Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult could give options for treatment.
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 daily functioning at work, home 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
It could be that you feel that you are not living up to your full potential if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. You may be overwhelmed as an adult by the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You may be working full-time, caring for aging parents or children, and managing household chores.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can cause embarrassment, anger, hopelessness and the loss of confidence. It's not your problem in the event that you suffer from ADHD. It's important to understand that there are ways to overcome your challenges. The first step is a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric assessment can be utilized by a medical professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining information about your mental and medical background. The doctor may 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 to cause problems with your daily activities. You should also be struggling with these behavior in multiple settings, such as at work, school, and in your social interactions.
You may miss appointments, make careless errors at work or home and fail to meet your obligations if your inattention is an issue. You might have trouble managing your health and finances, and you could also be having difficulty with simple tasks like remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication.
People with ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or have trouble waiting in line. Your impulsivity might result in reckless actions, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be passed down through families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who has an expertise in ADHD can assist those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and review of medical history, school or work records along with family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical examination and/or tests in the laboratory 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 a period of six months or more, and are causing significant impairments in daily life.
People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with persistent issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause to depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in confusion among family members, friends, and coworkers. They may be viewed by others as lazy, unreliable or as a bad employee. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more at chance of developing depression and anxiety.
Women tend to be better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or they might use methods and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's just an alternative way of thinking and behaving that can cause challenges in certain settings or situations.
In adults, it may be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the signs may have changed as people developed. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria of 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, complete their work and school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like depression, anxiety, or mood swings. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the disorder may seem agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which could result in miscommunications or relationship issues.
The symptoms of the disorder typically go unrecognized in childhood, and many adults with them don't know they have ADHD. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker, instead of struggling to stay on top in school and everyday life. As the demands of adulthood increase, however, many people who have ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They're unable to handle all the balls they're trying keep up-to-date with: pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will determine whether a person suffers from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the individual, a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical history. The person may be asked to complete the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to determine executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual skills.
Stimulant medication is the most commonly used treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, organize their lives and remember important information. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis can also control impulse-driven behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants but still aid in the treatment of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, people with certain health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching, individual therapy self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to manage their symptoms, and how to develop healthy school, family and work relationships. Some adults with ADHD will also be part of clinical trials. These trials allow scientists to discover more about how 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. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating ADHD in adult patients typically conducts an lengthy interview. The examiner may also inquire about the history of your child's or your own health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator could also review your medical records and perform an examination of your physical.
Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric or medical conditions such as anxiety or depression, which need to be treated. It is estimated that those who suffer from ADHD are six-times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People with ADHD also are more likely to be victims of using drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often find it difficult to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a tougher managing their finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health problems, including obesity, heart disease and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and to have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.
In one study, people who had ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. The sample size was 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 long-lasting and persistent problem for adults. It can have a negative effect on quality of living and lead to other conditions such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs 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 seen within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to receive psychotherapy and/or medication for the rest of their lives.