Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can 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 affect your daily activities, whether at home, at work, and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Marital and family counseling can be beneficial as well.
Symptoms
It could be that you feel that you are not living up to your full potential if have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel like you're unable to manage the numerous tasks ahead of you. You could be working full time, caring for children or an aging parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.
Inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and frustration. You might be feeling hopeless and lose confidence. You may even be embarrassed. It's not an issue in the event that you suffer from ADHD. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your issues. The first step in a diagnosis.
A medical professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by performing 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 gathering information about your medical and psychopathological background. The doctor may 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 prior to age 12 and continue to interfere with your daily activities. You must also have difficulty with these behavior in multiple settings, such as at work, school and in your social relationships.
If your inattention is a serious issue, you could be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home, and not be able to meet your responsibilities. You might be struggling with managing your finances and health, and you may also have difficulties with everyday tasks like remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication.
For people with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations even more difficult. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or have trouble waiting in line. Your impulsivity could lead to risky behaviors, such as driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to research, genetics and environment play a major role in the development ADHD. The symptoms tend to run in families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase your chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health care professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview and reviewing medical records, workplace or school records, 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 adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant impairment in everyday life activities.
Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, substance abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretation by family members, friends and coworkers. They may be perceived as lazy, irresponsible or a poor employee, or simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it harder for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or adhd diagnosis uk adults might rely on strategies and tools to compensate for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to suffer from inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's simply an alternative approach to thinking and acting that may cause problems in certain settings or situations.
For adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because the signs may have changed as people grew up. Adults with ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might struggle to stay organized, keep track of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or shifts in mood. People who are impulsive or hyperactive may appear restless, and they may try to do a variety of things at once. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people that can cause confusion and relationships issues.
ADHD is not often recognized in childhood and many adults with symptoms are not aware of it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in their studies and daily life, they may be viewed as either a dreamer or a slacker. As the demands of adulthood increase, however, many people who suffer from ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They're not able to handle all the balls they're trying keep on top of - pursuing a career, caring for family members, juggling chores and household chores, and working on social and romantic relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment typically involves conversations with family members and friends, as well as other people who know the person well and a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric history. The person may also be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests can be used to assess executive and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated by stimulant medications. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD improve their focus and manage their lives, recall important information and tasks and control an impulsive behaviour. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They perform slower than stimulants, yet still improve symptoms. People who have certain health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor before taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms and to build healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults with ADHD. These studies help scientists learn more about new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in treating ADHD in adults typically conducts an lengthy interview. The examiner may also inquire about the history of your your child's health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also go through your past medical records and perform physical examination.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it is believed that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than other people. People with ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of substance abuse.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult finding and keeping a job. They also have a harder managing finances and juggling household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to have bad eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities when they were children. However the sample size was very small. A larger sample size could have provided more information about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven that ADHD is a persistent permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life and can result in a number of comorbid conditions including learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated and divorce as well as a lower socioeconomic status for people with ADHD.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.