Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult may provide possibilities 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 home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Marital and family counseling can also be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it might seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel like you're unable to take on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You may be working full-time, caring for aging parents or children, and taking care of household chores.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and frustration. You may be feeling hopeless or lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. It's not an issue when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to realize that there are ways to overcome your challenges. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A health care professional can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This includes talking with you about symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining details on your medical and mental health 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 been present before age 12 and continue to interfere with your life. You should also be struggling with these behaviors in multiple situations, like at work, school as well as in your social interactions.
You may miss appointments, make mistakes at home or at work and fail to meet your obligations if lack of attention is a problem. You may have difficulty managing your finances and health, and you might also experience difficulty with simple tasks like remembering to visit the doctor or take your medication.
For people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even more difficult. You might interrupt conversations, answer questions after people have finished or have trouble waiting in lines. Your impulsiveness could lead to risky behaviors like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to studies that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a major role in the development ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically be passed down through the family, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system during crucial developmental stages increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health professional who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and a review of medical history, school or work records along with family medical history and an examination for mental health. A trained professional can also conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for six months or more and are causing significant impairments in the daily routine.
People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with persistent 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 crashes.
Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by friends, relatives and coworkers. They might be viewed as a lazy, irresponsible person or a poor employee, or just plain crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater chance of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, like constant distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to compensate for their disorganization and ineffective time management. Women with ADHD might also have trouble identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to experience inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or capacity. It's just an altered way of thinking and behave that can create challenges in certain situations.
In adults, it may be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms could have changed over time as they became older. However, the signs 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 have not been diagnosed with ADHD might struggle to stay organized, keep track of work or school tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning, and cause emotional issues such as anxiety or depression. People who are hyperactive or impulsive might appear to be agitated and they may try to accomplish a lot simultaneously. They might not complete tasks or meet deadlines. diagnosing adhd in adults may not pay attention to others, which can result in miscommunications or relationship problems.
ADHD is not often recognized as a child, and a lot of adults with the symptoms are not aware of it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in their studies and daily life they may be viewed as a dreamer or a slacker. As responsibilities increase in adulthood, however, many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They're not able to handle all the balls they're trying keep on top of - pursuing a career, caring for family members, keeping up with household chores and errands, as well as trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes conversations with family members, friends and others who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical and mental health background. The person could also be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to measure executive function and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD improve their focus and manage their lives, recall important information and tasks, and manage their the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. People who have certain health issues, 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 programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms and to develop healthy school, family and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults suffering from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about the latest methods to identify, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended discussion with a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your your child's health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They might also look over your medical records and conduct an examination of your body.
Many people with ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, such depression and anxiety that need to be treated. In fact, it's believed that those with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a greater risk of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD often find it difficult to find and keep jobs. They also face difficulties managing finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing health problems, like obesity, heart disease, and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and are more likely to have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health facilities as children. The sample size was small. An enlargement of the sample might have provided more details about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can cause range of comorbidities, such as learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. Untreated ADHD increases the risk of incarceration, divorce and a lower social economic status for people with ADHD.
It is recommended that all adults who have an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days and monthly after that until the symptoms are controlled. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.