Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may 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 in social settings. Talk therapy can aid in improving the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Marital and family counseling can also be helpful.
Signs and symptoms
You might feel that you are not living up to your full potential if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you might feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel that you can't take on the many tasks in front of you. You could be working full-time, caring for children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your difficulty in keeping up may cause embarrassment, anger despair and a loss of confidence. It's not your problem in the event that you suffer from ADHD. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your problems. The first step in the process of diagnosing.
A health professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by performing a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering information regarding your medical and mental health background. The doctor might also inquire 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 before age 12 and continue to cause problems with your life. You should also be having difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different environments, including school, work and social relationships.
You may be late for appointments, make erroneous mistakes at home or at work, and fail to fulfill your obligations if lack of attention is a problem. You may have trouble managing your finances and health and may have a difficult time with simple tasks like taking medication, or visiting the doctor for a checkup.
For people with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations worse. You could interrupt other people's conversations and spit out answers to questions before you're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in line. Your impulsiveness can result in risky behavior like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to run in the family, and some researchers believe that problems with your central nervous system during crucial developmental stages increase the risk of developing.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who has an expertise in ADHD can help those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview, a review of medical history, work or school records along with family medical history and a mental health screening. IamPsychiatry trained professional can also conduct a physical examination or lab tests to rule out other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for six months or more and are causing significant impairments in the daily routine.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues and financial stress as well as work-related stress, drug abuse, and even serious accidents such as motor crashes.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by friends, relatives and coworkers. They may be viewed by others as irresponsible, lazy or even a bad employee. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. They might use strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, for example the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to make up for their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD also might have trouble identifying their own symptoms as they tend to have inattentive symptoms rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's just an altered way of thinking and behaving that may cause problems in certain situations or settings.
For adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as they grew up. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay organized, complete their work and school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. The symptoms can also affect everyday functioning and lead to mental issues such as depression, anxiety or mood swings. People who are impulsive or hyperactive can appear agitated, and they might try to accomplish a lot at the same time. They may fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which could lead to misunderstandings or problems with relationships.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged as a child, and a lot of adults with symptoms aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life, they may have been labelled as an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people suffering from ADHD have increasing symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're not able to manage all the balls at once such as pursuing a career or taking care of family members, while also keeping up with chores at home and errands and maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A health care professional or mental health professional will determine whether a person suffers from ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members or friends who know the person as well as a physical exam and a review a person's medical history. The person may be asked to complete standard ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to assess executive function and working memory as well as visual and spatial abilities.
Stimulant drugs are the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD improve their focus, organize their lives, recall important information and tasks and manage the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can be used to treat ADHD. They work more slowly than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. Patients with certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor before taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms and to develop healthy family, school and work relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD will also be part of clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to discover more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adult patients will usually conduct an extended interview. The examiner will also inquire with you about your or children's health history as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she might also look over your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical.
Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such depression and anxiety, which must be treated. It is estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People with ADHD also are more likely to be victims of using drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time to find and keep jobs. They also face difficulties managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing health problems, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to have bad eating habits and to struggle to maintain and form relationships with their partners.
In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health facilities when they were children. The sample size was small. A larger sample size would have provided additional information about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven that ADHD is a chronic permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can lead to other issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. People with untreated ADHD are at a greater risk of being incarcerated, divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric issues.
It is recommended that all adults who have an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days and monthly thereafter until their symptoms are controlled. Adults with ADHD might need to receive psychotherapy and/or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.