of confidence. It's not your problem when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to understand that there are solutions to overcome your difficulties. The first step to the process of diagnosing.
A thorough psychiatric examination can be utilized by a medical professional to determine ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists, and gathering information on your mental and medical background. 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 struggling with these behavior in multiple environments, including at school, work as well as in your social interactions.
You could miss appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or at home and fail to meet your responsibilities if your lack of attention is a problem. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances, and you could also be having problems with tasks that are simple like remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication.
For people with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations even worse. You could disrupt conversations with others and spit out answers to questions before they're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness could lead to reckless actions, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to run in families and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health care professional with a specialization in ADHD can help people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview and a review of medical documents, school or work records, family medical histories, and a mental assessment. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to determine if there are other conditions that 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.
People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD may struggle all their lives with ongoing issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems, work-related or financial stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen as lazy, irresponsible or a poor employee, or simply crazy. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to disguise their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or they might rely on tools and techniques to help them overcome their lack of time management and disorganization. adhd diagnosis who suffer from ADHD also might have trouble in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or capacity. It's just a different approach to thinking and acting that could cause difficulties in certain settings or situations.
Adults may have different symptoms in comparison to children. Adults who suffer from ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay organized, complete their work and school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. Symptoms also can interfere with everyday functioning and lead to emotional issues like depression, anxiety or shifts in mood. People who are hyperactive or impulsive can appear agitated, and they might try to accomplish a lot simultaneously. They might not complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to others which can lead to miscommunications and relationships issues.
The symptoms of the disorder typically remain unnoticed in childhood, and many adults who have them don't know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in their studies and daily life, they may be viewed as a dreamer or a slacker. As responsibilities increase in adulthood However, many people who have ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They're not able to handle all the balls they're trying keep on top of - pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the individual and a physical examination and a review of the person's medical history. The patient may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to determine executive function, working memory and spatial and visual skills.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated by stimulant medications. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, manage their lives, and retain 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. Before taking stimulants, people who suffer from certain medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their physician.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to manage their symptoms, and how to establish healthy school, family and workplace relationships. A few adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new ways to identify, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults using several assessment instruments will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize the chance of misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended conversation with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator will also ask you questions about the child's previous health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator could also review your medical records and conduct a physical examination.
Many people with ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. It is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six-times more likely to experience mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to be victims of substance abuse.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often find it difficult to find and keep jobs. They also face difficulties managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.
In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health facilities as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. However, the size of the sample was small. An enlargement of the sample would provide more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has revealed that ADHD is a chronic permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can lead to a variety of comorbid conditions, like learning disabilities, mood disorders and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a greater risk of being incarcerated and divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric problems.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.