Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult may give treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must interfere with your daily activities, whether at home, work and in social settings. Talk therapy can aid in improving the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it might seem as if you're not living up to your potential. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult by your responsibilities. You might be working full time and caring for your children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up can cause embarrassment and anger. You may be feeling hopeless or lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. It's not an issue if you have ADHD. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric examination can be used by a health professional to determine ADHD in adults. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and collecting information about your medical and mental health background. The provider may also inquire 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 prior to the age of 12 and continue affecting your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in two or more environments, including at work, school as well as in your social interactions.
If your inattention is a serious problem, you might be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home, and not be able to meet your obligations. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances and you might also experience difficulty with simple tasks such as remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication.
People who suffer from ADHD can make difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions before others are done or struggle to wait in lines. Your impulsivity could result in risky behavior, such as driving too quickly or spending money recklessly.
Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to run in the family, and some scientists believe that issues with your central nervous system at critical developmental phases increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview, an examination of medical records, school or workplace records and family medical histories and a mental health screening. A specialist may also perform a physical exam or laboratory tests to identify other conditions that may have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months, and result in significant impairment of daily life functions.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause to depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents like motor crashes.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by friends, relatives 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 better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder to get a proper diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Sometimes, they depend on strategies and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women with ADHD might also have trouble diagnosing 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 an indicator of intelligence or capacity. It's merely a different way to think and behave that may cause problems in certain situations.
In adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms could have changed as they became older. However, symptoms 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 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 emotional issues like depression, anxiety or mood swings. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition can appear agitated and may try to accomplish several things at once, and fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which can cause confusion or relationship problems.
ADHD is not often recognized in the early years and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in their studies and daily life they might be viewed as an overachiever or a dreamer. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood however, many who have ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They're not able to handle all the balls they're trying keep up-to-date with: pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, juggling chores and household chores, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a patient has ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with family or friends who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of the person's medical and mental health history. The patient could be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to assess executive function, working memory as well as spatial click here and visual abilities.
Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant medications. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD improve their focus and organize their lives, recall important information and tasks and control impulsive behavior. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants or atomoxetine, may also be used to treat ADHD. They perform more slowly than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, those with certain health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as develop healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults suffering from ADHD. These trials allow scientists to learn more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of ADHD for adults using various assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the background of your your child's health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she might also look over your medical records and perform an examination of your physical.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric or medical conditions like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. It is estimated that people with 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 who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time to get and keep jobs. They also have a tougher time managing finances and juggling 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 have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as young children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. However the sample size was very small. A larger sample could provide additional details about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.
Research has shown ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent problem for adults. It can have a negative effect on living quality and may lead to other health issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, the abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at an increased risk of being incarcerated and divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric issues.
Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy throughout their lives.