Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may offer treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must interfere with everyday functioning at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Marital and family counseling can also be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
You may feel like you are not doing enough to fulfill your full potential if you have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel you're unable take on the many responsibilities in front of you. You could be working full-time and caring for your children or an elderly parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.
Your difficulty keeping up can lead to embarrassment, frustration despair and an eroding of confidence. It's not a problem in the event that you suffer from ADHD. It's important to understand that there are solutions to overcome your challenges. The first step is the process of diagnosing.
A health professional can detect ADHD in adults through an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and collecting information about your medical and mental health history. The doctor might also ask you about your family 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 been present prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in two or more situations, like at work, school as well as in your social relationships.
You may miss appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or home and not be able to meet your obligations if inattention is a problem. You might have trouble managing your health and finances and you may also have difficulty with simple tasks such as making sure you visit the doctor or take your medication.
For those with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations worse. You might interrupt conversations with other people and spit out answers to questions before you're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior like driving too fast or spending money in reckless ways.
Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be passed down through 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 professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and a review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to identify other conditions that may have 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 are causing significant impairments in the daily routine.
People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with persistent issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen as a lazy, irresponsible person or even simply crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult to get the correct diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, for example constant distractions and daydreaming or rely on devices to help them cope with their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to experience inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or ability. It's just an altered approach to thinking and acting that could cause difficulties in certain situations or settings.
Adults may exhibit different symptoms as children. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay on track, complete their work and school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues such as depression or anxiety. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition may appear restless and attempt to complete multiple things at once, and fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people which can lead to miscommunications and relationship problems.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged as a child, and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder are not aware of it. Instead of struggling to keep up in their studies and daily life they may have been labeled an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people suffering from ADHD have increasing symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're not able to manage all the balls that are flying working on a job and caring for family, while also keeping up with housework and errands, as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person suffers from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members as well as friends and family members who know the person, a physical examination, and a review a person's medical history. The person may be asked to fill out standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to test executive and working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant drugs are the most commonly used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and keep track of important information. They can also manage impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants, but they can help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with particular health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor before taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD may benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to manage their symptoms and to develop healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults with ADHD. These studies allow scientists to discover more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults using several assessment instruments will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize mistakes in diagnosis. adult adhd diagnosis uk or psychiatrist with experience in treating ADHD in adult patients will often conduct an lengthy interview. The evaluation will also ask you questions about the child's previous health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator might also look over your medical records and conduct a physical examination.
Many people with ADHD also have other medical or psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which need to be treated. It is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often find it difficult to secure and maintain jobs. They also have difficulty managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing health problems, like heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to have bad eating habits and to have trouble forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.
In one study, individuals with ADHD who were treated in minor mental health facilities as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. However, the size of the sample was small. A larger sample could have provided additional information about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a long-lasting, persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life, and can cause number of comorbid conditions including learning disabilities, mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at an increased risk for incarceration or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric issues.
It is recommended that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days and monthly after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy throughout their lives.