Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't 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 must be a major hindrance with your daily life at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Family and marital counseling can also be helpful.
Symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it might seem that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel that you can't get a handle on the many responsibilities in front of you. You may be working full-time or caring for elderly parents or children, and managing household chores.
Your difficulty keeping up can cause embarrassment, anger despair and an eroding of confidence. If you have ADHD it's not your fault. It's important to understand that there are ways to overcome your issues. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A medical professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists, and gathering information about your medical and psychiatric 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 occurred prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in multiple settings, such as at school, work, and in your social interactions.
You could miss appointments, make mistakes at work or home and fail to meet your obligations if lack of attention is a problem. You might have difficulty managing your finances and health and may have a hard to complete simple tasks like remembering to take medication or visiting the doctor for a checkup.
People with ADHD can make difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You could disrupt conversations with others, blurt out answers to questions before they're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness can cause risky actions, such as driving too quickly or spending money in reckless ways.
According to research that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a significant role in the development ADHD. The symptoms tend to run in families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview, a review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialist may conduct physical examinations and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and cause significant impairments in daily life.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, drug 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 by family members, friends and colleagues. They may be perceived as irresponsible, lazy, a bad employee or just plain crazy. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, for example constant distractions and daydreaming or rely on devices to make up for their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women with ADHD might also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's merely an alternative behavior and way of thinking that can cause challenges in certain situations or environments.
For adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because the signs may have changed as they became older. Adults who suffer from ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People with undiagnosed ADHD might struggle to stay organized, keep track of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger emotional problems such as depression, anxiety or mood swings. Hyperactive or impulsive people can appear agitated, and may attempt to do a variety of things at the same time. They may not be able to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which could cause confusion or relationship issues.
ADHD is often not recognized as a child, and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder are unaware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life they might have been labelled as a dreamer or a slacker. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience worsening symptoms as their obligations increase. They're unable to handle all the balls they have to keep up-to-date with: pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, juggling household chores and errands, as well as working on social and romantic relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members as well as friends and family members who know the person and a physical examination and a review a person's medical history. The patient may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological testing can be used to determine executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD to focus better, organize their lives, recall important information and tasks and manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or antidepressants. They work more slow than stimulants, yet help improve the symptoms of ADHD. People who have particular health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults to manage their ADHD symptoms and establish healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are also enrolled in clinical trials. These studies help scientists learn more about new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat 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. The process typically involves an extended conversation with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner will also inquire with you about your or your child’s past health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They will also look over your previous medical records and perform a physical exam.
Many people with ADHD also have other medical or psychiatric conditions such as anxiety or depression, which must be treated. In fact, it is believed that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than other people. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of using drugs.
Adults with ADHD have a hard to find and keep a job. I Am Psychiatry have a tougher time managing finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing other health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to have poor eating habits and struggle to maintain and form relationships with their partners.
In one study, people with ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as young children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. However, the sample size was very small. A larger sample size would provide additional information on the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.
Research has proven ADHD to be a persistent and persistent disorder among adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life, and can result in a variety of comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at an increased risk for incarceration and divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious mental health issues.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy throughout their lives.