Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed 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 interfere with your daily activities, whether at home, at work, and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for families and marriage can also be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it might seem as if you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you could feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel you're unable manage the many responsibilities in front of you. You could be working full time, caring for children or an elderly parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.
Your difficulty keeping up can cause embarrassment, anger, hopelessness and a loss of confidence. It's not an issue if you have ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is a diagnosis.
A medical professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by performing an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering information regarding your medical and psychiatric history. 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 occurred 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 which include work, school and social interactions.
If your inattention is a serious problem, you might skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your responsibilities. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances and you could also be having difficulty with simple tasks like making sure you visit the doctor or take your medication.
People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations with other people or utter answers to questions before you're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness can lead to risky behaviors like driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to studies, genetics and environment play a major role in the development ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to be passed down through the family, and some scientists believe that issues with your central nervous system during critical developmental phases increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview, a review of medical documents, school or work records as well as family medical histories and a mental screening. A trained professional may also conduct a physical examination and/or tests in the laboratory to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. how do i get an adhd diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for six months or more, and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.
People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with ongoing issues which could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems financial or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.
Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by friends, relatives and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as irresponsible, lazy or a bad employee. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression.
Women tend to be better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They may employ strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, for example frequent distractions and daydreaming, or use tools to make up for their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign 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 determine ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as people developed. However, the 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
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay organized, complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning, and cause anxiety or depression. People who are hyperactive or impulsive may appear restless, and they may try to do many 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 can result in miscommunications or relationship issues.
Symptoms of the disorder often are not recognized until childhood, and many adults with them don't know they have ADHD. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and life. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood, however, many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They're not able to manage all the balls that are flying such as pursuing a career or caring for their family as well as keeping up with errands and housework, as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A health care professional or mental health professional will assess whether a person has ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with relatives and friends, as well as other people who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric history. The patient may also be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to determine executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial skills.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD to focus better and manage their lives, keep track of important information and tasks and manage an impulsive behaviour. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants, but they can help improve the symptoms 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 with ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms and establish healthy relationships at home, in school, and at work. Some adults with ADHD will also be part of clinical trials. These studies help scientists discover more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment inventories will improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chance of 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 history of your or your child's health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also look over your previous medical records and conduct physical examination.
Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other medical or psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression, which need to be treated. It is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six-times more likely to experience mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of using drugs.
Adults with ADHD have a tough to find and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk for developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, those with ADHD who were treated in mental health services as young children were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. The sample size was small. A larger sample could provide more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven that ADHD is a persistent and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and may lead to other health issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at an increased risk for incarceration and divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric problems.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might need receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.