Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might 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 significantly interfere with daily functioning at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it could appear like you're failing to live up to your potential. You may be overwhelmed as an adult with the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You may be working full-time as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, as well as managing household chores.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment, frustration despair, and an eroding of confidence. It's not an issue when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to understand that there are ways to overcome your challenges. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric assessment can be utilized by a medical professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining information about your mental health and medical history. The provider may also ask you about your family's 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 been present prior to the age of 12 and continue affecting your life. You should also be struggling with these behavior in multiple environments, including at school, work as well as in your 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 obligations. You may have difficulty managing your finances and health, and you could also be having problems with tasks that are simple such as remembering to visit the doctor or take your medication.
People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions after people have finished or have difficulty waiting in lines. Your impulsiveness could lead to risky activities, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to run in families and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system at critical developmental stages increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care professional with an expertise in ADHD can help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview as well as a review of medical records, workplace or school records and family medical histories and a mental health screening. A trained professional may also conduct a physical examination and/or laboratory tests to identify other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and are causing significant impairments in the daily routine.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause to depression, family issues and financial stress as well as work-related stress, addiction to drugs, and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen by others as lazy, unreliable or even a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.
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 inattention or impulsivity, for example the frequent distractions and daydreaming or use tools to compensate for their disorganization and poor time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or capability. It's simply a different way to think and behave that may cause challenges in certain situations.
In adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as people developed. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay organized and complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues such as depression or anxiety. People who are impulsive or hyperactive may appear restless, and they might try to do many things simultaneously. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or relationship issues.
The symptoms of the disorder typically are not recognized until childhood, and many adults with the disorder aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and life they might have been labelled as an overachiever or a dreamer. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood, however, many people who suffer from ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They can't manage all the balls in the air such as pursuing a career or taking care of family members, while also keeping up with chores at home and errands and maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with family, friends and others who know the person well as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical and mental health history. The person may also be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests are used to test executive function and working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant drugs are the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also control impulse-driven behaviors. updated blog post for ADHD include nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slow than stimulants, yet aid in the treatment of ADHD. People who have particular health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to manage their symptoms and to establish healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Some adults with ADHD will also be part of clinical trials. These studies aid scientists in learning 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 diagnostic accuracy and reduce misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an extended interview. The evaluation specialist may also inquire 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 conduct an examination of your body.
Many people with ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety that require treatment. It is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD also are more likely to be victims of consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty to find and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and keeping track of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to have bad eating habits and struggle to maintain and form romantic relationships.
In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health facilities as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. However the size of the sample was small. An enlargement of the sample might have provided more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven ADHD to be a chronic and persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative effect on quality of life and can result in a number of comorbid conditions such as mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at a higher risk of being incarcerated and divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious psychiatric issues.
It is recommended that all adults who have new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and monthly after that until their symptoms are controlled. Adults with ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest their lives.