Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can open up treatment options.
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 communication and problem-solving skills. Family and marital counseling can also be helpful.
Symptoms
You might feel that you're not doing enough to fulfill your full potential when you have ADHD symptoms. You may be overwhelmed as an adult by your responsibilities. You could be working full-time, caring for aging parents or children, or taking care of household chores.
Your difficulty in keeping up may lead to embarrassment, frustration despair and the loss of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD It's not your fault. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is an assessment.
A medical professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by performing a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining information about your mental and medical history. The provider may ask 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 prior to age 12 and have continued to impact your life. You should also be struggling with these behavior in multiple environments, including at school, work as well as in your social interactions.
If your inattention is a major problem, you might skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and not be able to meet your responsibilities. You might have trouble managing your health and finances and you may also have difficulty with simple tasks like remembering to go to the doctor or take your medication.
People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations with other people or utter answers to questions before you're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in a line. Your impulsivity might result in risky activities, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
According to research that have been conducted, environment and genetics are key factors in the development ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to run in families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who has an expertise in ADHD can help those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview and an examination of medical documents, school or work records as well as family medical histories and a mental assessment. A specialized professional also may perform a physical exam or laboratory tests to identify other conditions that may have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment to daily life functions.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues and financial stress as well as 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 and criticized by friends, relatives and coworkers. They could be seen as a lazy, irresponsible person, a bad employee or just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.
Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to disguise their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Sometimes, they use tools and techniques to help them overcome their lack of time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to experience hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's merely an alternative way of thinking and behave that can create difficulties in certain situations.
Adults may have different symptoms than children. However, symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria set forth in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
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. These symptoms can affect daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, or shifts in mood. People who are impulsive or hyperactive can appear agitated, and may attempt to accomplish a lot at once. They might not finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people which can lead to miscommunications and problems with relationships.
ADHD is not often recognized as a child, and a lot of adults with the symptoms are not aware of it. They may have been described as a goof-off, dreamer or a slacker instead of struggling to keep up in school and daily life. Many people suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They aren't able to handle all the balls in the air - pursuing a career and caring for their family as well as 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 is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with relatives, friends and others who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric history. The patient could be asked to fill out standard ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to measure executive function and working memory as well as visual and spatial capabilities.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, manage their lives, and retain important information. They can also control impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants but still improve the symptoms of ADHD. People who have certain health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms, and how to build healthy school, family and workplace relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults suffering from ADHD. These studies aid scientists in learning more about the latest methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of ADHD for adults using various assessment inventories will improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in treating ADHD in adult patients typically conducts an lengthy interview. The evaluation will also ask you about your or the child's previous health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator may also review your medical records and perform a physical examination.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other mental or physical disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which need to be treated. It is estimated that those who have ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to find and keep jobs. They also have difficulty managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing health issues, such as obesity, heart disease, and smoking. In addition they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and experience difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health services as children. The sample size was not large. A larger sample could have provided more details about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.
Research has proven ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can how to get diagnosed add have a negative effect on living quality and can lead to other issues like mood disorders learning disabilities, as well as addiction to alcohol and other drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at a greater risk for incarceration or divorce, as well as being less socioeconomically stable and more serious psychiatric issues.
It is advised that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days, and then every month thereafter until their symptoms are managed. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest their lives.