Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may provide treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must affect everyday functioning at work, home and in social settings. Talk therapy can improve communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for families and marriage can also be beneficial.
Symptoms
You may feel like you're not doing enough to fulfill your full potential if have ADHD symptoms. You might feel overwhelmed as an adult with your obligations. You could be working full time, caring for children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and anger. You might also feel depressed and lose confidence. You may even be embarrassed. If you have ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are ways to overcome your difficulties. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric assessment can be used by a health care specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This includes talking with you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists, and gathering information on your medical and mental health background. The doctor may also ask you to provide information 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 occurred before the age of 12 and continue to interfere with your life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in two or more settings, such as at work, school and in your social interactions.
You could miss appointments, make erroneous mistakes at home or at work and fail to meet your responsibilities if your lack of attention is an issue. You may have trouble managing your health and finances and may have a difficult time with simple tasks, like taking medication, or visiting the doctor for checkups.
People with ADHD can make difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. getting a adhd diagnosis could interrupt other people's conversations and spit out answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness can result in risky behavior, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be inherited from families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview, a review of medical history, school or work records as well as family medical history. an assessment of mental health. A trained professional may also conduct a physical exam and/or tests in the laboratory 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 six months or more and are causing significant impairments in daily life.
People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with chronic difficulties that could have been prevented 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 friends, relatives and coworkers. They may be viewed by others as lazy, unreliable or even a bad 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 may resort to strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, like the frequent distractions and daydreaming or use tools to compensate for their disorganization and ineffective time management. Women with ADHD also might have trouble diagnosing their own symptoms, as they tend to have 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 a different approach to thinking and acting that may cause problems in certain situations or environments.
In adults, it may be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms could have changed as people became older. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People with undiagnosed ADHD might struggle to stay organized, keep track of work or school tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with the daily routine and trigger emotional problems such as depression, anxiety or shifts in mood. Hyperactive or impulsive people can appear agitated, and they might try to do a variety of things simultaneously. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to others which can lead to miscommunications and problems with relationships.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged in childhood and many adults suffering from the disorder aren't aware that they have it. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob, slacker or troublemaker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and daily life. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood, however, many people who suffer from ADHD notice their symptoms getting 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, keeping up with chores and household chores, and working on social and romantic relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if someone has ADHD. The evaluation usually includes conversations with family members and friends, as well as other people who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of the person's medical and mental health history. The person may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to assess executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual skills.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medications. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD improve their focus and manage their lives, remember important information and tasks, and manage an impulsive behaviour. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants, but they can improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, those with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms and establish healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. Some adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These studies help scientists learn more about new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended conversation with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation will also ask you about your children's health history as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They will also look over your previous medical records and conduct physical examination.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety, which need to be treated. It is estimated that people who have ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a greater risk of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD often find it difficult to get and keep jobs. They also face difficulties managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at risk of developing other health issues, such as obesity, heart disease, and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and are more likely to have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.
In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. The sample size was small. A larger sample would have provided more details about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a chronic and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of living and can lead to other issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. People with untreated ADHD are at a greater chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric issues.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may require to receive psychotherapy and/or medication for the rest of their lives.