Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult can give treatment options.
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 daily functioning at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can enhance communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD, it may seem that you're not living up to your potential. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult by your responsibilities. You may be working full time and caring for your children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your difficulty in keeping up may lead to embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and a loss of confidence. It's not a problem if you have ADHD. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is the process of diagnosing.
A medical professional can identify ADHD in adults by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This includes talking with you about symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining information about your medical and mental health background. The doctor might also ask you to provide information 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. adhd adult diagnosis must have occurred prior to age 12 and continue to affect your life. You should also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different environments, including school, work and social interactions.
If your inattention is a major problem, you might skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your responsibilities. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances, and you may also have difficulty with simple tasks such as remembering to visit the doctor or take your medication.
People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions before others are done or struggle to wait in lines. Your impulsive behavior could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to run in families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase your risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health professional who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview and a review of medical history, work or school records as well as family medical history. an assessment of mental health. A specialist may also conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment to everyday activities.
People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with chronic difficulties that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretations by family members, friends and coworkers. They might be viewed as lazy, irresponsible, a bad employee or simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult to get a proper diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, such as constant distractions and daydreaming or use tools to compensate for their disorganization and lack of time management skills. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to experience hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capability. It's merely a different way of thinking and behaving that can cause challenges in certain situations or settings.
Adults may have different symptoms as children. However, the 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
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, keep track of school or work tasks and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues like anxiety or depression. People who are impulsive or hyperactive might appear to be agitated and may attempt to accomplish a lot simultaneously. They may fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or relationship issues.
Symptoms of the disorder often go unrecognized in childhood, and many adults with them don't know they have ADHD. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and life. As the demands of adulthood increase However, many people who have ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They're unable to handle all the balls they have to keep on top of - pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, keeping up with household chores and errands, as well as working on social and romantic relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a patient has ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the individual and a physical examination and a review of a person's medical history. The person could also be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological testing can be used to measure executive function, 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 better focus and organize their lives, recall important information and tasks and manage their the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may also be used to treat ADHD. They perform more slowly than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, people who suffer from certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms, and how to develop healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults with ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience treating ADHD in adult patients will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your your child's health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also go through your past medical records and perform physical examination.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other medical or psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. It is estimated that those with ADHD are six-times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a greater risk of using drugs.
Adults with ADHD often find it difficult to secure and maintain jobs. They also have difficulty managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and are more likely to have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, those with ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as children were diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. However the sample size was small. A larger sample size could have provided more details about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven that ADHD is a persistent permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and can lead to other issues like mood disorders learning disabilities, as well as alcohol and drugs abuse. If left untreated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration, divorce and a lower socioeconomic status for people with ADHD.
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 under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may require to receive psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.