Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may offer treatment options.
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 home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
You may feel like you are not performing to your full potential if have ADHD symptoms. You might feel overwhelmed as an adult with your responsibilities. You might be working full time as a caregiver for children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and frustration. You might be feeling hopeless, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your challenges. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric examination can be performed by a medical specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining details on your mental health and medical history. The provider may also ask you 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 prior to the age of 12 and continue affecting your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in two or more settings, such as at school, work as well as in your social relationships.
If your inattention is a major issue, you may skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and not be able to meet your obligations. You may have difficulty managing your finances and health, and you might also experience difficulties with everyday tasks like remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication.
People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before others are done or struggle to wait in the line. Your impulsivity could cause risky actions like driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to research that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a significant role in the development ADHD. Symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase your chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview and an examination of medical records, workplace or school records as well as family medical histories and a mental screening. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that 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 impairments in the daily routine.
People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with chronic difficulties that could have been avoided or treated. diagnosis for adhd in adults can lead to depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, addiction to drugs, and even serious accidents such as motor crashes.
Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by friends, relatives and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as lazy, unreliable or even a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their impulsivity and inattention. Or they might use tools and techniques to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's simply an alternative way of thinking and behaving that could cause difficulties in certain situations or settings.
Adults may experience different symptoms as children. 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
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay organized, complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. These symptoms can affect daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, or mood swings. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of 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, which could cause confusion or relationship issues.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged in the early years and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder aren't aware that they have it. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, goof-off, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life. Many people suffering from ADHD experience more severe symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They aren't able to handle all the balls that are flying - pursuing a career and caring for family and juggling with chores at home and errands and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a patient has ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members or friends who are familiar with the individual, a physical examination, and a review a person's medical history. The patient may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to measure executive function and working memory as well as visual and spatial abilities.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD improve their focus and manage their lives, recall important information and tasks, and manage their impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants. They work more slow than stimulants, yet aid in the treatment of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, those with certain health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their physician.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as develop healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies aid scientists in learning more about the latest methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment instruments will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The examiner may also inquire about the history of your child's or your own health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also go through your past medical records and conduct an examination of your body.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental or physical disorders such as anxiety or depression, which must be treated. It is estimated that people with ADHD are six-times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult to find and keep a job. They also have a harder time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased risk of developing other health issues, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to have bad eating habits and to have trouble forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people with ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as young children were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. However, the size of the sample was small. An enlargement of the sample could have provided more details about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven ADHD to be a persistent and persistent problem for adults. It can have a negative effect on quality of living and lead to other conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities, and addiction to alcohol and other drugs. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated and divorce as well as a lower socioeconomic status for those with ADHD.
It is advised that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and every month after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults with ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest of their lives.