Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult may give possibilities for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect daily functioning, at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving communication and problem-solving skills. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial as well.
Signs and symptoms
You might feel that you are not performing to your full potential if suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel like you're unable to manage the numerous tasks ahead of you. You may be working full-time and caring for your children or an elderly parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.
Your difficulty keeping up can lead to embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and an eroding of confidence. If you have ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to recognize that there are solutions to overcome your issues. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A health professional can detect ADHD in adults by performing a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD list of symptoms, and gathering information on your mental and medical background. The doctor may 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 occurred prior to age 12 and continue affecting your life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in two or more situations, like at work, school and in your social interactions.
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 be struggling with managing your health and finances and may have a difficult time with simple tasks, such as remembering to take medication or going to the doctor for checkups.
People who suffer from ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions after people have finished or struggle to wait in the line. Your impulsiveness could lead to reckless actions, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically be passed down through the family, and some researchers believe that problems with your central nervous system at critical developmental phases increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who has an expertise in ADHD can assist those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview and a review of medical records, workplace or school records, family medical histories, and a mental screening. A specialist may also conduct a physical examination and/or tests in the laboratory to determine if there are other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more, and are causing significant impairments in daily life.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to long-term problems which could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems financial or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by friends, relatives and coworkers. They could be seen by others as irresponsible, lazy or a poor employee. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their inattentiveness and impulsivity. They may also rely on strategies and tools to compensate for their poor time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they tend to have symptoms of inattention rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's merely an alternative way of thinking and behaving that could cause difficulties in certain settings or situations.
Adults may have different symptoms in comparison to children. However, 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
People with undiagnosed ADHD might struggle to stay 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 anxiety, depression or mood swings. People who are impulsive or hyperactive might appear to be agitated and they might try to do many things simultaneously. They may fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people which can lead to miscommunications and relationships issues.
Symptoms of the disorder often are not recognized until childhood, and many adults with the disorder don't know they have ADHD. They might have been viewed as a goof-off, dreamer, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and everyday life. Many people who suffer from ADHD have increasing symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're unable to handle all the balls they're trying keep in the air--pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, keeping up with household chores and errands, as well as working on social and romantic relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a person has ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members as well as friends and family members who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review a person's medical history. The patient could be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to test executive and working memory as well as visual and spatial abilities.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated by stimulant medications. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also manage the impulsive behavior. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, yet nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Patients with particular health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their symptoms, and how to build healthy school, family and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in treating ADHD in adults will often conduct an extended interview. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the history of your or your child's health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They will also go through your past medical records and perform a physical exam.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In adhd diagnosis uk adults , it's estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of using drugs.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time finding and keeping jobs. They also have a harder time managing finances and keeping track of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and to struggle to maintain and form relationships with their partners.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health facilities when they were children. However the sample size was small. A larger sample might have provided more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative impact on quality of life and can cause range of comorbidities, like mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at a greater chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as being less socioeconomically stable and more serious psychiatric problems.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy throughout their lives.