Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can offer treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must affect everyday functioning at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving communication and problem-solving skills. Marital and family counseling can also be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD, it may seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. You might be overwhelmed as an adult with your obligations. You might be working full time as a caregiver for children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and anger. You might also feel depressed or lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. It's not an issue if you have ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your issues. The first step to the process of diagnosing.
A medical professional can identify ADHD in adults by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists, and collecting information about your medical and psychopathological history. The provider may also ask you 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. These symptoms must have occurred before 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 relationships.
You may miss appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your obligations if inattention is a problem. You might have trouble managing your health and finances, and you may also have difficulty with simple tasks like remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication.
For those with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations worse. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions after people have finished or struggle to wait in line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to studies the genetics and the environment play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically be passed down through the family, and some scientists believe that issues with your central nervous system at critical developmental stages increase the risk of developing.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and a review of medical history, school or work records along with family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A trained professional may also perform a physical exam or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for six months or more, and are causing significant impairments in daily life.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, work-related or financial stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretation by family members, friends, and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as irresponsible, lazy or even a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult to get a proper diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, for example constant distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they tend to have symptoms of inattention, not the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
It's important to remember that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capacity. It's just a different way to think and behave that could cause challenges in certain situations.
Adults may exhibit different symptoms than 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
Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay organized and complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. Symptoms can also interfere with everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues such as depression or anxiety. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the disorder may seem agitated and may try to accomplish several things at the same time, but fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and relationships issues.
ADHD is not often recognized in childhood and many adults suffering from the disorder are not aware of it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and everyday life they might have been labeled an overachiever or a dreamer. As responsibilities increase in adulthood, however, many people who suffer from ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They are unable to manage all the balls they have to keep on top of - pursuing a career, caring for family members, juggling household chores and errands, as well as trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person suffers from ADHD. The assessment usually involves conversations with family members or friends who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical and mental health background. The patient could be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to assess executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant medication is the most commonly used treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also manage impulsive behaviors. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They are more slowly than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Patients with certain health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.
Some adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their symptoms, and how to build healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These studies help scientists learn more about new methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with experience treating ADHD in adult patients typically conducts an extended interview. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your child's or your own health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also look over your previous medical records and perform physical examination.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders, such as anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it's believed that those with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD are also at a greater risk of substance abuse.
adhd adults diagnosis who suffer from ADHD have a difficult finding and keeping jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk for developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and experience difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, individuals who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. However, the sample size was very small. A larger sample would provide more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a persistent and persistent problem for adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life, and can cause number of comorbid conditions including learning disabilities, mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. Untreated ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated and divorce as well as a lower socioeconomic status for those with ADHD.
Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.