Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their 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 your daily activities, whether at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Counseling for families and marriage can also be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it might seem that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel like you're unable to take on the many tasks in front of you. You could be full-time at work, caring for aging parents or children, and taking care of household chores.
Your inability to keep up can cause frustration and embarrassment. You might also feel depressed, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD It's not your fault. It's important to recognize that there are solutions to overcome your difficulties. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be performed by a health care professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining details on your mental health and medical background. The doctor might also ask you 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 occurred before the age of 12 and continue to interfere with your daily activities. You should also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at the very least in two different settings such as school, work and social relationships.
You may miss appointments, make mistakes at work or home and fail to meet your responsibilities if your inattention is an issue. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances, and you could also be having difficulties with everyday tasks such as remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication.
For people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make stressful situations worse. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions before others are done or have difficulty waiting in line. Your impulsiveness can lead to risky behaviors, such as driving too fast or spending money in reckless ways.
Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be inherited from families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health professional who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview and review of medical background, school or work records along with family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialist may also conduct a physical examination and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment in everyday life activities.
People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with chronic difficulties which could have been avoided or treated. This can lead depression, family problems, financial stress or work-related stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents such as motor crashes.
Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and coworkers. They may be viewed by others as lazy, irresponsible or as a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Sometimes, they use 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 experience hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's merely an altered way of thinking and behave that can create difficulties in certain situations.
Adults may have different symptoms than children. However, the 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, complete their work and school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with everyday functioning and can trigger anxiety or depression. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition may appear restless and try to do several things at once, and fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people which can lead to miscommunications and relationship problems.
ADHD is not often recognized in the early years and a lot of adults with the symptoms are unaware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life they may have been labeled either a dreamer or a slacker. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience worsening symptoms as their obligations increase. They're not able to manage all the balls at once such as pursuing a career or caring for family as well as keeping up with housework and errands, as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review a person's medical history. The person could also be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to measure working memory, executive function and spatial and visual skills.
Stimulant medication is the most frequently used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD improve their focus, organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks and control an impulsive behaviour. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may also be used to treat ADHD. They are more slowly than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. People who have certain health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms, and how to build healthy family, school and work relationships. Some how can i get diagnosed with adhd adults with ADHD will also be part of clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in treating ADHD in adults typically conducts an lengthy interview. The examiner will also inquire with you questions about the child's previous health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They could also review your medical records and perform a physical examination.
Many people with ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety that must be treated. It is estimated that people who have ADHD are six-times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of using drugs.
Adults with ADHD have a hard finding and keeping a job. They also have a difficult time managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity, and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. However the sample size was very small. A larger sample might have provided more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown ADHD to be a chronic and persistent disorder among adults. It has a negative impact on the quality of life, and can cause number of comorbid conditions including mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at a greater risk for incarceration and divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious mental health issues.
It is advised that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and monthly after that until their symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to receive psychotherapy and/or medication for the rest of their lives.