Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their 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 be a major hindrance with your daily activities at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD, it may seem as if you're not living up to your potential. You might be overwhelmed as an adult by the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You may be full-time at work as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, or taking care of household chores.
Inability to keep up with the pace can lead to frustration and embarrassment. You might also feel depressed, lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. It's not your problem in the event that you suffer from ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step to the process of diagnosing.
A health care professional can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves talking to you about symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining information about your mental and medical history. The doctor may inquire about the background 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 have continued to impact your life. You should also be having difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different settings, including school, work and social interactions.
You may miss appointments, make careless errors at home or at work and fail to meet your obligations if your inattention is an issue. You may have trouble managing your finances and health and may have a difficult to complete simple tasks, like taking medication, or visiting the doctor for a checkup.
People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You could interrupt conversations with other people, blurt out answers to questions before they're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to risky activities, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to research the genetics and the environment play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to be passed down through the family, and some scientists believe that problems with your central nervous system during critical developmental stages increase the risk of developing.
Diagnosis
A health care professional with a specialization in ADHD can help people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview and review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A trained professional may also conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to identify other conditions that share similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for six months or more, and are causing significant impairments in the daily routine.
Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can cause chronic problems which could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems financial or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretations by family members, friends and colleagues. They may be perceived as irresponsible, lazy or even just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their impulsivity and inattention. Or they might depend on tools and techniques to make up for their poor time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD might also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to experience hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or ability. It's merely an alternative way of thinking and behaving that can cause challenges in certain situations or settings.
Adults may exhibit 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 aren't diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, stay on top of school or work obligations and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like depression, anxiety or shifts in mood. People who are hyperactive or impulsive may appear restless, and may attempt to do many things simultaneously. They might not finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people which can lead to miscommunications and relationship problems.
The symptoms of the disorder usually go unrecognized in the early years, and a lot of adults with them do not know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and life they might be viewed as either a dreamer or a slacker. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from increasing symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They aren't able to handle all the balls in the air such as pursuing a career or taking care of family members, while also keeping up with housework and errands, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes conversations with family members or friends who know the person well and a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric background. The person may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to assess executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual skills.
Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated by stimulant medications. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD improve their focus and organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks, and manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work slow than stimulants, yet aid in the treatment of ADHD. People who have particular health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor before taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching, individual therapy self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms as well as develop healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. A few adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies help scientists gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the chance of a 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 history of your your child's health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also review your past medical records and perform an examination of your body.
Many people with ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, such depression and anxiety, which need to be treated. In fact, it's believed that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People with ADHD are also at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often find it difficult to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a tougher managing finances and juggling household tasks. Adults with more info ADHD are at a higher chance of developing other health issues, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and to have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health facilities as children. The sample size was small. A larger sample could have provided more information about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.
Research has revealed that ADHD is a long-lasting and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life, and can cause variety of comorbid conditions, such as mood disorders, learning disabilities and alcohol and drug abuse. People with untreated ADHD are at an increased risk of being incarcerated, divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric problems.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might need to receive psychotherapy and/or medication for the rest of their lives.