Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult can provide possibilities for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be a major hindrance with daily functioning at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Marital and family counseling can also be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD, it may seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel you're unable get a handle on the many tasks in front of you. You could 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 lead to embarrassment and anger. You might also feel hopeless, lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. If you have ADHD It's not your fault. It's important to recognize that there are ways to overcome your challenges. The first step to an assessment.
A health care professional can detect ADHD in adults by performing a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and collecting information regarding your medical and psychiatric background. The doctor might also inquire 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 been present prior to age 12 and continue affecting your life. You must also have difficulty with these behavior in multiple environments, including at work, school, and in your social relationships.
If your inattention is a major issue, you may miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and fail to follow through on your obligations. You may have trouble managing your health and finances and may have a difficult working through everyday tasks like taking medication, or going to the doctor for a checkup.
In people with ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations worse. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or have trouble waiting in the line. Your impulsiveness could lead to risky activities, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically be inherited from the family, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system during crucial developmental stages increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and review of medical history, work or school records, family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam or lab tests to rule out other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment in daily life functions.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can lead to chronic issues which could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, work-related or financial 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 family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen by others as irresponsible, lazy or as a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis. They might use strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, for example the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on devices to help them cope with their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's merely an altered approach to thinking and acting that could cause difficulties in certain situations or settings.
Adults may experience different symptoms in comparison to children. 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 people to struggle to stay organized, complete their work and school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning, and cause anxiety or depression. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the disorder may seem agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people that can cause confusion and relationship problems.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged as a child, and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder are not aware of it. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life they may have been labelled as either a dreamer or a slacker. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood however, many who have ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They're not able to handle all the balls they have to keep up-to-date with: pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, juggling housework and errands, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with relatives or friends who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of the person's medical and mental health background. The person could also be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to test executive and working memory as well as spatial and visual capabilities.
Stimulant medications are the most commonly used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD to focus better and manage their lives, keep track of important information and tasks, and control an impulsive behaviour. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants but still improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with certain health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.
Some adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms and to develop healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Some adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies help scientists learn more about new ways to identify, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment instruments will improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in treating ADHD in adults will often conduct an extended interview. The evaluator will also ask you questions about children's health history, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They might also look over your medical records and perform an examination of your physical.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety, which must be treated. In fact, it is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than other people. People with ADHD are also at a greater risk of using drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard to find and keep jobs. They also face difficulties managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and to have difficulty forming and read more maintaining relationships with their partners.
In one study, individuals who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as young children were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. However, the sample size was small. A larger sample could have provided more information about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a persistent and persistent problem for adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of life and can result in a range of comorbidities, such as mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. Untreated ADHD increases the risk of incarceration or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status for those with ADHD.
It is recommended that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days, and then every month after that until their symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might require receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest of their lives.