Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult can provide treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should significantly interfere with your daily life at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Marital and family counseling can be beneficial as well.
Symptoms
You may feel like you're not performing to your full potential when you suffer from ADHD symptoms. You might be overwhelmed as an adult with your responsibilities. You might be working full time, caring for children or an elderly parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.
Inability to keep up may cause frustration and embarrassment. You may be feeling hopeless and lose confidence. You may even be embarrassed. It's not an issue in the event that you suffer from ADHD. It's important to realize that there are ways to overcome your difficulties. The first step is a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric assessment can be used by a health professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining information about your mental health and medical history. The doctor might inquire about the background 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 been present before the age of 12 and continue affecting your life. You must also be having difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different settings which include work, school and social interactions.
If your inattention is a serious issue, you may be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your obligations. You might be struggling with managing your finances and health, and you might also experience problems with tasks that are simple like making sure you visit the doctor or take your medication.
For those with ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations worse. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before others are done or have difficulty waiting in line. Your impulsiveness could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to studies, genetics and environment play a significant role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be inherited from families and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase the risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health professional with an expertise in ADHD can help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview and reviewing medical documents, school or work records, family medical histories, and a mental assessment. A trained professional may also conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment in daily life functions.
Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents like motor crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to confusion among family members, friends and colleagues. They might be viewed as irresponsible, lazy, a bad employee or simply crazy. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they depend on tools and techniques to compensate for their poor time management and disorganization. Women suffering from ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to suffer from inattentive symptoms rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capability. It's just a different way to think and behave that can create problems in certain situations.
In adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as people became older. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, keep track of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with daily functioning, and cause depression or anxiety. People who are impulsive or hyperactive might appear to be agitated and they might try to do many things at the same time. They may fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and relationship problems.
Symptoms of the disorder often remain unnoticed in the early years, and a lot of adults who have them aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep adhd diagnosing in their studies and daily life, they may have been labelled as an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from more severe symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They are unable to manage all the balls they have to keep in the air--pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of 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 evaluate whether a person suffers from ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical history. The person may be asked to fill out standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to measure working memory, executive function, and visual and spatial skills.
Stimulant drugs are the most commonly used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD improve their focus, organize their lives, remember important information and tasks, and manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants but still improve the symptoms of ADHD. People who have certain health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor before taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms and build healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. Certain adults suffering from ADHD will also be part of clinical trials. These studies allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults using various assessment tools will increase diagnostic accuracy and reduce mistakes in diagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with experience in treating ADHD in adults will often conduct an lengthy interview. The evaluation will also ask you questions about your child’s past health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They may also review your medical records and perform an examination of your physical.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety, which must be treated. It is estimated that those who suffer from ADHD are six-times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD have a hard finding and keeping jobs. They also have a difficult time managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and experience difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, those with ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as children were diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. However the sample size was very small. A larger sample size would provide additional details about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.
Research has revealed that ADHD is a chronic and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and can lead to other issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, the abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at a greater risk of being incarcerated, divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious mental health issues.
It is recommended that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and monthly thereafter until their symptoms are managed. Adults suffering from ADHD may require to receive psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.