Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult may open up possibilities for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect your daily activities, whether at home, at work, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem-solving skills. Counseling for families and marriage can also be helpful.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it could appear like you're failing to live up to your potential. You may be overwhelmed as an adult due to your obligations. You might be working full-time and caring for your children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and frustration. You may also feel hopeless, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. If you have ADHD It's not your fault. It's important to recognize that there are ways to overcome your issues. The first step is a diagnosis.
A medical professional can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This includes talking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD list of symptoms, and gathering information on your mental health and medical history. 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 prior to age 12 and continue to interfere with your life. You must also be having difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different situations such as school, work and social interactions.
You may be late for appointments, make careless errors at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your obligations if your lack of attention is a problem. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a difficult to complete simple tasks, like making sure you take your medication on time or visiting the doctor for checkups.
For those with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations worse. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions before others are done or have difficulty waiting in line. Your impulsivity could result in risky behavior like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to be passed down through the family, and some scientists believe that problems with your central nervous system during critical developmental stages increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health care professional with a specialization in ADHD can help people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview as well as reviewing medical records, school or workplace records, family medical histories, and a mental assessment. A trained professional can also conduct a physical exam or lab tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at least six months and cause significant impairment in daily life functions.
People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD may struggle all their lives with chronic difficulties that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family issues and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, substance abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretation by family members, friends and colleagues. They may be viewed by others as lazy, irresponsible or as a bad employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their inattentiveness and impulsivity. They may also use methods and tools to compensate for their poor time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD also might have trouble in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to experience inattentive symptoms rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or ability. It's just a different way to think and behave that could cause challenges in certain situations.
Adults may experience different symptoms as children. However, 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
Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay on track, complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and lead to emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or mood swings. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition can appear agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at the same time, but fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which can result in miscommunications or problems with relationships.
Symptoms of the disorder often are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults with them aren't aware of ADHD. They might have been viewed as a goof-off, dreamer or a slacker, instead of struggling to stay on top in school and everyday life. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms as their obligations increase. They can't manage all the balls in the air - pursuing a career and caring for their family and juggling with errands and housework, and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will determine whether a person has ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with relatives, 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 standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to assess working memory, executive function as well as spatial and visual skills.
Stimulant medication is the most common treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and keep track of important information. They also help control impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and antidepressants. They work more slow than stimulants, yet aid in the treatment of ADHD. Patients with certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure must consult with their doctor before taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms and to develop healthy relationships at home, in school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults with ADHD. These trials allow scientists to discover more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the chance of misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended conversation with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner may also inquire about the history of your your child's health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They may also review your medical records and perform an examination of your body.
Many people with ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which must be treated. In fact, it's believed that those with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than other people. People with ADHD also are more likely to be victims of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD have a hard finding and keeping jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are more at risk for developing other health problems, including obesity, heart disease and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and are more likely to have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.
In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health services when they were children. However the size of the sample was small. A larger sample size would have provided additional information on the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.
Research has proven that ADHD is a persistent permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and can lead to other issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, the abuse of alcohol and drugs. If left how to diagnosis adhd , ADHD increases the chance of incarceration, divorce and a lower social economic status for people with ADHD.
Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might require receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest their lives.