Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could provide treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must affect your daily activities, whether at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it could appear like you're failing to live up to your potential. You may be overwhelmed as an adult by your obligations. You may be working full time, caring 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, frustration despair and the loss of confidence. It's not your problem when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to your issues. The first step in the process of diagnosing.
A health care professional can identify ADHD in adults by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This includes talking with you about symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining details on your mental health and medical background. The doctor might inquire 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 prior to age 12 and continue to interfere with your daily life. You must also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at the very least in two different situations, including school, work and social relationships.
You may be late for appointments, make careless errors at work or at home and fail to meet your obligations if inattention is a problem. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a difficult time with simple tasks, like making sure you take your medication on time or going to the doctor for a checkup.
People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or struggle to wait in the line. Your impulsivity might result in dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to run in families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and a review of medical background, school or work records along with family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical examination and/or tests in the laboratory to identify other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant impairment in everyday life activities.
Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead depression, family problems and financial stress as well as work-related stress, drug abuse, and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in confusion among family members, friends and colleagues. They may be perceived as irresponsible, lazy, a bad employee or simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women are generally better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They may employ strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, like constant distractions and daydreaming or rely on devices to compensate for their disorganization and ineffective time management. Women with ADHD might also have trouble identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's merely an altered way of thinking and behave that may cause difficulties in certain situations.
In adults, it may here be difficult to determine ADHD because the signs may have changed over time as they developed. Adults with ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, stay on top of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect everyday functioning and lead to emotional issues like depression, anxiety or changes in mood. People who are impulsive or hyperactive can appear agitated, and they may try to accomplish a lot at the same time. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which could lead to misunderstandings or relationship problems.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged as a child, and a lot of adults with symptoms are unaware that they have it. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker, instead of battling to stay ahead in school and everyday life. Many people with ADHD experience worsening symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying keep on top of - pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, juggling chores and household chores, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members as well as friends and family members who are familiar with the person and a physical examination and a review of the person's medical history. The person may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to determine working memory, executive function and spatial and visual skills.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medications. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slow than stimulants, yet help improve the symptoms of ADHD. People who have particular health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.
Some adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their symptoms and to develop healthy family, school and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults suffering from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to discover more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended interview 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 problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she will also review your past medical records and conduct physical examination.
Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other mental or physical disorders like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. It is estimated that those who have ADHD are six-times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD have a hard finding and keeping a job. They also have a harder managing finances and staying on top of household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing health issues, such as heart disease, obesity and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to have poor eating habits and experience difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people with ADHD who were treated in mental health facilities as children were diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. However, the sample size was small. An enlargement of the sample could have provided more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown ADHD to be a persistent and persistent problem for adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life, and can lead to a variety of comorbid conditions, like mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a higher chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric issues.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might require receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy throughout their lives.