Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult may provide options for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect daily functioning, at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving the communication and problem-solving abilities. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
You might feel that you are not performing to your full potential when you have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel that you can't get a handle on the many tasks in front of you. You could be full-time at work or caring for elderly parents or children, and taking care of household chores.
Inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and anger. You might be feeling hopeless and lose confidence. You may even be embarrassed. It's not your problem in the event that you suffer from ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your problems. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be utilized by a health care specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining information about your mental health and medical background. The doctor may inquire about the background 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 affect your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in multiple environments, including at school, work, and in your social relationships.
If your inattention is a major issue, you could be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. You may be struggling with managing your finances and health and may have a hard working through everyday tasks, like making sure you take your medication on time or visiting the doctor for checkups.
In people with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations even more difficult. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before others are done or struggle to wait in the line. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior like driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner.
Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be passed down through families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase the risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview as well as reviewing medical documents, school or work records, family medical histories, and a mental health screening. A specialized professional also may 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 adolescent if symptoms have been present for six months or more and are causing significant impairments in the daily routine.
People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with chronic difficulties that 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 like motor vehicle crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretations by family members, friends, and coworkers. They may be perceived as irresponsible, lazy or a poor employee, or simply crazy. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women tend to be better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult for them to get a proper diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or they might depend on strategies and tools to compensate for their poor time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they tend to have symptoms of inattention rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or ability. It's merely an alternative way of thinking and behave that can create difficulties in certain situations.
In adults, it may be get more info difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as people became older. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, stay on top of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning and cause mental issues such as depression, anxiety or shifts in mood. People who are hyperactive or impulsive might appear to be agitated and they may try to do a variety of things at once. They might not complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which could lead to misunderstandings or relationship problems.
The symptoms of the disorder usually are not recognized until childhood, and many adults who have them aren't aware of ADHD. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood, however, many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They're not able to manage all the balls that are flying such as pursuing a career or caring for their family, while also keeping up with housework and errands, as well as maintaining romantic and social 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 and friends, as well as other people who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of the person's medical and mental health history. The patient may also be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to measure working memory, executive function as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant drugs are the most common treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD improve their focus, organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks and manage impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, those with certain health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their symptoms and to build healthy school, family and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults suffering from ADHD. These studies help scientists gain knowledge about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults using various assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating ADHD in adults will often conduct an extended interview. The evaluator will also ask you about your your child’s past health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she could also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your body.
Many people with ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which must be treated. It is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six-times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time to get and keep jobs. They also have a tougher managing their finances and keeping track of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are more at risk for developing other health problems, including obesity, heart disease and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities when they were children. The sample size was not large. A larger sample might provide more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven that ADHD is a long-lasting and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can result in a number of comorbid conditions including learning disabilities, mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. If not treated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration, divorce and an economic disadvantage for those with ADHD.
It is recommended that all adults who have an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days, and then every month after that until their symptoms are controlled. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy throughout their lives.