Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis 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 should significantly interfere with daily functioning at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial as well.
Signs and symptoms
You might feel that you're not living up to your full potential when you suffer from ADHD symptoms. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult with your obligations. You might be working full time and caring for your children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your difficulty keeping up can result in embarrassment, frustration despair and an eroding of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD It's not your fault. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your problems. The first step is a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric examination can be performed by a health care professional to determine ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as gathering information about your medical and psychiatric history. 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 been present prior to the age of 12 and continue affecting your life. You must also be experiencing difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different situations such as school, work and social interactions.
If your inattention is a significant issue, you could be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your obligations. You might have difficulty managing your finances and health and may have a hard working through everyday tasks, such as taking medication, or visiting the doctor for a checkup.
For those with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations more difficult. You could interrupt other people's conversations, blurt out answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to studies that have been conducted, environment and genetics are key factors in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be passed down through families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase your chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview and reviewing medical records, school or workplace records and family medical histories and a mental health screening. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical examination or lab tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment in daily life functions.
People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD may struggle all their lives with ongoing issues which could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretation by family members, friends and colleagues. They may be perceived as irresponsible, lazy or a poor employee, or just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their impulsivity and inattention. They may also rely on strategies and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's simply an altered way of thinking and behave that may cause challenges in certain situations.
In adults, it may be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the signs may have changed over time as they became older. Adults with ADHD still meet 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 struggle to get organized, stay on top of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger depression or anxiety. People who are impulsive or hyperactive can appear agitated, and they might try to do a variety of things at the same time. They might not finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which could cause confusion or problems with relationships.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged as a child, and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder are unaware that they have it. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and life. Many people suffering from ADHD have more severe symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They can't manage all the balls at once - pursuing a career and caring for their family, while also keeping up with chores at home and errands as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person suffers from ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members as well as friends and family members who know the person as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical history. The person may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to assess executive function, working memory and spatial and visual skills.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated by stimulant medications. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and keep track of important information. They can also control impulsive behaviors. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. how to get adhd diagnosed uk perform more slowly than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, people with certain health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor.
Some adults with 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 as well as build healthy relationships at home, in school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults suffering from ADHD. These studies help scientists discover more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience treating ADHD in adult patients will often conduct an extended interview. The evaluator may also ask about the background of your child's or your own health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also go through your past medical records and perform an examination of your body.
Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other medical or psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression, which must be treated. It is estimated that those with ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD also have a higher risk of substance abuse.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard to find and keep jobs. They also have difficulty managing finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in a minor mental health clinic as children. The sample size was not large. A larger sample could have provided additional information on the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.
Research has proven ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative effect on quality of living and lead to other conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of incarceration, divorce and an economic disadvantage for those with ADHD.
It is recommended that all adults who have new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and monthly after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.