Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may open up treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect everyday functioning at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the ability to communicate and problem solve. Marital and family counseling can also be beneficial.
Symptoms
You might feel that you are not living up to your full potential if suffer from ADHD symptoms. You might be overwhelmed as an adult with your responsibilities. You may be working full-time, caring for aging parents or children, as well as managing household chores.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can result in embarrassment, frustration despair and the loss of confidence. If you have ADHD, it's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your issues. The first step in the process of diagnosing.
A health professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by performing a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptom checklists, and collecting details about your medical and psychiatric history. The doctor may inquire about the background of ADHD in your family.
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 interfere with your daily life. You should also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at the very least in two different environments, including school, work and social interactions.
You could miss appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your responsibilities if your inattention is an issue. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances and you could also be having difficulties with everyday tasks such as making sure you visit the doctor or taking your medication.
People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions before others are done or struggle to wait in the line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to risky activities, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview as well as a review of medical documents, school or work records, family medical histories, and a mental screening. A trained professional can conduct physical examinations and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that 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 difficulties in everyday life.
People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with chronic difficulties that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, substance abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and coworkers. They may be viewed by others as lazy, irresponsible or a bad employee. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression.
Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they use methods and tools to make up for their poor time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD also might have trouble diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to suffer from inattentive symptoms rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capability. It's merely an altered approach to thinking and acting that can cause challenges in certain situations or settings.
Adults may experience different symptoms in comparison to children. However, the signs 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 with undiagnosed ADHD might struggle to stay organized, keep track of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with daily functioning and cause emotional issues like depression, anxiety, or changes in mood. People with hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition can appear agitated and website may try to accomplish several things at once, and fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or relationship issues.
The symptoms of the disorder usually remain unnoticed in the early years, and a lot of adults with the disorder do not know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and everyday life, they may have been labeled an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people suffering from ADHD have increasing symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're not able to manage all the balls in the air - pursuing a career and taking care of family members and juggling with housework and errands, as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a person has ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the person, a physical examination, and a review a person's medical history. The patient may be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to test executive and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated by stimulant medications. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD to focus better and organize their lives, recall important information and tasks and manage their impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slow than stimulants, yet improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, people who suffer from certain medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor.
Some adults with ADHD will benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms and develop healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies aid scientists in learning more about the latest methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with experience treating ADHD in adults typically conducts an extended interview. The evaluation will also ask you about your or your child’s past health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also review your past medical records and perform a physical exam.
Many people with ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it is thought that people with ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty to find and keep jobs. They also have a tougher managing finances and keeping track of household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased 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 relationships with their partners.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health services as children. However, the sample size 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 persistent and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can cause number of comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. If not treated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration and divorce as well as a lower social economic status for those suffering from ADHD.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may require receiving psychotherapy or medication for the rest of their lives.