Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult can give possibilities for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must affect everyday functioning at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving communication and problem-solving skills. Family and marital counseling can be beneficial as well.
Symptoms
It could be that you feel that you are not doing enough to fulfill your full potential when you suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel you're unable manage the many tasks in front of you. You could be working full-time as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, as well as taking care of household chores.
Your difficulty keeping up can result in embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and a loss of confidence. It's not a problem when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your difficulties. The first step is a diagnosis.
A health professional can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as collecting information regarding your medical and mental health 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 before the age of 12 and continue to interfere with your daily activities. You may also have issues with these behaviors in multiple settings, such as at work, school, and in your social interactions.
You may be late for appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your responsibilities if your lack of attention is a problem. You may be struggling with managing your finances and health and may have a difficult time with simple tasks, such as remembering to take medication or going to the doctor for checkups.
In diagnosing adhd in adults with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even worse. You may disrupt conversations with others or utter answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in line. Your impulsivity could lead to risky behaviors like driving too fast or spending money in reckless ways.
According to research the genetics and the environment are key factors 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 crucial developmental stages increase the risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health professional with an expertise in ADHD can help people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview and reviewing medical records, school or workplace records and family medical histories and a mental health screening. A specialized professional may conduct physical examinations or lab tests to rule out other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment to daily life functions.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents.
Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretation by family members, friends, and coworkers. They may be perceived as lazy, irresponsible, a bad employee or simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it harder for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They may employ strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, like frequent distractions and daydreaming, or use tools to compensate for their disorganization and ineffective time management. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It's important to remember that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or ability. It's just a different way to think and behave that may cause problems in certain situations.
Adults may have different symptoms in comparison to children. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay organized, complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues like anxiety or depression. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition may appear restless and try to do several things at once, and fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and problems with relationships.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged in childhood and many adults with symptoms are unaware that they have it. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, a snob, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and life. As responsibilities increase in adulthood however, many who suffer from ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They're not able to manage all the balls in the air such as pursuing a career or taking care of family members and juggling with chores at home and errands and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person has ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the person and a physical examination and a review a person's medical history. The patient may also be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests are used to test executive and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant medication is the most commonly used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD to focus better, organize their lives, recall important information and tasks and control impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants. They work more slow than stimulants, yet improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, people with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms, and how to establish healthy family, school and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults suffering from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about how to diagnose, 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 the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize the chance of misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation will also ask you questions about the child's previous health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator might also look over your medical records and conduct a physical examination.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety, which need to be treated. It is estimated that people who have ADHD are six-times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult finding and keeping a job. They also have difficulty managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing other health problems, like obesity, heart disease and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and experience difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, individuals who had ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. The sample size was small. A larger sample size would have provided more details about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.
Research has proven that ADHD is a long-lasting, persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can lead to a range of comorbidities, such as learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. People with untreated ADHD are at a greater risk of being incarcerated and divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious mental health issues.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy throughout their lives.