Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might 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 affect daily functioning, at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can enhance communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
It could be that you feel that you are not performing to your full potential if suffer from ADHD symptoms. You might feel overwhelmed as an adult with the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You could be full-time at work as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, or managing household chores.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can result in embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and the loss of confidence. If you have ADHD it's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your problems. The first step to the process of diagnosing.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be performed by a medical specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering information about your medical and psychopathological history. The provider may also ask you to provide information 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 interfere with your daily activities. You should also be struggling with these behaviors in two or more settings, such as at work, school and in your social interactions.
If your inattention is a major issue, you could miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and fail to fulfill your obligations. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a hard to complete simple tasks, like taking medication, or going to the doctor for checkups.
For those with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations worse. You might interrupt conversations with other people, blurt out answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsivity could cause risky actions, such as driving too quickly or spending money recklessly.
According to research that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a significant role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to run in families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase the risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview, reviewing medical records, workplace or school records and family medical histories and a mental health screening. A trained professional can also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to rule other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment in daily life functions.
Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to long-term problems which 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 cause confusion among family members, friends and colleagues. They may be viewed by others as lazy, irresponsible or even a poor employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater chance of developing depression and anxiety.
Women tend to be better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their inattentiveness and impulsivity. They may also use strategies and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing 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 a sign of intelligence or capacity. It's merely an altered way of thinking and behave that can create challenges in certain situations.
Adults may exhibit different symptoms as children. However, symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria set forth in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
People with undiagnosed ADHD may struggle to get organized, stay on top of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with daily functioning and cause mental issues such as anxiety, depression or changes in mood. People who are hyperactive or impulsive may appear restless, and may attempt to accomplish a lot at once. They may fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to others which can lead to miscommunications and relationships issues.
The symptoms of the disorder usually are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults with them do not know they have ADHD. They may have been labeled as a goof-off, dreamer or a slacker, instead of struggling to keep up in school and daily life. Many people with ADHD experience increasing symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying keep on top of - pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, juggling household chores and errands, as well as trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a person is suffering 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 a person's medical history. The person may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to determine executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual skills.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated by stimulant medications. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, manage their lives and keep track of important information. They can also manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slow than stimulants, yet improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants with certain health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor.
Some adults with ADHD may benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms and develop healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. Certain adults suffering from ADHD also will participate in clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to learn more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment tools will increase the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the chance of misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended conversation with a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your your child's health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she will also go through your past medical records and conduct a physical exam.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric or medical conditions 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 suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of using drugs.
Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to get and keep jobs. They also have a difficult managing their finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition they are more likely to have poor eating habits and are more likely to have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health services as children. The sample size was not large. An enlargement of the sample might provide more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a long-lasting, persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative effect on quality of life and can cause variety of comorbid conditions, like mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated, divorce and a lower socioeconomic status for those with ADHD.
It is advised that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD more info be seen within 30 days and monthly after that until their symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.