Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult may open up options for treatment.
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, work and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
You may feel like you're not living up to your full potential when you have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you could feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel you're unable take on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You might be working full time and caring for your children or an elderly parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Inability to keep up may cause frustration and embarrassment. You might also feel depressed or lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. It's not an issue when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your difficulties. The first step in the process of diagnosing.
A thorough psychiatric examination can be utilized by a health specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists, and collecting details about your medical and psychopathological background. The doctor might also inquire about your family's 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 age 12 and continue to affect your life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in two or more environments, including at school, work as well as in your social relationships.
If your inattention is a significant issue, you could skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and not be able to meet your responsibilities. You might have difficulty managing your finances and health and may have a difficult to complete simple tasks like taking medication, or going to the doctor for checkups.
People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You could interrupt other people's conversations or utter answers to questions before they're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior like driving too fast or spending money in reckless ways.
Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be inherited from families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase your chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview and review of medical background, school or work records, family medical history and a mental health screening. A trained professional can conduct physical examinations or lab tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for six months or more and cause significant impairments in daily life.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, drug abuse, and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents.
Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by friends, relatives and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as lazy, irresponsible or a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women tend to be better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Sometimes, they depend on tools and techniques to compensate for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to experience hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capacity. It's simply an altered way of thinking and behaving that can cause challenges in certain settings or situations.
Adults may exhibit different symptoms than children. However, symptoms of ADHD in adults still match the criteria 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 on track and complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues like depression or anxiety. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition can appear agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to others that can cause confusion and relationships issues.
The symptoms of the disorder usually go unrecognized in childhood, and many adults with them don't know they have ADHD. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker 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're not able to handle all the balls they're trying keep on top of - pursuing a career, caring for family members, juggling housework and errands, and working on social and romantic relationships.
A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members or friends who are familiar with the individual and a physical examination and a review of a person's medical history. The person may also be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to test executive and working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD better focus, organize their lives, recall important information and tasks, and manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slow than stimulants, yet aid in the treatment of ADHD. Patients with certain health problems like high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor before taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms as well as build healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. A few adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of ADHD for adults using various assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults will often conduct an extended interview. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your or your child's health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical.
Many people with ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it's thought that people with ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD have a hard to find and keep a job. They also have a difficult time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to click here develop poor eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, individuals who had ADHD who were treated in mental health services as young children were diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. The sample size was small. A larger sample size could have provided more information on the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven that ADHD is a persistent and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of living and can lead to other issues like mood disorders learning disabilities, the abuse of alcohol and drugs. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of incarceration, divorce and a lower social economic status for those with ADHD.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy throughout their lives.