Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult can 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 interfere with your daily activities, whether at work, home 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 are not performing to your full potential when you have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel that you can't manage the numerous tasks ahead of you. You may be full-time at work or caring for elderly parents or children, and taking care of household chores.
Your difficulty keeping up can cause embarrassment, anger despair, and a loss of confidence. It's not an issue in the event that you suffer from ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your challenges. The first step is the process of diagnosing.
A thorough psychiatric assessment can be utilized by a health professional to determine ADHD in adults. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering information about your medical and mental health background. The doctor might also inquire about your family 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 before the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You should also be having issues with these behavior issues at least in two different environments which include work, school and social relationships.
You may miss appointments, make careless errors at work or home and fail to meet your obligations if your lack of attention is a problem. You may be struggling with managing your health and finances and may have a hard time with simple tasks, like taking medication, or visiting the doctor for a checkup.
For those with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even worse. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before others are done or have trouble waiting in line. Your impulsivity might result in risky activities, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to run in families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care specialist who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview and reviewing medical records, school or workplace records as well as family medical histories and a mental assessment. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical exam 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 if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and cause significant impairments in the daily routine.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can cause chronic problems which could have been prevented or treated. This can cause to depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by friends, relatives and coworkers. They may be viewed by others as lazy, irresponsible or even a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, for example constant distractions and daydreaming or use tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and ineffective time management. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they tend to have symptoms of inattention, not hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's merely a different way to think and behave that could cause challenges in certain situations.
Adults may have different symptoms in comparison to children. However, the symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria listed 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, keep track of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger mental issues such as depression, anxiety or mood swings. People who are hyperactive or impulsive may appear restless, and may attempt to do many things simultaneously. They may not be able to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which could cause confusion or relationship issues.
ADHD is not often recognized in the early years and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder are not aware of it. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, goof-off, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and daily life. As responsibilities increase in adulthood, however, many people who suffer from ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They can't manage all the balls at once working on a job and caring for their family, while also keeping up with housework and errands, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members as well as friends and family members who are familiar with the individual as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical history. The patient could be asked to complete the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to assess working memory and executive function as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, manage their lives, and retain important information. They also help control impulsive behaviors. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can also be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, yet nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. People who have particular health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms and develop healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are also enrolled in clinical trials. These studies help scientists learn more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your child's or your own health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. iampsychiatry.uk may also review your medical records and conduct a physical examination.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, such anxiety and depression, that must be treated. In fact, it is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than other people. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to get and keep jobs. They also have a harder managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing health problems, like obesity, heart disease, and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to have poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as young children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. The sample size was small. A larger sample could provide additional information on the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.
Research has proven ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent problem for adults. It can have a negative effect on quality of living and can lead to other issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as alcohol and drugs abuse. If not treated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration and divorce as well as an economic disadvantage for those with ADHD.
It is recommended that all adults who have a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days, and then every month after that until the symptoms are controlled. Adults suffering from ADHD may require receiving psychotherapy or medication for the rest of their lives.