Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could 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 your daily activities, whether at home, at work, and in social settings. Talk therapy can aid in improving the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Counseling for families and marriage can also be helpful.
Symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD, it may seem as if you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you might feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel like you're unable to get a handle on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You may be full-time at work as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, and taking care of household chores.
Inability to keep up can cause frustration and embarrassment. You might also feel depressed, lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are ways to overcome your difficulties. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be used by a medical specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering details about your medical and psychopathological history. 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 the age of 12 and continue to interfere with your daily life. You must also be experiencing difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different settings, including school, work and social interactions.
You may be late for appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your obligations if inattention is an issue. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a difficult working through everyday 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 interrupt conversations, answer questions before others are done or have difficulty waiting in line. Your impulsiveness can lead to risky behaviors like driving too quickly or spending money in reckless ways.
According to studies, genetics and environment are key factors in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to run in families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental stages increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview, an examination of medical records, workplace or school records as well as family medical histories and a mental health screening. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and result in significant impairment of daily life functions.
People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with persistent issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems financial or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.
Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and colleagues. They might be viewed as a lazy, irresponsible person or even just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult to get a proper diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or they might depend on tools and techniques to compensate for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's just a different way of thinking and behaving that may cause problems in certain situations or environments.
In adults, it may be difficult to determine ADHD because the signs may have changed over time as they developed. However, the signs 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 who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might struggle to stay organized, stay on top of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and lead to emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, or changes in mood. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition can appear agitated and try to do several things at the same time, but fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people which can lead to miscommunications and relationships issues.
ADHD is not often recognized in childhood and many adults with the symptoms aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and life, they may have been labelled as a dreamer or a slacker. As the demands of adulthood increase however, many who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They're not able to manage all the balls in the air working on a job and caring for family and juggling with errands and housework, as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members as well as friends and family members who are familiar with the individual, a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical history. The patient may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to determine working memory, executive function as well as spatial and visual skills.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD improve their focus and manage their lives, recall important information and tasks and manage their an impulsive behaviour. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. They perform more slowly than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. Patients with particular health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to manage their symptoms and website to build healthy school, family and work relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies help scientists learn more about new ways to identify, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the background of your or your child's health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your body.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other medical or psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. It is estimated that people who have ADHD are six-times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD often find it difficult to find and keep jobs. They also have difficulty managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing health problems, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and to struggle to maintain and form relationships with their partners.
In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health services as children. The sample size was not large. An expansion of the sample would have provided more details about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a long-lasting permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It has a negative impact on the quality of life and can result in a variety of comorbid conditions, including learning disabilities, mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of incarceration or divorce, as well as an economic disadvantage for those suffering from ADHD.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may require to receive psychotherapy and/or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.