Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their 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 interfere with your daily activities, whether at home, work and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem-solving skills. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it may seem that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel that you can't take on the many tasks in front of you. You could be working full-time and caring for your children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your difficulty in keeping up may result in embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and the loss of confidence. If you have ADHD It's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your difficulties. The first step is a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be utilized by a health professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This includes talking with you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists, and gathering information on your mental health and medical background. The provider may ask 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 been present prior to the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You should also be struggling with these behaviors in two or more settings, such as at work, school as well as in your social interactions.
You may miss appointments, make careless errors at home or at work and not be able to meet your obligations if your inattention is an issue. You might be struggling with managing your finances and health, and you could also be having difficulty with simple tasks such as remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication.
For those with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations more difficult. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or have trouble waiting in lines. Your impulsive behavior could lead to reckless actions, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to run in families and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase your risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview, reviewing medical documents, school or work records as well as family medical histories and a mental health screening. A specialized professional also may perform a physical exam or laboratory tests to identify other conditions that share similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more, and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.
Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, work-related or financial stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and coworkers. They may be perceived as a lazy, irresponsible person, a bad employee or just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it harder to get an accurate diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they rely on tools and techniques to compensate for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they tend to have symptoms of inattention rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's simply a different way to think and behave that may cause challenges in certain situations.
For adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms could have changed as they grew up. However, the symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay organized, complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with daily functioning, and cause depression or anxiety. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition may appear restless and try to do several things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or relationship problems.
Symptoms of the disorder often are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults who have them do not know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life they may have been labeled a dreamer or a slacker. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms as their obligations increase. They're unable to handle all the balls they're trying to keep in the air--pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and working on social and romantic relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the individual, a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical history. The patient may also be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests are used to measure executive function and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual capabilities.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medications. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD focus better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They also help control impulsive behaviors. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. People who have particular health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure must 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 help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms and to establish healthy school, family and work relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD will also be part of clinical trials. These studies allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the history of your or your child's health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They will also review your past medical records and conduct a physical exam.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety that require treatment. In fact, it is estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People with ADHD are also at a higher risk of using drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a tough finding and keeping jobs. They also have difficulty managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other check here health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and to have trouble forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health facilities when they were children. The sample size was small. A larger sample would provide more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has revealed that ADHD is a chronic, persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative effect on the quality of life and may lead to other health issues like mood disorders learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated or divorce, as well as an economic disadvantage for those suffering from ADHD.
It is recommended that all adults who have an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and every month after that until their symptoms are controlled. Adults suffering from ADHD might need receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.