Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may provide treatment options.
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 your daily activities at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem-solving skills. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it could appear like you're failing to live up to your potential. You might be overwhelmed as an adult with your obligations. You could be working full time, caring for children or an elderly parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up can cause embarrassment and frustration. You might be feeling hopeless or lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. It's not an issue in the event that you suffer from ADHD. It's important to recognize that there are ways to overcome your difficulties. The first step in an assessment.
A medical professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves talking to you about symptoms, requiring you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms lists, and gathering information on your mental health and medical background. The doctor might also ask you to provide information about the history of your family members with 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 before the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You must also be having difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different settings, including school, work and social relationships.
You could miss appointments, make mistakes at home or at work and fail to meet your obligations if your inattention is an issue. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a difficult time with simple tasks, such as taking medication, or going to the doctor for checkups.
For those with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations worse. You may interrupt conversations with other people, blurt out answers to questions before you're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness can result in risky behavior, such as driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be inherited from families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults with symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview and a review of medical background, school or work records as well as family medical history. an assessment of mental health. A trained professional may also conduct a physical exam and/or tests in the laboratory to identify other conditions that share similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more, and are causing significant impairments in daily life.
People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with chronic difficulties that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues financial or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be perceived by others as lazy, irresponsible or as a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Women tend to be better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. Or they might depend on strategies and tools to make up for their poor time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to experience inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's merely an altered way of thinking and behave that could cause challenges in certain situations.
Adults may experience different symptoms as children. However, the signs 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 organized and complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or mood swings. People who are hyperactive or impulsive might appear to be agitated and they might try to accomplish a lot simultaneously. They may fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to others that can cause confusion and problems with relationships.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged in the early years and a lot of adults with symptoms are not aware of it. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and life, they may have been labelled as an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people with ADHD have increasing symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're unable to handle all the balls they're trying to keep in the air--pursuing a career, caring for family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and working on social and romantic relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a person has ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with family or friends who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric background. The patient website may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests can be conducted to determine working memory, executive function as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated by stimulant medications. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and keep track of important information. They also help control impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slow than stimulants, yet help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with certain health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor before taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms and to build healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. A few adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These trials allow scientists to discover more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the likelihood of a misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an extended interview. The evaluator may also ask about the background of your child's or your own health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also look over your previous medical records and perform an examination of your body.
Many people suffering from 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 suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also are at a higher risk of using drugs.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult finding and keeping jobs. They also face difficulties managing finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health problems, like obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities as children. The sample size was small. A larger sample size would provide additional information about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown ADHD to be a chronic and persistent problem for adults. It has a negative impact on the quality of life and can cause variety of comorbid conditions, including learning disabilities, mood disorders and abuse of alcohol and drugs. If left untreated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration or divorce, as well as an economic disadvantage for those with ADHD.
It is recommended that all adults who have new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and every month after that until their symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.