Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could 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 affect your daily activities, whether at work, home and in social settings. Talk therapy can aid in improving communication and problem-solving skills. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
You might feel that you are not doing enough to fulfill your full potential when you have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel like you're unable to manage the numerous tasks ahead of you. You could be working full-time, caring for children or an aging parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.
Your difficulty keeping up can result in embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and an eroding of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your challenges. The first step is a diagnosis.
A health care professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by performing an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as collecting information regarding your medical and psychopathological background. The provider may ask 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 the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in multiple situations, like at school, work and in your social interactions.
If your inattention is a serious issue, you may miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your obligations. You might be struggling with managing your finances and health, and you might also experience problems with tasks that are simple such as making sure you visit the doctor or take your medication.
For people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations more difficult. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or have difficulty waiting in lines. Your impulsive behavior could lead to risky activities, such as driving too fast 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 inherited from families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental stages increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview as well as a review of medical records, workplace or school records and family medical histories and a mental assessment. A specialized professional may conduct physical examinations or lab tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment in daily life functions.
People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with persistent issues which could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretations by family members, friends and coworkers. They might be viewed as irresponsible, lazy or a poor employee, or simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it harder to get the correct diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their impulsivity and inattention. Or they might depend on strategies and tools to compensate for their poor time management and disorganization. Women suffering from ADHD also might have trouble in recognizing their own symptoms since they tend to have symptoms of inattention, not the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's simply an altered way of thinking and behave that may cause difficulties in certain situations.
Adults may exhibit different symptoms in comparison to children. 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 individuals to have difficulty to stay organized and complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. These symptoms can affect daily functioning, and cause emotional issues such as depression or anxiety. People who are impulsive or hyperactive may appear restless, and they may try to accomplish a lot at the same time. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or relationship problems.
ADHD is not often recognized in childhood and many adults with symptoms aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in their studies and daily life they might have been labelled as a dreamer or a slacker. As responsibilities increase in adulthood However, many people who have ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They're unable to handle all the balls they have to keep up-to-date with: pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, keeping up with household chores and errands, as well as working on social and romantic relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will determine whether a person suffers from ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with relatives, friends and others who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and mental health background. The person may also be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to test executive function and working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant drugs are the most common treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also control the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They work more slowly than stimulants, but still improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their doctor.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms, and how to build healthy school, family and work relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are also enrolled in clinical trials. These studies help scientists learn more about the latest methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment instruments will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize the chance of misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended conversation with a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the background of your or your child's health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also review your past medical records and perform an examination of your body.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other medical or psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it is thought that people with ADHD are six times more likely to have mood disorders than others. People who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD have a tough to find and keep a job. They also have a difficult time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk for developing other health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to have poor eating habits and are more likely to have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.
In one study, individuals with ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. However the sample size was very small. An enlargement of the sample would have provided more details about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven ADHD to be a persistent and persistent disorder 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, and the abuse of alcohol and drugs. People with untreated ADHD are at an increased risk for incarceration and divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious mental health issues.
Adults with 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 suffering from ADHD may need to continue to receive psychotherapy and/or medication for the rest of their lives.