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 daily functioning at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem solving skills. Family and marital counseling can be beneficial as well.
Signs and symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD, it may seem that you're not living up to your potential. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult with your responsibilities. You could be working full-time as a caregiver for children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Inability to keep up may cause frustration and embarrassment. You may be feeling hopeless, lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. It's not an issue if you have ADHD. It's important to understand that there are ways to overcome your challenges. The first step to an assessment.
A health care professional can detect ADHD in adults by performing an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and collecting information regarding your medical and psychiatric history. The doctor might also inquire 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 the age of 12 and continue to cause problems with your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in two or more environments, including 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 fail to fulfill your obligations. You may have trouble managing your finances and health and may have a difficult to complete simple tasks, like taking medication, or going to the doctor for checkups.
People with ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may interrupt other people's conversations, blurt out answers to questions before they're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness could lead to reckless actions, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to research that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a significant role in the development ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to run in families, and some researchers believe that issues 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 evaluation typically includes an interview and review of medical history, school or work records along with family medical history and a mental health screening. A trained professional may also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to identify other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for six months or more, and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, drug abuse, and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretation by family members, friends and colleagues. They might be viewed as irresponsible, lazy, a bad employee or just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women tend to be better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult for them to get a proper diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, like frequent distractions and daydreaming, or use tools to make up for their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD might also have trouble identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or ability. It's just an altered way of thinking and behave that may cause problems in certain situations.
Adults may experience different symptoms than children. Adults who suffer from ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay organized and complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger emotional problems such as depression, anxiety or shifts in mood. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the disorder may seem agitated and may try to accomplish several things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which could lead to misunderstandings or problems with relationships.
ADHD is often not recognized in childhood and many adults with symptoms are unaware that they have it. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, goof-off, slacker or troublemaker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and everyday life. As the demands of adulthood increase, however, many people who have ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They're not able to handle all the balls they're trying to keep on top of - pursuing a career, caring for family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person suffers from ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members, friends, and others who know the person as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical history. The person could be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to measure executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial skills.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD to focus better and organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks, and control impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can also be used to treat ADHD. They perform more slowly than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Patients with certain health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, 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 programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms, and how to establish healthy school, family and work relationships. Some adults with ADHD will also be part of clinical studies. These studies help scientists learn more about new methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment inventories will improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended discussion with a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the background of your child's or your own health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also review your past medical records and conduct an examination of your body.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such depression and anxiety, which require treatment. In fact, it's thought that people with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult finding and keeping jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at risk of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity, and smoking. adult adhd diagnosis uk are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.
In one study, individuals who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health facilities as children were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. However the sample size was very small. An enlargement of the sample could have provided more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a persistent, persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life and can result in a variety of comorbid conditions, like learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. People who do not treat ADHD are at a greater chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric problems.
It is recommended that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days, and then every month after that until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue to receive psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.