Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult can give possibilities for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should significantly interfere with your daily life at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it might seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult by your responsibilities. You could be full-time at work or caring for elderly parents or children, or taking care of household chores.
Your difficulty keeping up can lead to embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and the loss of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD It's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are ways to overcome your issues. The first step is a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric assessment can be performed by a health professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining details on your mental health and medical 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 been present before age 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily activities. You may also have issues with these behavior in multiple situations, like at school, work as well as in your social interactions.
You may miss appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or home and not be able to meet your responsibilities if your inattention is a problem. You may be struggling with managing your finances and health and may have a hard to complete simple tasks, like making sure you take your medication on time or visiting the doctor for a checkup.
For people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations more difficult. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions before others are done or struggle to wait in the line. Your impulsivity could lead to risky behaviors, such as driving too quickly or spending money recklessly.
Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be passed down through families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase your risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and a review of medical history, work or school records as well as family medical history. an examination for mental health. A specialized professional may conduct physical examinations or lab tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and result in significant impairment of everyday activities.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems financial stress, work-related stress, drug abuse, and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretations by family members, friends and colleagues. They might be viewed as irresponsible, lazy or even just plain crazy. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They might use strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, for example constant distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to compensate for their disorganization and lack of time management skills. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they tend to have inattentive symptoms rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's just an alternative approach to thinking and acting that can cause challenges in certain situations or settings.
Adults may experience different symptoms than children. 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 might struggle to stay organized, keep track of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning, and cause emotional issues like anxiety or depression. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the disorder may seem agitated and try to do several things at once, and fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which could lead to misunderstandings or problems with relationships.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged in childhood and many adults with symptoms are not aware of it. Instead of struggling to keep up in their studies and daily life, they may have been labeled a dreamer or a slacker. As responsibilities increase in adulthood, however, many people who suffer from ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They're not able to manage all the balls at once such as pursuing a career or taking care of family members and juggling with errands and housework, and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a patient has ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members, friends, and others who know the person, a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical history. The person may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to measure working memory and executive function as well as visual and spatial abilities.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated by stimulant medications. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also manage impulse-driven behaviors. Non-stimulant here drugs, like antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, yet nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Patients with certain health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms and to establish healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. Certain adults suffering from ADHD also will participate in clinical studies. These studies help scientists learn more about new ways to identify, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your child's or your own health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also review your past medical records and conduct an examination of your body.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. It is estimated that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a greater risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard time finding and keeping a job. They also have a tougher managing finances and keeping track of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk for developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to have poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in a minor mental health clinic as children. However, the sample size was very small. A larger sample size would have provided additional information about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a chronic and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can cause variety of comorbid conditions, such as mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People with untreated ADHD are at a greater chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status and more serious mental health issues.
It is recommended that all adults who have new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and monthly thereafter until their symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or medication for the rest of their lives.