Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could provide 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 your daily activities at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving the communication and problem-solving abilities. Marital and family counseling can be beneficial as well.
Signs and symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it could appear that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you might feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel you're unable manage the many responsibilities in front of you. You could be working full-time, caring for aging parents or children, as well as managing household chores.
Inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and anger. You may also feel depressed, lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your issues. The first step to an assessment.
A health professional can diagnose ADHD in adults through an extensive psychiatric examination. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as collecting information regarding your medical and mental health history. The provider may also inquire 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 occurred prior to the age of 12 and continue affecting your life. You should also be struggling with these behaviors in two or more settings, such as at work, school, and in your social relationships.
You could miss appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or at home and fail to meet your obligations if your lack of attention is a problem. You might have trouble managing your health and finances and you may also have difficulties with everyday tasks like making sure you visit the doctor or take your medication.
People with ADHD can make difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or struggle to wait in lines. Your impulsive behavior could lead to reckless actions, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to research the genetics and the environment are key factors in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to be inherited from the family, and some researchers believe that problems with your central nervous system during critical developmental phases increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview and a review of medical records, school or workplace records as well as family medical histories and a mental screening. A specialist may also conduct a physical examination and/or tests in the laboratory to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment in everyday activities.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, addiction to drugs, and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by friends, relatives and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as irresponsible, lazy or as a bad employee. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression.
Women are generally better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, such as constant distractions and daydreaming or rely on devices to compensate for their disorganization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention, not the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's simply a different approach to thinking and acting that could cause difficulties in certain situations or settings.
In adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because the signs may have changed as people became older. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria set by 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, keep track of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning, and cause anxiety or depression. Hyperactive or impulsive people might appear to be agitated and may attempt to do many things simultaneously. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to others that can cause confusion and relationships issues.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged in childhood and many adults with the symptoms are unaware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in their studies and daily life they might have been labeled either a dreamer or a slacker. Many people with ADHD have worsening symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They aren't able to handle all the balls that are flying - pursuing a career and taking care of family members, while also keeping up with errands and housework, and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person suffers from ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members or friends who are familiar with the individual and a physical examination and a review of the person's medical history. The patient may also be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological testing may be done to determine executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual skills.
Stimulant medication is the most frequently used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, manage 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. They work more slow than stimulants, yet improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, those with certain health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their doctor.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual adhd diagnosis for adults therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as develop healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. A few adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical trials. These trials allow scientists to discover 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 reduce the chance of misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the background of your or your child's 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 with ADHD also suffer from other medical or psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. It is estimated that those with ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD often find it difficult to find and keep jobs. They also have a harder managing finances and juggling household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing other health issues, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and to have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in a minor mental health clinic as children. However the sample size was very small. A larger sample could provide additional information about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative effect on quality of life and can lead to a number of comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. Untreated ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated and divorce as well as an economic disadvantage for people with ADHD.
It is recommended that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days and monthly thereafter until their symptoms are controlled. Adults who suffer from ADHD may require to receive psychotherapy and/or medication for the rest of their lives.