Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult could give possibilities for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect everyday functioning at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Family and marital counseling can also be helpful.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it might seem as if you're not living up to your potential. You may be overwhelmed as an adult by 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.
Inability to keep up can cause embarrassment and anger. You might also feel depressed, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. It's not an issue when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is a diagnosis.
A health care professional can diagnose ADHD in adults through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering information regarding your medical and psychiatric history. The doctor may also inquire about the history of your family members with 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 before age 12 and continue to interfere with your daily life. You should also be having issues with these behavior issues at least in two different environments which include work, school and social interactions.
If your inattention is a major problem, you might skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your responsibilities. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances, and you may also have problems with tasks that are simple like remembering to visit the doctor or take your medication.
In people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations more difficult. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions before others are done or have trouble waiting in lines. Your impulsivity might result in dangerous activities, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to run in the family, and some researchers believe that issues with your central nervous system during critical developmental phases increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and review of medical history, work or school records along with family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A specialist may also conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to identify other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and result in significant impairment of daily life functions.
People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD may struggle all their lives with chronic difficulties which could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems financial stress, work-related stress, drug abuse, and even serious accidents such as motor crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretation by family members, friends, and coworkers. They may be perceived as irresponsible, lazy or a poor employee, or just plain crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at 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 get an accurate diagnosis. They may employ strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, like the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to make up for their lack of organization and ineffective time management. Women suffering from ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they tend to have symptoms of inattention rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It's important to remember that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capability. It's simply an altered behavior and way of thinking that could cause difficulties in certain situations or settings.
In adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the signs may have changed as people became older. However, the signs of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD might struggle to stay organized, keep track of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with daily functioning and cause mental issues such as anxiety, depression or changes in mood. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the disorder may seem agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at the same time, but fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others that can cause confusion and relationships issues.
ADHD is often not recognized in childhood and many adults with symptoms aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life, they may have been labeled an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people suffering from ADHD have increasing symptoms as their obligations increase. They're unable to handle all the balls they're trying 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 professional or mental health professional will determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members as well as friends and family members who are familiar with the individual as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical history. The person may be asked to fill out standard ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to measure executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial skills.
Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant medications. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD focus better, manage their lives, and retain important information. They can also control the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may also be used to treat ADHD. They are more slowly than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, people who suffer from certain medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their physician.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms and to develop healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults suffering from ADHD. These trials allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults using several assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease mistakes in diagnosis. The process often includes an extended discussion with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner will also inquire with you about your your child’s past health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They will also go through your past medical records and perform a physical exam.
Many people suffering from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety that need to be treated. It is estimated that those who have ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also are at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults check here who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulty to get and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and smoking. In addition they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and are more likely to have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, those with ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children were diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. However the size of the sample was small. A larger sample could have provided more information on the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.
Research has shown that ADHD is a long-lasting permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative impact 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 greater risk for incarceration or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status and more serious mental health issues.
It is recommended that all adults who have an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and monthly after that until their symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to receive psychotherapy and/or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.