Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult can provide treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect daily functioning, at home, at work, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD, it may seem that you're not living up to your potential. You may be overwhelmed as an adult by your responsibilities. You could be working full-time, caring for aging parents or children, as well as taking care of household chores.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can result in embarrassment, frustration despair, and a loss of confidence. If you have ADHD it's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric assessment can be utilized by a health professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining information about your medical and mental health history. The provider may ask about the history 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 cause problems with your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in two or more situations, like at work, school as well as in your social relationships.
If your inattention is a major issue, you could be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home and fail to fulfill your responsibilities. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances, and you might also experience difficulty with simple tasks like remembering to visit the doctor or take your medication.
For those with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations worse. You might interrupt conversations, answer questions before people are finished or have trouble waiting in lines. Your impulsivity could cause risky actions like driving too fast or spending money in reckless ways.
According to studies the genetics and the environment are key factors in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be inherited from families and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who has a specialization in ADHD can assist people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview and review of medical background, school or work records along with family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to identify other conditions that share similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and cause significant impairments in the daily routine.
People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with ongoing issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, drug abuse, and even serious accidents, such as motor crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretation by family members, friends and coworkers. They may be viewed by others as lazy, irresponsible or a bad employee. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater chance of developing depression and anxiety.
Women tend to be better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, for example frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on devices to help them cope with 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 experience hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capacity. It's simply an alternative approach to thinking and acting that could cause difficulties in certain situations or settings.
Adults may experience different symptoms in comparison to children. However, symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria set forth in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, stay on top of work or school tasks and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and lead to mental issues such as depression, anxiety, or mood swings. People who are hyperactive or impulsive can appear agitated, and may attempt to accomplish a lot at the same time. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or relationship issues.
Symptoms of the disorder often remain unnoticed in childhood, and many adults with them don't know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and everyday life they might have been labeled an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from increasing symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're not able to handle all the balls they have to keep up-to-date with: pursuing a career, caring for family members, keeping up with chores and household chores, and working on social and romantic relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a patient has ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the individual, a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical history. The person could be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to assess working memory and executive function as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant medications are the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, organize their lives and remember important information. They also help control impulse-driven behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants but still aid in the treatment of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their physician.
Some adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching, individual therapy group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms, and how to develop healthy school, family and workplace relationships. Some adults with ADHD will also be part of clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to discover more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults using various assessment instruments will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease mistakes in diagnosis. The process usually involves an extended discussion with a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your or your child's health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They might also look over your medical records and perform an examination of your physical.
Many people suffering from ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, such anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it is believed that those with ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of substance abuse.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulty to get and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk for developing other health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to have bad eating habits and to have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health facilities when they were children. However the sample size was very small. An expansion of the sample might have provided more details about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a persistent and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative effect on the quality of life and may lead to other health issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. If left untreated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration, divorce and a lower socioeconomic status for those with ADHD.
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 might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for more info the rest of their lives.