Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could offer treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should significantly interfere with daily functioning at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it might seem as if you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel that you can't take on the many tasks in front of you. You might be working full-time as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, as well as taking care of household chores.
Inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and anger. You may also feel hopeless and lose confidence. You may even be embarrassed. It's not an issue if you have ADHD. It's important to understand that there are ways to overcome your challenges. The first step to the process of diagnosing.
A thorough psychiatric assessment can be utilized by a medical professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining details on your mental health and medical history. The provider may also ask you 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 been present prior to age 12 and have continued to impact your life. You should also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different environments, including school, work and social relationships.
You could miss appointments, make careless errors at work or at home and fail to meet your obligations if your inattention is a problem. You might have trouble managing your health and finances, and you could also be having difficulties with everyday tasks like remembering to go to the doctor or take your medication.
For people with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations worse. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or have difficulty waiting in line. Your impulsiveness could lead to reckless actions, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to run in families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase the risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview as well as a review of medical records, school or workplace records, family medical histories, and a mental health screening. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions with 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 cause significant impairments in the daily routine.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues financial or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in confusion among family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen by others as lazy, irresponsible or a bad employee. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more at chance of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, like frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on tools to make up for their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to experience hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's merely an altered way of thinking and behaving that may cause problems in certain situations or environments.
Adults may experience different symptoms as children. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, stay on top of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues such as depression or anxiety. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition can appear agitated 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 that can cause confusion and relationships issues.
The symptoms of the disorder typically are not recognized until childhood, and many adults with them aren't aware of ADHD. They may have been labeled as a goof-off, dreamer or a slacker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and life. As responsibilities increase in adulthood However, many people who suffer from ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. the advantage are unable to manage all the balls they have to keep up-to-date with: pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, juggling household chores and errands, as well as trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if someone has ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members or friends who know the person and a physical examination and a review a person's medical history. The person may be asked to complete the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to measure executive and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant medications are the most frequently used treatment for adults with ADHD. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD improve their focus and manage their lives, recall important information and tasks, and control impulsive behavior. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. People who have particular health issues like 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 learn how to manage their symptoms, and how to establish healthy school, family and work relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are also enrolled in clinical trials. These trials allow scientists to discover more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like 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 mistakes in diagnosis. The process often includes an extended interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation will also ask you about your or children's health history as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator could also review your medical records and perform an examination of your physical.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety that must be treated. In fact, it is believed that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People with ADHD also have a higher risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD have a tough time finding and keeping a job. They also have a difficult managing finances and staying on top of household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing other health problems, like obesity, heart disease and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.
In one study, people with ADHD who were treated in mental health facilities as children were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. However, the sample size was very small. A larger sample could have provided more information about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.
Research has proven that ADHD is a long-lasting and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative effect on the quality of life and lead to other conditions like mood disorders learning disabilities, addiction to alcohol and other drugs. People with untreated ADHD are at a higher risk for incarceration and divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious psychiatric issues.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.