Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult could open up 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 home, at work, and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it could appear as if you're not living up to your potential. You may be overwhelmed as an adult due to the responsibilities you have to fulfill. 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 with the pace can lead to embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and an eroding of confidence. It's not a problem in the event that you suffer from ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A health care professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by performing an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking 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 inquire about your family's 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 prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your life. You must also be having difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different situations such as school, work and social relationships.
If your inattention is a significant issue, you could miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and not be able to meet your responsibilities. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances and you might also experience difficulty with simple tasks such as making sure you visit the doctor or taking your medication.
People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or have trouble waiting in lines. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to studies that have been conducted, environment and genetics are key factors in the development ADHD. Symptoms tend to be passed down through families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate those who have symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview and review of medical background, 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 laboratory tests 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 the daily routine.
Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead depression, family problems and financial stress as well as work-related stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents like motor crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretation by family members, friends and coworkers. They may be viewed by others as irresponsible, lazy or a poor employee. In addition, people 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 an accurate diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to disguise their impulsivity and inattention. They may also use tools and techniques to make up for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's simply an altered behavior and way of thinking that may cause problems in certain settings or situations.
In adults, it may be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as they became older. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay on track, complete their work and school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like depression, anxiety or shifts in mood. People who are hyperactive or impulsive can appear agitated, and may attempt to do a variety of things simultaneously. They may not be able to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to others that can cause confusion and relationships issues.
The symptoms of the disorder typically remain unnoticed in childhood, and many adults who have them aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life they might be viewed as a dreamer or a slacker. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood, however, many people who have ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They can't manage all the balls at once such as pursuing a career or taking care of family members, while also keeping up with errands and housework, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a patient has ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the individual and a physical examination and a review a person's medical history. The patient may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests are used to assess executive function and working memory as well as visual and spatial abilities.
Stimulant drugs are the most common treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also manage impulse-driven behaviors. adhd uk diagnosis for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work slow than stimulants, yet help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure 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 teach adults how to manage their symptoms and to establish healthy school, family and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults suffering 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 ADHD in adults using several assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize mistakes in diagnosis. The process usually involves an extended conversation with a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the history of your your child's health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she might also look over your medical records and perform an examination of your body.
Many people suffering from ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions such as anxiety or depression, which must be treated. It is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult to find and keep jobs. They also have a harder time managing finances and keeping track of household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased risk of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and struggle to maintain and form relationships with their partners.
In one study, those with ADHD who were treated in mental health facilities as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. The sample size was small. A larger sample might have provided more details about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven that ADHD is a persistent permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of living 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 chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric problems.
Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might require receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest their lives.