Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may 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 interfere with your daily activities, whether at home, at work, and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it might seem as if you're not living up to your potential. You might be overwhelmed as an adult with your obligations. You might be working full-time, caring for children or an elderly parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can result in embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and an eroding of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD it's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your issues. The first step to a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric assessment can be utilized by a health care specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining details on your mental and medical history. The doctor may also ask you 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 occurred before age 12 and continue to interfere with your daily life. You should also be struggling with these behavior in multiple settings, such as at school, work, and in your social interactions.
You could miss appointments, make mistakes at work or home and not be able to meet your responsibilities if your inattention is an issue. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances and you may also have problems with tasks that are simple like making sure you visit the doctor or take your medication.
People who suffer from ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions before others are done or struggle to wait in the line. Your impulsiveness could lead to reckless actions, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to be passed down through the family, and some scientists 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 with symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview, reviewing medical documents, school or work records as well as family medical histories and a mental screening. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical examination or lab tests to rule out other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and result in significant impairment of everyday life activities.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to confusion among family members, friends and coworkers. They may be perceived as a lazy, irresponsible person or even just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to disguise their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they use strategies and tools 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 inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.
It's important to remember that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capability. It's just a different behavior and way of thinking that could cause difficulties in certain settings or situations.
Adults may experience different symptoms than children. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, stay on top of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with daily functioning, and cause emotional issues such as anxiety or depression. People who are impulsive or hyperactive may appear restless, and they might try to do many things at once. They might not complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people that can cause confusion and relationship problems.
ADHD is not often recognized in childhood and many adults with the symptoms aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and everyday life they might be viewed as either a dreamer or a slacker. As the demands of adulthood increase However, many people who have ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They're unable to handle all the balls they're trying keep in the air--pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, juggling household chores and errands, as well as working on social and romantic relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with family 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 history. The person may be asked to complete the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to determine executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also manage impulse-driven behaviors. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They perform more slowly than stimulants, but still improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants with certain health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their physician.
Some adults with ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms and to build healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults with ADHD. These studies help scientists learn more about new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. The process often includes 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 or your child's health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator could also review your medical records and perform an examination of your physical.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders such as anxiety or depression, which must be treated. In fact, it's estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to have mood disorders than others. People with ADHD are also at a higher risk of substance abuse.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a tougher time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing health problems, including obesity, heart disease and smoking. Additionally, diagnosed with adhd as an adult are more likely to have poor eating habits and experience difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in a minor mental health clinic as children. However the sample size was very small. A larger sample could provide additional details about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.
Research has proven that ADHD is a chronic permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and can lead to other issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as addiction to alcohol and other drugs. People with untreated ADHD are at a higher risk for incarceration and divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious mental health issues.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or medication for the rest of their lives.