Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could open up treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must affect everyday functioning at work, home and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
You might feel that you are not living up to your full potential when you have ADHD symptoms. You may be overwhelmed as an adult with your responsibilities. You could be working full time as a caregiver for children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your difficulty in keeping up may result in embarrassment, frustration despair, and the loss of confidence. It's not your problem in the event that you suffer from ADHD. It's important to realize that there are ways to overcome your issues. The first step to the process of diagnosing.
A thorough psychiatric examination can be performed by a health specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and collecting information regarding your medical and mental health history. The provider may ask about the background 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 before the age of 12 and continue to interfere with your daily life. You should also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different situations which include work, school and social relationships.
You may miss appointments, make careless errors at work or home, and fail to fulfill your obligations if your lack of attention is a problem. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances, and you may also have problems with tasks that are simple such as remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication.
For people with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations more difficult. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before others are done or have trouble waiting in the line. Your impulsivity could lead to risky behaviors like driving too quickly or spending money in reckless ways.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be inherited from families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase the risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care professional with an expertise in ADHD can assist adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview and a review of medical history, work or school records along with family medical history and an examination for mental health. A trained professional may also conduct a physical examination and/or tests in the laboratory to identify other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for six months or more, and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.
People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with ongoing issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues and financial stress, as well as work-related issues as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by friends, relatives and coworkers. They could be seen by others as lazy, unreliable or as a poor employee. In addition, people who have 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 more difficult for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. They may also use tools and techniques to make up for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to suffer from inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or capability. It's merely an alternative way of thinking and behave that can create challenges in certain situations.
Adults may have different symptoms as children. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD might struggle to stay organized, keep track of work or school tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect everyday functioning and lead to emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, or shifts in mood. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the disorder may seem agitated and try to do several things at the same time, but fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people which can lead to miscommunications and problems with relationships.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged as a child, and a lot of adults with symptoms are not aware of it. They may have been described as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker, instead of struggling to stay on top in school and everyday life. Many people with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms as their obligations increase. They're not able to handle all the balls they're trying keep on top of - pursuing a career, caring for family members, juggling chores and household chores, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a person has ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the individual and a physical examination and a review of the person's medical history. The patient may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological testing can be used to assess working memory, executive function as well as spatial and visual skills.
Stimulant medications are the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with more info ADHD improve their focus, organize their lives, recall important information and tasks, and manage their an impulsive behaviour. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants, but they can aid in the treatment of ADHD. Before taking stimulants who suffer from certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure should talk to their doctor.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to manage their symptoms, and how to establish healthy school, family and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults suffering from ADHD. These trials allow scientists to learn more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment instruments will improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce mistakes in diagnosis. The process usually involves an extended conversation with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your or your child's health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They will also look over your previous medical records and perform physical examination.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety that require treatment. In fact, it is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than other people. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of substance abuse.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often find it difficult to find and keep jobs. They also have a tougher managing finances and keeping track of household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and experience difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities when they were children. However the size of the sample was small. A larger sample could provide more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven that ADHD is a persistent permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of life and can result in a variety of comorbid conditions, including learning disabilities, mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. People who do not treat ADHD are at an increased risk for incarceration or divorce, as well as being less socioeconomically stable and more serious psychiatric issues.
Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may require receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.