Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could provide treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect daily functioning, at home, at work, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Family and marital counseling can also be helpful.
Symptoms
You might feel that you're not living up to your full potential if you have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel like you're unable to manage the many tasks in front of you. You may be full-time at work, caring for aging parents or children, and managing household chores.
Inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and anger. You might also feel depressed and lose confidence. You may even feel embarrassed. It's not an issue in the event that you suffer from ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your challenges. The first step is a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be used by a health professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom lists, and gathering information on your medical and mental health history. The doctor might inquire about the history 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 to cause problems with your daily activities. You may also have issues with these behaviors in two or more situations, like at work, school and in your social interactions.
You may be late for appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or home, and fail to fulfill your obligations if inattention is a problem. You may have trouble managing your finances and health and may have a difficult to complete simple tasks, such as remembering to take medication or visiting the doctor for a checkup.
For those with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations worse. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions before others are done or have difficulty waiting in the line. Your impulsiveness can cause risky actions, such as driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to research that have been conducted, environment and genetics are key factors 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 crucial developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who has an expertise in ADHD can help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview as well as reviewing medical documents, school or work records as well as family medical histories and a mental assessment. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to rule other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment in daily life functions.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems, work-related or financial stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by friends, relatives and coworkers. They could be seen by others as lazy, irresponsible or a poor employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. adult adhd diagnosis uk can make it harder to get a proper diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, such as constant distractions and daydreaming or rely on devices to compensate for their disorganization and lack of time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD also might have trouble diagnosing their own symptoms, as they tend to have symptoms of inattention, not hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's simply an altered way of thinking and behave that could cause difficulties in certain situations.
In adults, it may be difficult to determine ADHD because the symptoms could have changed over time as they grew up. However, the 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 relationships with others. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like depression, anxiety, or changes in mood. People who are impulsive or hyperactive might appear to be agitated and they may try to do a variety of things at the same time. They might not finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to others, leading to misunderstandings and relationships issues.
Symptoms of the disorder often remain unnoticed in the early years, and a lot of adults who have them do not know they have ADHD. They might have been viewed as a goof-off, dreamer or a slacker, instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life. Many people who suffer from ADHD have worsening symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're not able to manage all the balls in the air such as pursuing a career or caring for their family as well as keeping up with housework and errands, and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members as well as friends and family members who know the person as well as a physical exam and a review a person's medical history. The person may also be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological testing may be done to measure executive function, working memory and spatial and visual abilities.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated by stimulant medications. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also control impulsive behaviors. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. People who have certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help 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 who suffer from ADHD. These studies help scientists gain knowledge 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 decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The examiner may also inquire about the history of your your child's health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also review your past medical records and perform physical examination.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety, which require treatment. It is estimated that people who have ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to be victims of substance abuse.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often find it difficult to get and keep jobs. They also have difficulty managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing health problems, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and experience difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health services as children. However the sample size was very small. A larger sample could have provided additional information on the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.
Research has proven that ADHD is a persistent and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can result in a variety of comorbid conditions, like learning disabilities, mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated, divorce and an economic disadvantage for those suffering from ADHD.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest their lives.