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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed 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 affect everyday functioning at home, at work, and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving communication and problem-solving skills. Marital and family counseling can be beneficial as well.
Signs and symptoms
It could be that you feel that you are not living up to your full potential when you have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you could feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel you're unable get a handle on the many tasks in front of you. You might be working full-time as a caregiver 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, frustration, hopelessness and the loss of confidence. If you have ADHD it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to your problems. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric examination can be utilized by a health specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptom checklists, and collecting information regarding your medical and psychiatric background. The doctor might inquire about the history 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 age 12 and continue to interfere with your life. You must also be having issues with these behaviors at the very least in two different settings which include work, school and social interactions.
You could miss appointments, make mistakes at home or at work and fail to meet your obligations if your inattention is a problem. You may be struggling with managing your finances and health and may have a hard to complete simple tasks like remembering to take medication or visiting the doctor for a checkup.
For those with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations even worse. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or have difficulty waiting in lines. Your impulsivity might result in risky activities, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be inherited from 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 an expertise in ADHD can assist those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview and an examination of medical records, school or workplace records and family medical histories and a mental health screening. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to rule other conditions with similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and cause significant impairments in the daily routine.
People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with persistent issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems, work-related or financial stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by friends, relatives and coworkers. They could be seen by others as irresponsible, lazy or even a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to disguise their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Sometimes, they depend on strategies and tools to compensate for their poor time management and disorganization. Women suffering from ADHD might also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention, not an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's merely an alternative way of thinking and behave that can create difficulties in certain situations.
In adults, it may be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms could have changed as people grew up. Adults who suffer from ADHD still fit 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 school or work obligations and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as depression, anxiety or mood swings. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition can appear agitated and try to do several things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which could cause confusion or problems with relationships.
ADHD is not often recognized in the early years and a lot of adults with symptoms are not aware of it. They may have been described as a goof-off, dreamer, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to keep up in school and daily life. Many people with ADHD experience more severe symptoms as their obligations increase. They aren't able to handle all the balls that are flying such as pursuing a career or caring for family as well as keeping up with chores at home and errands and maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the individual and a physical examination and a review of the person's medical history. The person may be asked to complete standard ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to determine working memory, executive function and spatial and visual skills.
adhd diagnosis in adult suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated by stimulant medications. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also control impulse-driven behaviors. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants or atomoxetine, may also be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, yet they can still help improve symptoms. People who have certain health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor before taking stimulants.
Some adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms and to establish healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults suffering from ADHD. These studies aid scientists in learning more about new ways to identify, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating ADHD in adults typically conducts an extended interview. The evaluation will also ask you about your or the child's previous health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator could also review your medical records and perform a physical examination.
Many people suffering from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety that need to be treated. In fact, it's estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People with ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of using drugs.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time finding and keeping a job. They also have a harder managing finances and staying on top of household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing health problems, like obesity, heart disease, and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and experience trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.
In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as children were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. However the size of the sample was small. A larger sample could provide additional information about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.
Research has shown ADHD to be a chronic and persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life, and can lead to a variety of comorbid conditions, including mood disorders, learning disabilities and alcohol and drug abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a higher chance of being in prison, divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric problems.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.
