Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can offer treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must interfere with everyday functioning at work, home and in social settings. Talk therapy can improve communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
It could be that you feel that you are not performing to your full potential if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. You might feel overwhelmed as an adult due to your obligations. You may be working full time and caring for your children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment, frustration despair, and an eroding of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD it's not your fault. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your issues. The first step to a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be used by a medical professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists, and collecting information about your medical and mental health background. The doctor might 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 prior to the age of 12 and have continued to impact your life. You must also be having difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different situations such as school, work and social interactions.
If your inattention is a major issue, you could skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances and you could also be having difficulties with everyday tasks like making sure you visit the doctor or take your medication.
For people with ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make stressful situations more difficult. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions after people have finished or have trouble waiting in line. Your impulsiveness could cause risky actions, such as 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 be passed down through families and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase the chances of developing this disorder.
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 and an examination of medical documents, school or work records as well as family medical histories and a mental assessment. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam 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, they must be present for at minimum six months, and result in significant impairment of daily life functions.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems, work-related or financial stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by friends, relatives and coworkers. They may be perceived as lazy, irresponsible or a poor employee, or just plain crazy. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they depend on methods and tools to make up for their poor time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD also might have trouble in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention, not hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's simply an altered behavior and way of thinking that may cause problems in certain situations or environments.
Adults may experience different symptoms in comparison to children. Adults with ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) more info of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay on track, complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning, and cause depression or anxiety. People who are hyperactive or impulsive might appear to be agitated and they might try to do a variety of things simultaneously. They might not complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which can cause confusion or problems with relationships.
Symptoms of the disorder often go unrecognized in the early years, and a lot of adults with them don't know they have ADHD. They may have been described as a dreamer, a snob, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and daily life. As the demands of adulthood increase however, many 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 an occupation, caring for family members, juggling chores and household chores, and working on social and romantic relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will determine whether a person suffers from ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members as well as friends and family members who are familiar with the person, a physical examination, and a review a person's medical history. The patient could be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to determine executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD to focus better and manage their lives, keep track of important information and tasks, and manage their impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants, but they can aid in the treatment of ADHD. Patients with certain health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults to manage their ADHD symptoms and develop healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults suffering from ADHD. These studies help scientists gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of ADHD for adults using various assessment tools will increase the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your or your child's health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator might also look over your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical.
Many people who suffer 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 suffer from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of substance abuse.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time finding and keeping jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and juggling household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and are more likely to have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.
In one study, those with ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. However, the size of the sample was small. A larger sample size would have provided additional information on the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.
Research has revealed that ADHD is a persistent and persistent disorder that affects adults. It has a negative impact on the quality of life, and can result in a variety of comorbid conditions, such as mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People with untreated ADHD are at a greater risk of being incarcerated and divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric issues.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest of their lives.