Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms 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 must interfere with daily functioning, at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving communication and problem-solving skills. Family and marital counseling can also be helpful.
Signs and symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it may seem that you're not living up to your potential. You might be overwhelmed as an adult due to your obligations. You may be full-time at work or caring for elderly parents or children, or managing household chores.
Inability to keep up may cause frustration and embarrassment. You may also feel hopeless and lose confidence. You may even be embarrassed. It's not an issue when you suffer from ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step in an assessment.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be utilized by a medical professional to determine ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining information about your mental health and medical history. The doctor might inquire about the history of ADHD in your family.
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 affecting your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in two or more situations, like at school, work and in your social interactions.
You may miss appointments, make careless errors at work or home, and fail to fulfill your responsibilities if your inattention is a problem. You might have trouble managing your finances and health, and you could also be having problems with tasks that are simple like remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication.
For people with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations more difficult. You could interrupt other people's conversations, blurt out answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness can result in risky behavior like driving too quickly or spending money recklessly.
According to studies that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically be passed down through the family, and some scientists believe that issues with your central nervous system at critical developmental stages increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. adhd diagnosis in adult consists of an interview and a review of medical history, work or school records along with family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests 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 the daily routine.
People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with persistent issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents like motor crashes.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and colleagues. They may be perceived as lazy, irresponsible or a poor employee, or simply crazy. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression.
Women are more adept in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or they might depend on tools and techniques to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capacity. It's just an alternative way of thinking and behave that could cause challenges in certain situations.
In adults, it may be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as people developed. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay on track and complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning, and cause anxiety or depression. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition may appear restless and try to do several things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to others which can lead to miscommunications and relationships issues.
The symptoms of the disorder typically are not recognized until childhood, and many adults with the disorder aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life they may have been labelled as a dreamer or a slacker. Many people suffering from ADHD experience more severe symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're unable to handle all the balls they're trying keep on top of - pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and working on social and romantic relationships.
A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with relatives or friends who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of the person's medical and mental health background. The person may also be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests can be used to assess executive function and working memory as well as visual and spatial capabilities.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These medications increase and balance 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 manage impulse-driven behaviors. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, people who suffer from certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms, and how to build healthy school, family and workplace relationships. Some adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies help scientists discover more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults using various assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the chance of misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended discussion with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator will also ask you about your your child’s past health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They will also go through your past medical records and conduct an examination of your body.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such depression and anxiety that must be treated. In fact, it is thought that people 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-than-average risk of substance abuse.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard finding and keeping jobs. They also have a tougher managing their finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing health problems, like obesity, heart disease and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.
In one study, people who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health facilities as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. However, the sample size was very small. A larger sample could have provided more details about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven ADHD to be a persistent and persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life, and can cause range of comorbidities, including mood disorders, learning disabilities and alcohol and drug abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a greater risk for incarceration and divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric issues.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might need to receive psychotherapy and/or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.