Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult could 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 home, at work, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Marital and family counseling can also be helpful.
Symptoms
You might feel that you're not performing to your full potential if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you may feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel that you can't get a handle on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You may be working full-time as a caregiver for children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your difficulty in keeping up may result in embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and a loss 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 to the process of diagnosing.
A thorough psychiatric assessment can be performed by a medical professional to determine ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining details on your mental and medical background. The doctor may also ask you 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 before the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in two or more environments, including at school, work, and in your social relationships.
You may miss appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your obligations if your inattention is a problem. You might have trouble managing your health and finances, and you may also have difficulty with simple tasks such as making sure you visit the doctor or take your medication.
For people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations worse. You may interrupt conversations with other people or utter answers to questions before they're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to studies that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a significant role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be inherited from families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase the risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health professional with an expertise in ADHD can assist people who are suffering from 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 assessment. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and cause significant difficulties in everyday life.
People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with chronic difficulties that could have been avoided 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 who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen as irresponsible, lazy or even just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they rely on methods and tools to make up for their poor time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's merely an altered way of thinking and behave that can create difficulties in certain situations.
Adults may have different symptoms as children. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, keep track of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like anxiety, depression or mood swings. People who are hyperactive or impulsive may appear restless, and they may try to do many things simultaneously. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and relationships issues.
Symptoms of the disorder often go unrecognized in the early years, and a lot of adults with the disorder don't know they have ADHD. They might have been viewed as a goof-off, dreamer, slacker or troublemaker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and everyday life. As responsibilities increase in adulthood, however, many people 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, keeping up with housework and errands, and working on social and romantic relationships.
A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with relatives, friends and others who know the person well and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and mental health background. The patient may also be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests can be used to measure executive function and working memory as well as visual and spatial capabilities.
Stimulant medications are the most frequently used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD improve their focus, organize their lives, remember important information and tasks, and control an impulsive behaviour. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants, but they can aid in the treatment of ADHD. Before taking stimulants who suffer from certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor.
Some adults with ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their symptoms and to establish healthy family, school and work relationships. Some adults with ADHD will also be part of clinical studies. These studies help scientists learn more about new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment tools will increase diagnostic accuracy and reduce misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended discussion with a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the background of your your child's health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They might also look over your medical records and conduct an examination of your body.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other medical or psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety and depression, that need get more info to be treated. It is estimated that those with ADHD are six-times more likely to experience mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of substance abuse.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often find it difficult to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a tougher managing finances and staying on top of household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health issues, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to have poor eating habits and struggle to maintain and form romantic relationships.
In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities as children. The sample size was not large. An enlargement of the sample would provide more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a chronic, persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life, and can lead to a number of comorbid conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. Untreated ADHD increases the risk of incarceration, divorce and a lower social economic status for those suffering from ADHD.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might require receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest of their lives.