Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult could open up options for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be a major hindrance with daily functioning at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can improve communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial.
Signs and 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 responsibilities you have and feel you're unable manage the numerous tasks ahead of you. You may be working full time, caring for children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can cause embarrassment, anger, hopelessness and a loss of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your difficulties. The first step in an assessment.
A health care professional can detect ADHD in adults by conducting an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining details on your medical and mental health history. The provider may ask 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 occurred prior to the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You must also be having difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different environments such as school, work and social interactions.
If your inattention is a significant issue, you could skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your obligations. You may have trouble managing your finances and health and may have a difficult working through everyday tasks, like making sure you take your medication on time or going to the doctor for checkups.
For people with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even worse. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or have difficulty waiting in line. Your impulsivity might result in risky activities, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically be passed down through the family, and some researchers believe that problems with your central nervous system during critical developmental phases increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health professional who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview, a review of medical history, work or school records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialized professional also may perform a physical exam or tests in the laboratory to identify other conditions that may have 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 are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.
People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with persistent issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, drug abuse, and even serious accidents such as motor crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretations by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen by others as irresponsible, lazy or even a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. diagnosis adhd makes it more difficult to get a proper diagnosis. They may employ strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, such as the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to make up for their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they tend to have symptoms of inattention, not hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or ability. It's simply an altered way of thinking and behave that could cause difficulties in certain situations.
In adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as they became older. However, symptoms of ADHD in adults still match the criteria 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, stay on top of work or school tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning and cause emotional issues like depression, anxiety or shifts in mood. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the disorder may seem agitated and try to do several things at once, and fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to others that can cause confusion and problems with relationships.
The symptoms of the disorder typically are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults who have them aren't aware of ADHD. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker, instead of struggling to keep up in school and daily life. Many people suffering from ADHD experience worsening symptoms as their obligations increase. They're not able to handle all the balls they have to keep in the air--pursuing a career, caring for family members, juggling household chores and errands, as well as working on social and romantic relationships.
A health care professional or mental health professional will determine whether a person has ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with relatives, friends and others who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric background. The patient could be asked to complete standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to measure working memory, executive function as well as spatial and visual skills.
Stimulant medication is the most commonly used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD improve their focus and manage their lives, keep track of important information and tasks, and manage impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants, but they can help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with certain health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor before taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms and to build healthy school, family and work relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD also will participate in clinical studies. These studies help scientists learn more about new methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended conversation with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator will also ask you about your the child's previous health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety that need to be treated. It is estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely to experience mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty to find and keep jobs. They also face difficulties managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to have poor eating habits and struggle to maintain and form romantic relationships.
In one study, individuals who had ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. However, the sample size was very small. A larger sample size could provide additional information on the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.
Research has shown that ADHD is a persistent and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can result in a number of comorbid conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities and alcohol and drug abuse. People with untreated ADHD are at a greater chance of being in prison and divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric problems.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.