Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult could 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 everyday functioning at home, work and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
You may feel like you are not doing enough to fulfill your full potential if you have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel like you're unable to manage the many responsibilities in front of you. You may be working full time, caring for children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your difficulty in keeping up may lead to embarrassment, frustration despair, and a loss of confidence. If you have ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are ways to overcome your difficulties. The first step in the process of diagnosing.
A thorough psychiatric assessment can be performed by a health professional to determine ADHD in adults. This includes talking with you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining details on your medical and mental health background. The doctor may also ask you to provide information 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 the age of 12 and continue affecting your life. You must also have difficulty with these behavior in multiple situations, like at school, work as well as in your social interactions.
You may be late for appointments, make erroneous mistakes at home or at work and not be able to meet your responsibilities if your lack of attention is a problem. You may have trouble managing your health and finances and may have a hard to complete simple tasks like remembering to take medication or visiting the doctor for checkups.
People with ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or struggle to wait in lines. Your impulsivity might result in risky activities, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system at critical developmental stages increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health care specialist who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview and a review of medical background, school or work records along with family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A trained professional can also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and result in significant impairment of everyday activities.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to chronic issues that 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 like motor vehicle accidents.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretations by family members, friends and coworkers. They might be viewed as irresponsible, lazy or even simply crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to get a proper diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. They may also use methods and tools to make up for their poor time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capability. It's just an altered behavior and way of thinking that could cause difficulties in certain situations or settings.
Adults may experience different symptoms in comparison to children. However, 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 and school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. Symptoms also can interfere with the daily routine and trigger emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, or changes in mood. People who are impulsive or hyperactive might appear to be agitated and they might try to accomplish a lot at once. They may not be able to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which could result in miscommunications or relationship issues.
The symptoms of the disorder typically are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults with the disorder do not know they have ADHD. They may have been described as a dreamer, a snob, slacker or troublemaker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and life. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from more severe symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're unable to handle all the balls they're trying to keep up-to-date with: pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, juggling housework and errands, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A health care professional or mental health professional will determine whether a person has ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the individual as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical history. The person may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological testing may be done to assess executive function, working memory and spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant medications are the most commonly used treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD to focus better and organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks and control an impulsive behaviour. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slow than stimulants, yet improve the symptoms of ADHD. People who have certain health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their symptoms and to develop healthy school, family and workplace relationships. how to diagnosis adhd will also be conducted with some adults with ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended conversation with a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner will also inquire with you questions about children's health history as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical.
Many people with ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, that require treatment. In fact, it is thought that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD are also at a greater risk of using drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often find it difficult 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 health issues, such as heart disease, obesity and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to have poor eating habits and have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in a minor mental health clinic as children. However the size of the sample was small. A larger sample size could provide additional information about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.
Research has proven ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative impact on quality of life and can result in a variety of comorbid conditions, such as mood disorders, learning disabilities and alcohol and drug abuse. People who do not treat ADHD are at a greater risk for incarceration or divorce, as well as being less socioeconomically stable and more serious mental health issues.
It is recommended that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days and every month thereafter until their symptoms are managed. Adults with ADHD might need receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.