Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult can provide options for treatment.
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 activities at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can improve communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
You might feel that you are not performing to your full potential if you have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel you're unable get a handle on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You could be working full time as a caregiver for children or an aging parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and frustration. You may also feel hopeless, lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. If you have ADHD it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your challenges. The first step in a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be utilized by a medical professional to determine ADHD in adults. This includes talking with you about symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining details on your mental and medical 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 occurred before age 12 and continue to interfere with your daily activities. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in multiple environments, including at work, school and in your social relationships.
You may be late for appointments, make careless errors at work or home and fail to meet your responsibilities if your lack of attention is an issue. You may have trouble managing your health and finances and may have a difficult to complete simple tasks like remembering to take medication or going to the doctor for checkups.
People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions before people are finished or struggle to wait in line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to be passed down through the family, and some scientists believe that problems with your central nervous system during critical developmental stages increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview, a review of medical history, work or school records along with family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A specialized professional may conduct physical examinations and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment to daily life functions.
People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with persistent issues which could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems, work-related or financial stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents like 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 as a lazy, irresponsible person or even just plain crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression.
Women tend to be better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, for example frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. diagnosed with adhd as an adult with ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they tend to have symptoms of inattention rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's merely an altered way of thinking and behave that may cause problems in certain situations.
For adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as they developed. 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 cause people to struggle to stay on track and complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or shifts in mood. People who are hyperactive or impulsive can appear agitated, and they may try to accomplish a lot at the same time. They may not be able to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to others that can cause confusion and relationships issues.
The symptoms of the disorder typically go unrecognized in childhood, and many adults with the disorder don't know they have ADHD. They might have been viewed as a goof-off, dreamer, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to keep up in school and daily life. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're not able to manage all the balls at once such as pursuing a career or taking care of family members, while also keeping up with chores at home and errands as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person has ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with family and friends, as well as other people who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric history. The patient may be asked to complete standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to test executive and working memory as well as visual and spatial abilities.
Stimulant medications are the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD to focus better, organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks, and manage an impulsive behaviour. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, yet they can still help improve symptoms. Patients with particular health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms and to establish healthy family, school and work relationships. A few adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical trials. These studies allow scientists to learn more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in treating ADHD in adult patients typically conducts an extended interview. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your child's or your own health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she may also review your medical records and conduct a physical examination.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental or physical disorders such as anxiety or depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it's estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People who suffer from ADHD also are at a higher risk of using drugs.
Adults with ADHD have a tough to find and keep jobs. They also have a tougher managing their finances and keeping track of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health services when they were children. However, the sample size was very small. A larger sample size could have provided more details about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a persistent and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of living and can lead to other issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as the abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a greater risk of being incarcerated, divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious psychiatric issues.
It is advised that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days, and then every month after that until their symptoms are controlled. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need receiving psychotherapy or medication for the rest of their lives.
