Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult may open up 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 your daily activities at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving communication and problem-solving skills. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it might seem that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel that you can't manage the numerous tasks ahead of you. You might be working full time and caring for your children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your difficulty keeping up can result in embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and an eroding of confidence. If you have ADHD it's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A health professional can diagnose ADHD in adults through an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This includes talking with you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining information about your mental health and medical background. The provider may ask 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 affecting your life. You should also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different environments which include work, school and social relationships.
You could miss appointments, make careless errors at work or home and fail to meet your responsibilities if your lack of attention is an issue. You may have trouble managing your finances and health and may have a difficult time with simple tasks like making sure you take your medication on time or visiting the doctor for a checkup.
People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You might disrupt conversations with others or utter answers to questions before you're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness could lead to reckless actions, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
According to studies that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a significant role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview, a review of medical background, school or work records as well as family medical history. a mental health screening. A specialist may also perform a physical exam or laboratory tests to determine if there are other conditions that may have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment in everyday life activities.
People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with chronic difficulties which could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems financial or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretations by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen as lazy, irresponsible, a bad employee or simply crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they use strategies and tools to compensate for their poor time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention, not hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's just an altered way of thinking and behave that can create difficulties in certain situations.
In adults, it may be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms could have changed as they grew up. However, symptoms of ADHD in adults still match the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay organized, complete their work and school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with everyday functioning and lead to emotional problems such as depression, anxiety or mood swings. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the disorder may seem agitated and try to do several things at the same time, but fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which can cause confusion or problems with relationships.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged in the early years and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder are unaware that they have it. They might have been viewed as a goof-off, dreamer, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and life. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood however, many who suffer from ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They are unable to manage all the balls they have to keep up-to-date with: pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, juggling household chores and errands, as well as working on social and romantic relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if someone has ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members as well as friends and family members who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical history. The person may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to measure working memory, executive function and spatial and visual abilities.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medications. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, organize their lives and keep track of important information. They also help control the get more info impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. They work more slowly than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching, individual therapy group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms as well as develop healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults with ADHD. These studies help scientists learn more about new ways to identify, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended discussion with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator will also ask you questions about the child's previous health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also look over your previous medical records and conduct physical examination.
Many people suffering from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like anxiety and depression, that require treatment. It is estimated that those with ADHD are six-times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD also are more likely to be victims of substance abuse.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard time finding and keeping a job. They also have a harder time managing finances and juggling household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing health problems, like heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and to have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health facilities as children were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. The sample size was not large. A larger sample size could have provided more details about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a persistent permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative effect on the quality of life and may lead to other health issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, alcohol and drugs abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a higher risk of being incarcerated, divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious psychiatric problems.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD may require to receive psychotherapy and/or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.