Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can open up 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, at work, and in social settings. Talk therapy can improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Marital and family counseling can also be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
You might feel that you're not doing enough to fulfill your full potential when you suffer from ADHD symptoms. You might be overwhelmed as an adult with your responsibilities. You could be full-time at work or caring for elderly parents or children, and taking care of household chores.
Your difficulty in keeping up may lead to embarrassment, frustration despair, and a loss of confidence. in the know 's not a problem if you have ADHD. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step to a diagnosis.
A health care professional can detect ADHD in adults by performing a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves talking to you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining information about your mental and medical background. The doctor might also ask you to provide information 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 been present prior to age 12 and continue to affect your life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in two or more settings, such as at work, school as well as in your social interactions.
You may miss appointments, make careless errors at home or at work and not be able to meet your responsibilities if your inattention is a problem. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances, and you might also experience difficulty with simple tasks such as remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication.
People with ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or have difficulty waiting in the line. Your impulsivity might result in dangerous activities, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
According to studies the genetics and the environment play a major role in the development ADHD. Symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview as well as 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 exam and/or tests in the laboratory to identify other conditions that may have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at least six months and result in significant impairment of everyday activities.
Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents such as motor crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to confusion among family members, friends and colleagues. They may be viewed by others as lazy, unreliable or even a poor employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder to get the correct diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their inattentiveness and impulsivity. They may also rely on methods and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capacity. It's merely a different way to think and behave that can create problems in certain situations.
Adults may exhibit different symptoms than children. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) 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 the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like anxiety or depression. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition can appear agitated and may try to accomplish several things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which can cause confusion or problems with relationships.
The symptoms of the disorder typically are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults with them aren't aware of ADHD. They may have been described as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker, instead of struggling to stay on top in school and daily life. As the demands of adulthood increase, however, many people who suffer from ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying to keep up-to-date with: pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, juggling housework and errands, and working on social and romantic relationships.
A health care professional or mental health professional will assess whether a person suffers from ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members, friends, and others who know the person 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 checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to assess executive function, working memory and spatial and visual skills.
Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant medications. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD improve their focus, organize their lives, remember important information and tasks, and manage impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants but still aid in the treatment of ADHD. Patients with particular health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms and to establish healthy school, family and workplace relationships. Some adults with ADHD will also be part of clinical trials. These studies help scientists gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults using various assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease mistakes in diagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adult patients will often conduct an lengthy interview. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your or your child's health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also go through your past medical records and conduct a physical exam.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety that must be treated. It is estimated that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to experience mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of using drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often find it difficult to get and keep jobs. They also face difficulties managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity, and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to have poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health facilities as children were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. The sample size was small. A larger sample size would have provided more information on the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a chronic and persistent disorder among adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life, and can lead to a number of comorbid conditions such as mood disorders, learning disabilities as well as alcohol and drug abuse. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated, divorce and an economic disadvantage for those with ADHD.
Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.