Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could 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 be a major hindrance with your daily life at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial as well.
Signs and symptoms
It could be that you feel that you are not living up to your full potential when you have ADHD symptoms. You might be overwhelmed as an adult due to your obligations. You could be working full time and caring for your children or an aging parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up can cause embarrassment and anger. You might also feel hopeless and lose confidence. You may even be embarrassed. It's not an issue if you have ADHD. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your problems. The first step to an assessment.
A medical professional can detect ADHD in adults by performing an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining information about your mental and medical history. The provider may ask 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 occurred prior to age 12 and continue to interfere with your daily life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in two or more situations, like at school, work as well as in your social relationships.
If your inattention is a serious problem, you might miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and not be able to meet your responsibilities. You may have difficulty managing your finances and health, and you might also experience problems with tasks that are simple like remembering to go to the doctor or take your medication.
In people with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations more difficult. You may interrupt other people's conversations, blurt out answers to questions before they're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to risky activities, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to run in families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who has a specialization in ADHD can help those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview, a review of medical history, school or work records along with family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical exam and/or tests in the laboratory to identify other conditions that share similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant impairment to daily life functions.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, addiction to drugs, and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen by others as lazy, irresponsible or even a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult to get the correct diagnosis. They might use strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, such as constant distractions and daydreaming or rely on devices to help them cope with their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's just a different approach to thinking and acting that could cause difficulties in certain situations or environments.
In adults, it may be difficult to determine ADHD because the signs may have changed as they grew up. However, the symptoms of ADHD in adults still match the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay on track, complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with daily functioning and cause emotional issues like depression, anxiety or mood swings. Hyperactive or impulsive people might appear to be agitated and they may try to do a variety of things at the same time. They might not complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or relationship issues.
Symptoms of the disorder often are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults with the disorder do not know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in their studies and daily life, they may be viewed as a dreamer or a slacker. Many people suffering from ADHD experience worsening symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're unable 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 specialist or health care professional will determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with relatives and friends, as well as other people who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and mental health background. The patient may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to test working memory and executive function as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD to focus better and manage their lives, keep track of important information and tasks and control impulsive behavior. iampsychiatry.uk , such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They work more slowly than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. People who have particular health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as develop healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. Certain adults suffering from ADHD will also be part of clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to discover more 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 the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize mistakes in diagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adult patients typically conducts an extended interview. The evaluator will also ask you questions about the child's previous health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They might also look over your medical records and perform an examination of your physical.
Many people suffering from ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders like anxiety and depression, which must be treated. It is estimated that people who have ADHD are six-times more likely to experience mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to be victims of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD have a hard finding and keeping a job. They also have a tougher time managing finances and keeping track of household tasks. Adults with ADHD have an increased risk of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to have poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities as children. The sample size was not large. An expansion 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 demonstrated ADHD to be a persistent and persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life, and can result in a variety of comorbid conditions, including learning disabilities, mood disorders and abuse of alcohol and drugs. Untreated ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status for those suffering from ADHD.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.