Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult may 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 be a major hindrance with your daily activities at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem-solving skills. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it could appear that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel you're unable get a handle on the many tasks in front of you. You may be working full-time, caring for aging parents or children, as well as managing household chores.
Inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and frustration. You might be feeling hopeless and lose confidence. You may even feel embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD, it's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A health care professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This includes talking with you about symptoms, requiring you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD list of symptoms, and gathering information on your medical and mental health background. The doctor might also ask you 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 before the age of 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily activities. You must also have difficulty with these behavior in multiple situations, like at work, school as well as in your social interactions.
If your inattention is a significant issue, you could be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home and fail to fulfill your obligations. You might have trouble managing your finances and health, and you may also have difficulties with everyday tasks such as remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication.
For people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations worse. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or have trouble waiting in lines. Your impulsivity might result in dangerous activities, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
According to research, genetics and environment play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care specialist who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview, a review of medical documents, school or work records and family medical histories and a mental screening. A specialist may also conduct a physical examination and/or tests in the laboratory to determine if there are other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for six months or more and cause significant impairments in daily life.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.
Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen by others as lazy, irresponsible or even a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Women are more adept in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they rely on methods and tools to make up for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention, not the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's merely a different way to think and behave that may cause difficulties in certain situations.
In adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms could have changed as they grew up. 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 cause people to struggle to stay organized, complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues such as depression or anxiety. People who are impulsive or hyperactive may appear restless, and may attempt to do a variety of things at the same time. They may fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or problems with relationships.
Symptoms of the disorder often go unrecognized in the early years, and a lot of adults who have them aren't aware of ADHD. They may have been described as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and life. Many people who suffer from ADHD have more severe symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They can't manage all the balls in the air working on a job and taking care of family members and juggling with chores at home and errands as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with relatives or friends who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical and mental health history. The patient may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to determine executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial skills.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated by stimulant medications. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. how to get diagnosed with adhd can help people with ADHD focus better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also manage impulse-driven behaviors. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, yet nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Patients with certain health problems like 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 help adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms and develop healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults with ADHD. These studies help scientists learn more about new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the chance of misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended conversation with a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator will also ask you about your the child's previous health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They will also go through your past medical records and perform physical examination.
Many people with ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such depression and anxiety that require treatment. It is estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely to experience mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also are at a higher risk of using drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time finding and keeping a job. They also have a harder time managing finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD have an increased risk of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to have poor eating habits and are more likely to have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.
In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in mental health services as young children were diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. The sample size was not large. An enlargement of the sample could provide more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a long-lasting, persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative effect on quality of life and can cause variety of comorbid conditions, like learning disabilities, mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. People with untreated ADHD are at an increased risk for incarceration or divorce, as well as having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric issues.
It is advised that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days, and then every month after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue to receive psychotherapy and/or medication for the rest of their lives.