Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult can open up possibilities for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect daily functioning, at home, at work, and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
It could be that you feel that you are not living up to your full potential if you have ADHD symptoms. You might feel overwhelmed as an adult with the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You could be full-time at work or caring for elderly parents or children, as well as managing household chores.
Inability to keep up can cause frustration and embarrassment. You may also feel hopeless or lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. If you have ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to recognize that there are ways to overcome your difficulties. The first step to an assessment.
A thorough psychiatric examination can be used by a medical specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering details about your medical and psychopathological history. The doctor might also ask you to provide information 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 occurred prior to the age of 12 and continue affecting your life. You should also be struggling with these behavior in multiple situations, like at school, work as well as in your social relationships.
If your inattention is a serious issue, you could be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home and fail to fulfill your responsibilities. You might have difficulty managing your finances and health and may have a hard working through everyday tasks, such as making sure you take your medication on time or visiting the doctor for a checkup.
For those with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even worse. You might interrupt conversations with other people and spit out answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness can result in risky behavior, such as driving too fast or spending money in reckless ways.
Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be passed down through families and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview, a review of medical records, school or workplace records as well as family medical histories and a mental health screening. A trained professional can conduct physical examinations and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant impairment to everyday activities.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can cause chronic problems which could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues financial or work-related stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and coworkers. They might be viewed as a lazy, irresponsible person or a poor employee, or simply crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression.
Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to disguise their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Sometimes, they use strategies and tools to compensate for their poor time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capability. It's just a different way to think and behave that may cause problems in certain situations.
In adults, it may be difficult to determine ADHD because the symptoms could have changed as they became older. However, 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, complete their work and school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning, and cause anxiety or depression. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition can appear agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at once, and fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others which can lead to miscommunications and problems with relationships.
The symptoms of the disorder typically go unrecognized in childhood, and many adults with them aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and life, they may have been labelled as a dreamer or a slacker. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood however, many who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They are unable to manage 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 has ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with family, friends and others who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and mental health history. The person may be asked to fill out standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to assess executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, manage their lives, and retain important information. They can also control impulse-driven behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work more slow than stimulants, yet aid in the treatment of ADHD. Before taking stimulants who suffer from certain health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms, and how to develop healthy school, family and workplace relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults suffering from ADHD. These studies help scientists learn more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The evaluator will also ask you about your or the child's previous health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also review your past medical records and conduct a physical exam.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety, which must be treated. In fact, it is believed that those with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult finding and keeping a job. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk have a tougher managing finances and staying on top of household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and experience difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in a minor mental health clinic when they were children. However the size of the sample was small. An enlargement of the sample might have provided more details about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven ADHD to be a chronic and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative effect on the quality of life and may lead to other health issues like mood disorders learning disabilities, as well as alcohol and drugs abuse. If not treated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration, divorce and an economic disadvantage for those suffering from ADHD.
It is recommended that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days, and then every month after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults suffering from ADHD might need to receive psychotherapy and/or medication for the rest of their lives.