Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult may give treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must significantly interfere with your daily life at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it might seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. You may be overwhelmed as an adult by the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You could be working full-time and caring for your children or an elderly parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.
Inability to keep up can cause embarrassment and frustration. You may also feel hopeless, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to understand that there are solutions to overcome your issues. The first step in the process of diagnosing.
A health care professional can identify ADHD in adults through an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering information regarding your medical and mental health history. The doctor may inquire about the history 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 have continued to impact your life. You must also be having issues with these behaviors at least in two different settings which include work, school and social relationships.
You could miss appointments, make mistakes at work or home and not be able to meet your obligations if lack of attention is a problem. You may have trouble managing your finances and health and may have a difficult time with simple tasks, like remembering to take medication or going to the doctor for a checkup.
For those with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations worse. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or have difficulty waiting in lines. Your impulsiveness could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
According to studies the genetics and the environment play a significant role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to run in the family, and some scientists believe that problems with your central nervous system at critical developmental phases increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview, reviewing medical documents, school or work records, family medical histories, and a mental assessment. A trained professional may also conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to determine if there are other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for six months or more and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.
Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues and financial stress as well as work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretation by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen by others as lazy, unreliable or a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.
Women tend to be better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to get a proper diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, like frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and ineffective time management. Women suffering from ADHD might also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention, not the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's merely a different way of thinking and behaving that could cause difficulties in certain situations or environments.
In adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because the symptoms could have changed over time as they developed. 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 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 everyday functioning and lead to emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, or changes in mood. Hyperactive or impulsive people can appear agitated, and may attempt to do a variety of things simultaneously. They may not be able to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which could lead to misunderstandings or relationship issues.
ADHD is often not recognized as a child, and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder aren't aware that they have it. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker, instead of struggling to stay on top in school and daily life. As the demands of adulthood increase, however, many people who suffer from ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They're not able to handle all the balls they have to keep on top of - pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, juggling housework and errands, and working on social and romantic relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with family, friends and others who know the person well and a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical and mental health history. The patient may also be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to measure executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual skills.
Stimulant drugs are the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD better focus and manage their lives, recall important information and tasks, and manage the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They are more slowly than stimulants, but still improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, people with certain health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their physician.
Some adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults click here to cope with their ADHD symptoms and to establish healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about the latest methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults using several assessment tools will increase the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the background of your child's or your own health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also review your past medical records and perform an examination of your body.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which must be treated. It is estimated that those who have ADHD are six times more likely to experience mood disorders. People with ADHD also are more likely to be victims of using drugs.
Adults with ADHD often find it difficult to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at risk of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to develop poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health facilities when they were children. However the size of the sample was small. An enlargement of the sample would provide more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative effect on the quality of life and lead to other conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities, alcohol and drugs abuse. If not treated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration, divorce and a lower social economic status for those suffering from ADHD.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might need to receive psychotherapy and/or medication for the rest of their lives.