Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in AdultsSome adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can offer 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 your daily activities at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem-solving skills. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
It could be that you feel that you're not doing enough to fulfill your full potential if you have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel like you're unable to get a handle on the many responsibilities in front of you. You may 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 lead to embarrassment and anger. You might also feel hopeless, lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. 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 is an assessment.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be performed by a medical professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, requiring you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining details on your medical and mental health background. The provider may ask about the background of ADHD in your family.
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 the age of 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily activities. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in two or more situations, like at school, work and in your social interactions.
You may be late for appointments, make careless errors at home or at work, and fail to fulfill your responsibilities if your lack of attention is an issue. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances and you could also be having difficulty with simple tasks such as remembering to go to the doctor or take your medication.
For those with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations worse. You might interrupt conversations, answer questions before others are done or have trouble waiting in lines. Your impulsiveness could cause risky actions like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
According to studies the genetics and the environment play a significant role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically be passed down through the family, and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system during critical developmental phases increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health care specialist who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview, an examination of medical records, school or workplace records, family medical histories, and a mental health screening. A trained professional can conduct physical examinations and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that exhibit 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 cause significant impairments in the daily routine.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, work-related or financial stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretations by family members, friends and coworkers. They may be perceived as irresponsible, lazy or even just plain crazy. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. They may also rely on strategies and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to experience inattentive symptoms rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capability. It's merely an altered approach to thinking and acting that may cause problems in certain situations or environments.
Adults may experience different symptoms as children. However, the 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
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay organized, complete their work and school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning, and cause emotional issues such as anxiety or depression. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition may appear restless and try to how do you get a diagnosis of adhd several things at the same time, but fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which can cause confusion or relationship problems.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged as a child, and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in their studies and daily life they might be viewed as an overachiever or a dreamer. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood however, many who suffer from ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They're unable to handle all the balls they're trying to keep up-to-date with: pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, keeping up with household chores and errands, as well as working on social and romantic relationships.
A health care professional or mental health professional will determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes conversations with family members, friends and others who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and mental health background. The patient may be asked to complete standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to measure executive function and working memory as well as visual and spatial abilities.
Stimulant medications are the most commonly used treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD focus better, manage their lives, and retain important information. They also help control impulsive behaviors. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine, can be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but still improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor.
Some adults with ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults to cope with 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 aid scientists in learning more about new methods to identify, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the likelihood of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adult patients will often conduct an extended interview. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the background of your or your child's health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They will also look over your previous medical records and perform a physical exam.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental or physical disorders such as anxiety or depression, that need to 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 also are at a higher risk of using drugs.
Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to get and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and experience difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as young children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. The sample size was small. A larger sample size could have provided additional details about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown ADHD to be a chronic and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can lead to other issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, alcohol and drugs abuse. Untreated ADHD increases the risk of incarceration, divorce and a lower social economic status for people with ADHD.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may require receiving psychotherapy or medication for the rest of their lives.