Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult may give possibilities for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should significantly interfere with your daily activities at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
It could be that you feel that you are not doing enough to fulfill your full potential when you suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel like you're unable to manage the numerous tasks ahead of you. You could be working full-time, caring for aging parents or children, or taking care of household chores.
Your difficulty keeping up can lead to embarrassment, frustration despair and the loss of confidence. It's not a problem if you have ADHD. It's important to understand that there are ways to overcome your issues. The first step in a diagnosis.
A medical professional can diagnose ADHD in adults through an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists, and gathering information on your mental health and medical background. The doctor might 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 been present before the age of 12 and continue to interfere with your life. You must also be having difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different situations which include work, school and social interactions.
If your inattention is a significant issue, you could be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your obligations. You may have trouble managing your health and finances and may have a hard time with simple tasks like taking medication, or visiting the doctor for checkups.
People who suffer from ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or have difficulty waiting in line. Your impulsiveness can result in risky behavior, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to studies that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a significant role in the development ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to be inherited from the family, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system during crucial developmental stages increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health care professional with a specialization in ADHD can help those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and review of medical history, work or school records along with family medical history and an examination for mental health. A trained professional can also conduct a physical examination and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months and result in significant impairment of everyday activities.
Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead depression, family problems, financial stress or work-related stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in confusion among family members, friends, and coworkers. They could be seen by others as irresponsible, lazy or even a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their impulsivity and inattention. They may also depend on methods and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to suffer from inattentive symptoms rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or ability. It's simply an alternative way of thinking and behave that could cause problems in certain situations.
Adults may exhibit different symptoms in comparison to 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 cause individuals to have difficulty to stay organized, complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. Symptoms also can interfere with daily functioning and cause mental issues such as depression, anxiety or changes in mood. Hyperactive or impulsive people may appear restless, and may attempt to do many things at once. They may fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people that can cause confusion and problems with relationships.
The symptoms of the disorder typically are not recognized until childhood, and many adults with the disorder do not know they have ADHD. They may have been described as a dreamer, goof-off, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and everyday life. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood However, many people who have ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They're not able to handle all the balls they're trying keep in the air--pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, juggling chores and household chores, and working on social and romantic relationships.
A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members as well as friends and family members who know the person as well as a physical exam and a review a person's medical history. The person could be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to measure working memory and executive function as well as spatial and visual capabilities.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medications. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD to focus better and organize their lives, remember important information and tasks, and manage their an impulsive behaviour. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine, can be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, yet still improve symptoms. People who have certain health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms as well as develop healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are also enrolled in clinical trials. These studies aid scientists in learning more about new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended conversation with a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner will also inquire with you about your or your child’s past health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator might also look over your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, such anxiety and depression, that must be treated. It is estimated that those with ADHD are six-times more likely to experience mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to be victims of consuming alcohol.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time to secure and maintain jobs. They also have difficulty managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and experience difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people with ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children were diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. However the sample size was small. A larger sample could have provided more details about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.
Research has proven that ADHD is a chronic and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and may lead to other health issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as alcohol and drugs abuse. People with untreated ADHD are at an here increased chance of being in prison, divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric problems.
It is recommended that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and every month after that until their symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.