Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms 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, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Marital and family counseling can also be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it could appear like you're failing to live up to your potential. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel like you're unable to get a handle on the many tasks in front of you. You may be working full-time, caring for children or an aging parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Inability to keep up can cause embarrassment and frustration. You might be feeling hopeless or lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. If you have ADHD It's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to your problems. The first step in a diagnosis.
A health professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by performing an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining information about your mental health and medical background. The provider may also inquire about your family 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 been present prior to age 12 and have continued to impact your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in multiple situations, like at work, school as well as in your social relationships.
You may miss appointments, make careless errors at home or at work, and fail to fulfill your obligations if your inattention is an issue. You may have trouble managing your finances and health and may have a difficult time with simple tasks, such as taking medication, or going to the doctor for checkups.
People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may interrupt other people's conversations or utter answers to questions before you're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could lead to reckless actions, 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 tend to be passed down through families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase your risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care professional with an expertise in ADHD can assist people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview as well as reviewing medical documents, school or work records, family medical histories, and a mental health screening. A trained professional can also conduct a physical examination or lab tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms must be present for at least six months and result in significant impairment of everyday life activities.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems financial or work-related stress as well as 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 lazy, unreliable or a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they depend on 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 inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's just an alternative approach to thinking and acting that could cause difficulties in certain situations or environments.
For adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as they became older. However, the signs 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 on track and complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with the daily routine and trigger anxiety or depression. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition can appear agitated and try to do several things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which can cause confusion or relationship problems.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged in the early years and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder are unaware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and everyday life, they may have been labeled either a dreamer or a slacker. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood however, many who suffer from ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They're not able to manage all the balls in the air such as pursuing a career or caring for family and juggling with errands and housework, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will assess whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes conversations with family members or friends who know the person well, a physical exam, and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric background. The person may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to measure executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual skills.
Stimulant medications are the most common treatment for adults with ADHD. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD improve their focus, organize their lives, remember important information and tasks and control impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slow than stimulants, yet help improve the symptoms more info of ADHD. Patients with certain health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD may benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their symptoms, and how to build healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Some adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies aid scientists in learning more about new methods to identify, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the history of your your child's health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she could also review your medical records and perform an examination of your body.
Many people suffering from ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which need to be treated. In fact, it is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulty to get and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk for developing other health problems, like obesity, heart disease and smoking. They are also more likely to develop poor eating habits and struggle to maintain and form romantic relationships.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities as children. However, the sample size was small. An expansion of the sample would have provided more details about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has revealed that ADHD is a chronic permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life, and can result in a variety of comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. People with untreated ADHD are at a greater risk for incarceration or divorce, as well as being less socioeconomically stable and more serious psychiatric problems.
It is recommended that all adults who have an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and every month after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy throughout their lives.