Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult could 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 must affect daily functioning, at work, home and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
You may feel like you are not living up to your full potential when you suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel like you're unable to get a handle on the many responsibilities in front of you. You might be working full-time and caring for your children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can cause embarrassment, anger, hopelessness and an eroding of confidence. If you have ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to recognize that there are ways to overcome your challenges. The first step in a diagnosis.
A health care professional can diagnose ADHD in adults through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves talking to you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD list of symptoms, and gathering information on your medical and mental health background. The provider may 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 age 12 and continue affecting your life. You may also have issues with these behavior in multiple settings, such as at work, school, and in your social interactions.
If your inattention is a serious issue, you may miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. You may be struggling with managing your health and finances and may have a hard time with simple tasks, such as taking medication, or going to the doctor for checkups.
People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before others are done or struggle to wait in line. Your impulsiveness could lead to risky behaviors like driving too quickly or spending money recklessly.
According to research that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to run in the family, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system during crucial developmental stages increase the risk of developing.
Diagnosis
A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview, an examination of medical documents, school or work records as well as family medical histories and a mental assessment. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to rule other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult 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 not treated 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 like motor vehicle crashes.
Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and coworkers. They may be perceived as a lazy, irresponsible person or even just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women tend to be better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. They may also rely on tools and techniques to make up for their poor time management and disorganization. diagnosing adult adhd with ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they tend to have inattentive symptoms rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's merely an altered way of thinking and behave that could cause difficulties in certain situations.
Adults may have different symptoms as 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
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay organized and complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, or shifts in mood. People who are impulsive or hyperactive might appear to be agitated and may attempt to do a variety of things at the same time. They may not be able to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and relationship problems.
ADHD is not often recognized in the early years and a lot of adults with symptoms are not aware of it. 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 demands of adulthood increase, however, many people who suffer from ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They're not able to manage all the balls that are flying such as pursuing a career or caring for family as well as keeping up with errands and housework, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if someone has ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with relatives or friends who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric background. The person may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to test executive and working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant drugs are the most common treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD focus better, manage their lives and keep track of important information. They also help control impulsive behaviors. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They perform more slowly than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. People who have certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor before taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms and build healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies aid scientists in learning more about new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended conversation with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the background of your child's or your own health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They could also review your medical records and perform a physical examination.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such depression and anxiety, which require treatment. It is estimated that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to experience mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult to find and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity, and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to have poor eating habits and experience difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health facilities when they were children. However the sample size was small. A larger sample could have provided more information on the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.
Research has proven ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent problem for adults. It can have a negative effect on the quality of life and can lead to other issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, alcohol and drugs abuse. People with untreated ADHD are at a greater risk for incarceration, divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious psychiatric problems.
It is recommended that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days, and then every month after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults with ADHD may need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest of their lives.