Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can 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 interfere with daily functioning, at home, work and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Family and marital counseling can also be helpful.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it might seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult due to your obligations. You might be working full-time, caring for children or an aging parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment, frustration despair, and the loss of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is a diagnosis.
A health professional can detect ADHD in adults by performing an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining information about your mental and medical history. The provider may also ask you to provide information 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 interfere with your daily activities. You must also be having difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different environments which include work, school and social interactions.
You could miss appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your responsibilities if your lack of attention is an issue. You may have trouble managing your health and finances and may have a hard to complete simple tasks like making sure you take your medication on time or visiting the doctor for a checkup.
People who suffer from ADHD can make difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or struggle to wait in line. Your impulsiveness could lead to risky activities, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
According to studies the genetics and the environment are key factors in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be inherited from families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase your chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview and an examination of medical documents, school or work records as well as family medical histories and a mental health screening. A specialist may also perform a physical exam or laboratory tests to determine if there are other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent 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 not treated ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, work-related or financial stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to confusion among family members, friends and coworkers. They may be perceived as irresponsible, lazy or even simply crazy. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they depend on methods and tools to compensate for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women with ADHD might also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to experience inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's simply an alternative approach to thinking and acting that can cause challenges in certain situations or environments.
Adults may have different symptoms in comparison to children. However, the symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria set forth in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, keep track of school or work tasks and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning and cause emotional issues like depression, anxiety, or shifts in mood. People with hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the disorder may seem agitated and try to do several things at the same time, but fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which could lead to misunderstandings or relationship issues.
The symptoms of the disorder typically remain unnoticed in childhood, and many adults with the disorder do not know they have ADHD. They may have been described as a dreamer, goof-off, slacker or troublemaker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and daily life. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood However, many people who suffer from ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They aren't able to handle all the balls that are flying such as pursuing a career or caring for their family as well as keeping up with chores at home and errands and maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the individual, a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical history. The person may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests can be conducted to measure executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual skills.
Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated by stimulant medications. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD better focus and organize their lives, recall important information and tasks and manage impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants but still improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with certain health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to manage their symptoms, and how to establish healthy family, school and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults with ADHD. adhd diagnosing allow scientists to learn more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults using various assessment tools will increase diagnostic accuracy and reduce mistakes in diagnosis. The process usually involves an extended discussion with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation will also ask you questions about children's health history, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator may also review your medical records and perform an examination of your physical.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety that must be treated. In fact, it is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than other people. People with ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of substance abuse.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time finding and keeping a job. They also have difficulty managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people with ADHD who were treated in mental health facilities as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. The sample size was not large. A larger sample could have provided more details about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.
Research has revealed that ADHD is a chronic permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It has a negative impact on the quality of life and can cause variety of comorbid conditions, like learning disabilities, mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. People who do not treat ADHD are at a greater risk for incarceration, divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric issues.
It is recommended that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and every month after that until their symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD may require receiving psychotherapy or medication for the rest of their lives.