Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could offer treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect everyday functioning at home, at work, and in social settings. Talk therapy can aid in improving communication and problem-solving skills. Family and marital counseling can be beneficial as well.
Signs and symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it might seem as if you're not living up to your potential. You may be overwhelmed as an adult due to your responsibilities. You might be full-time at work or caring for elderly parents or children, as well as managing household chores.
Your inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and frustration. You may also feel depressed, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. It's not an issue in the event that you suffer from ADHD. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your issues. The first step in a diagnosis.
A health professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by performing an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering details about your medical and psychiatric history. The provider may also ask you to provide information about the history of your family members with 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 prior to the age of 12 and have continued to impact your life. You should also be having issues with these behavior issues at least in two different settings such as school, work and social relationships.
If your inattention is a significant issue, you could miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and fail to fulfill your obligations. You may have trouble managing your health and finances and may have a hard working through everyday tasks, such as making sure you take your medication on time or going to the doctor for a checkup.
People who suffer from ADHD can make difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You might interrupt other people's conversations and spit out answers to questions before you're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to risky activities, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
According to studies the genetics and the environment play a major role in the development ADHD. Symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase your risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who has an expertise in ADHD can assist those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview, a review of medical history, work or school records, family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A trained professional can also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment to everyday life activities.
People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with ongoing issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead depression, family problems and financial stress as well as work-related stress, addiction to drugs, and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and colleagues. They may be viewed by others as lazy, unreliable or even a poor employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression.
Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. They may employ strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, for example the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on devices to help them cope with their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capacity. It's merely an altered way of thinking and behaving that may cause problems in certain settings or situations.
In adults, it may be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms could have changed as people became older. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People with undiagnosed ADHD might struggle to stay organized, keep track of school or work obligations and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning and cause emotional issues like anxiety, depression or changes in mood. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition can appear agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at the same time, but fail to finish 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 the early years, and a lot of adults with them aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and life they may be viewed as a dreamer or a slacker. Many people with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms as their obligations increase. They aren't able to handle all the balls that are flying working on a job and caring for family, while also keeping up with housework and errands, and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a person has ADHD. The assessment typically involves conversations with family members or friends who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical and mental health history. The person may be asked to complete standard ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to determine working memory, executive function and spatial and visual skills.
Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant drugs. These drugs website balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD improve their focus and manage their lives, recall important information and tasks and manage their impulsive behavior. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. They perform slower than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. People who have particular health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms and to establish healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These trials allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to treat, diagnose 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 likelihood of misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The examiner will also inquire with you questions about the child's previous health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also review your past medical records and conduct an examination of your body.
Many people with ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders such as anxiety or depression, that need to 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 consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a difficult time managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing other health issues, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. In addition they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and experience difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities as children. However the sample size was small. An enlargement of the sample would have provided more details about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven that ADHD is a chronic, persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of life and can result in a variety of comorbid conditions, like learning disabilities, mood disorders and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at an increased chance of being in prison and divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric problems.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy throughout their lives.