Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult could give possibilities for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must affect daily functioning, at work, home and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem solving skills. Family and marital counseling can also be helpful.
Signs and symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it could appear that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel that you can't take on the many responsibilities in front of you. You could be working full-time as a caregiver for children or an aging parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up may cause frustration and embarrassment. You may also feel hopeless and lose confidence. You may even be embarrassed. It's not an issue if you have ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric examination can be performed by a health care professional to determine ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining details on your mental health and medical background. The doctor may 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 occurred prior to age 12 and continue to interfere with your daily life. You must also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different environments, including school, work and social relationships.
You could miss appointments, make careless errors at home or at work, and fail to fulfill your responsibilities if your lack of attention is an issue. You may be struggling with managing your finances and health and may have a hard working through everyday tasks, such as remembering to take medication or visiting the doctor for a checkup.
People who suffer from ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or struggle to wait in lines. Your impulsiveness could lead to reckless actions, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to be inherited from the family, and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system during crucial developmental stages increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview as well as a review of medical records, school or workplace records, family medical histories, and a mental assessment. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months and result in significant impairment of everyday life activities.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can cause chronic problems which could have been prevented or treated. This can lead depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, addiction to drugs, and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in confusion among family members, friends and colleagues. They might be viewed as lazy, irresponsible or even simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might use strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, like the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on devices to compensate for their disorganization and poor time management skills. Women suffering from ADHD might also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they tend to have inattentive symptoms rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's just an altered way of thinking and behave that could cause difficulties in certain situations.
Adults may experience different symptoms as children. Adults with ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, keep track of work or school tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or mood swings. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition may appear restless and may try to accomplish several things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others that can cause confusion and relationships issues.
The symptoms of the disorder usually go unrecognized in childhood, and many adults with them do not know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life they may have been labelled as either a dreamer or a slacker. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood However, many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They're not able to handle all the balls they have to keep in the air--pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, juggling chores and household chores, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis includes conversations with family members, friends and others who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric history. The patient may also be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests can be conducted to assess executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial abilities.
Stimulant medication is the most frequently used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also manage impulsive behaviors. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine, can be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, yet they can still help improve symptoms. Patients with particular health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms and build healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults with ADHD. These studies allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience treating ADHD in adult patients will usually conduct an extended interview. The evaluator will also ask you about your your child’s past health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she could also review your medical records and perform a physical examination.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such anxiety and depression, that require treatment. In fact, it is believed that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to have mood disorders than others. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD have a hard finding and keeping jobs. They also have a tougher managing finances and juggling household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in a minor mental health clinic when they were children. However, the sample size was small. An enlargement of the sample would have provided more details about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven ADHD to be a chronic and persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and lead to other conditions like mood disorders learning disabilities, addiction to alcohol and other drugs. People with untreated ADHD are at a greater risk for incarceration or divorce, as well as having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious mental health issues.
It is recommended that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and every month after that until the symptoms are managed. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to receive psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.