Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. 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 must be a major hindrance with daily functioning at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it may seem that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you might feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel that you can't get a handle on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You could be working full time, caring for children or an elderly parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment, frustration despair and an eroding of confidence. It's not an issue when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to recognize that there are ways to overcome your challenges. The first step is a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be performed by a health care professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering information about your medical and psychiatric background. The doctor might also ask you about your family's history of 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 occurred prior to the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in multiple situations, like at work, school and in your social relationships.
If your inattention is a major issue, you may 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 may also have difficulties with everyday tasks such as remembering to visit the doctor or take your medication.
People with ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations, answer questions after people have finished or have difficulty waiting in lines. Your impulsivity might result in dangerous activities, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to run in families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview and a review of medical records, school or workplace records and family medical histories and a mental screening. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical examination 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 are causing significant impairments in the daily routine.
diagnose adhd who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with chronic difficulties which could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes.
Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by friends, relatives and coworkers. They may be perceived as lazy, irresponsible or a poor employee, or simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they use strategies and tools to compensate for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to experience hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It's important to remember that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capacity. It's merely a different way to think and behave that can create problems in certain situations.
In adults, it may be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as they grew up. However, the symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
People with undiagnosed ADHD may struggle to get organized, keep track of school or work tasks and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like anxiety, depression or shifts in mood. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition may appear restless and try to do several things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people that can cause confusion and relationship problems.
Symptoms of the disorder often are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults with them do not know they have ADHD. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and daily life. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from more severe symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're not able to manage all the balls at once - pursuing a career and caring for family and juggling with chores at home and errands and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person suffers from ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with family and friends, as well as other people who know the person well and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and mental health background. The patient may be asked to complete standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to test working memory and executive function as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant drugs. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD improve their focus and organize their lives, recall important information and tasks and control the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants but still aid in the treatment of ADHD. People who have particular health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their symptoms, and how to build healthy school, family and workplace relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies aid scientists in learning more about new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment inventories will improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner may also inquire about the history of your your child's health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They will also look over your previous medical records and perform a physical exam.
Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, that require treatment. It is estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of substance abuse.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard finding and keeping jobs. They also have a difficult time managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing other health problems, like obesity, heart disease, and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities as children. The sample size was not large. An enlargement of the sample would have provided more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a persistent and persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life and can lead to a range of comorbidities, like mood disorders, learning disabilities as well as alcohol and drug abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at an increased chance of being in prison, divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious mental health issues.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest of their lives.