Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult can provide options for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must interfere with everyday functioning at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving the communication and problem-solving abilities. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you're suffering from 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 that you can't manage the many responsibilities in front of you. You might be full-time at work as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, or taking care of household chores.
Your difficulty keeping up can lead to embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and a loss of confidence. It's not a problem if you have ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your difficulties. The first step is a diagnosis.
A health professional can identify ADHD in adults by performing a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering details about your medical and psychopathological background. The provider may 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 age 12 and continue to interfere with your daily activities. You may also have issues with these behaviors in multiple situations, like at work, school, and in your social interactions.
If your inattention is a serious problem, you might be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. You might have trouble managing your health and finances, and you may also have problems with tasks that are simple like making sure you visit the doctor or taking your medication.
People who suffer from ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You might disrupt conversations with others, blurt out answers to questions before they're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could cause risky actions, such as driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically be passed down through the family, and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system during crucial developmental stages increase the risk of developing.
Diagnosis
A health professional who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview, a review of medical records, school or workplace records as well as family medical histories and a mental health screening. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical exam or lab tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for six months or more and are causing significant impairments in the daily routine.
People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with ongoing issues which could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, substance abuse, and even serious accidents, such as motor crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretation by family members, friends and colleagues. They might be viewed as lazy, irresponsible or even just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, like frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on devices to make up for their lack of organization and ineffective time management. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they tend to have symptoms of inattention rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's simply an alternative way of thinking and behave that could cause difficulties in certain situations.
Adults may exhibit different symptoms in comparison to children. Adults who suffer from ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, stay on top of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or shifts in mood. People with hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition can appear agitated and try to do several things at once, and fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people that can cause confusion and relationships issues.
Symptoms of the disorder often are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults with the disorder aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and everyday life they may have been labelled as a dreamer or a slacker. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood however, many who suffer from ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They can't manage all the balls that are flying - pursuing a career and caring for family as well as keeping up with chores at home and errands and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
A get more info mental health professional or health care provider will determine if someone 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 patient may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests are used to assess working memory and executive function as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant drugs are the most frequently used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD improve their focus, organize their lives, recall important information and tasks and manage their the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants, but they can improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with certain health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms and build healthy relationships at home, in school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults suffering from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults using various assessment instruments will improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce mistakes in diagnosis. The process often includes an extended interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator will also ask you about your your child’s past health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also look over your previous medical records and conduct an examination of your body.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other medical or psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which must be treated. It is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of using drugs.
Adults with ADHD have a tough to find and keep a job. They also have a difficult time managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing other health problems, like obesity, heart disease and smoking. They are also more likely to have bad eating habits and to have trouble forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, individuals who had ADHD who were treated in mental health services as young children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. However the size of the sample was small. A larger sample size could have provided more details about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.
Research has proven ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent problem for adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can result in a variety of comorbid conditions, such as mood disorders, learning disabilities and alcohol and drug abuse. People with untreated ADHD are at a greater chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious mental health issues.
It is recommended that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and every month thereafter until their symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue to receive psychotherapy and/or medication for the rest of their lives.