Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult can provide treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must affect everyday functioning at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it could appear like you're failing to live up to your potential. You might feel overwhelmed as an adult by your responsibilities. You might be working full time and caring for your children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your difficulty in keeping up may lead to embarrassment, frustration despair and an eroding of confidence. It's not an issue if you have ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to your problems. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A health professional can identify ADHD in adults by conducting an extensive psychiatric examination. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and collecting information regarding your medical and psychopathological background. The provider 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 activities. You should also be having difficulty with these behaviors at the very least in two different settings, including school, work and social relationships.
You may be late for appointments, make mistakes at work or home and fail to meet your obligations if inattention is a problem. You may have trouble managing your finances and health and may have a hard time with simple tasks, like taking medication, or going to the doctor for a checkup.
People with ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may disrupt conversations with others, blurt out answers to questions before you're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in 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 an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to be inherited from the family, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system during critical developmental phases increase the risk of developing.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview, a review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and a mental health screening. A trained professional may also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to determine if there are 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 result in significant impairment of everyday activities.
People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD may struggle all their lives with persistent issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems, financial stress or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretations by family members, friends and colleagues. They may be viewed by others as lazy, unreliable or even a bad employee. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are generally better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, for example the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to make up for their lack of organization and ineffective time management. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to experience hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's just an alternative way of thinking and behave that could cause difficulties in certain situations.
Adults may exhibit 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 have not been diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, stay on top of work or school tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or shifts in mood. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition may appear restless and may try to accomplish several things at once, and fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to others which can lead to miscommunications and problems with relationships.
Symptoms of the disorder often remain unnoticed in childhood, and many adults with them don't know they have ADHD. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker, instead of struggling to keep up in school and life. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood however, many who suffer from ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They can't manage all the balls in the air such as pursuing a career or caring for family and juggling with chores at home and errands as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes conversations with family members or friends who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric history. The person may also be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological testing may be done to assess working memory, executive function as well as spatial and visual skills.
Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated by stimulant medications. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD better focus and manage their lives, recall important information and tasks, and manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work slow than stimulants, yet help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants who suffer from certain health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their doctor.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as establish healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults suffering from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults using various assessment tools will increase the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with experience in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The examiner may also inquire about the history of your child's or your own health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They could also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical.
Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety that require treatment. In fact, it's believed that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD have a hard to find and keep a job. They also face difficulties managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition they are more likely to have poor eating habits and have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.
In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in a minor mental health clinic when they were children. The sample size was not large. A larger sample could have provided more information on the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.
how to get an adhd diagnosis uk has revealed that ADHD is a long-lasting and persistent disorder that affects adults. It has a negative effect on quality of life and can result in a variety of comorbid conditions, including mood disorders, learning disabilities as well as alcohol and drug abuse. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of incarceration, divorce and an economic disadvantage for those suffering from ADHD.
It is recommended that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days, and then every month after that until the symptoms are managed. Adults with ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.