Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult can provide treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect daily functioning, at home, work and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
You may feel like you're not performing to your full potential if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult due to the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You may be full-time at work as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, as well as managing household chores.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and frustration. You might also feel depressed and lose confidence. You may even be embarrassed. It's not a problem when you suffer from ADHD. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric examination can be performed by a health specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists, and gathering information regarding your medical and mental health history. The doctor may also inquire about the history of your family members with 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 before age 12 and continue to interfere with your daily life. You should also be having issues with these behaviors at the very least in two different settings, including school, work and social relationships.
You may miss appointments, make mistakes at home or at work, and fail to fulfill your obligations if your inattention is a problem. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances and you could also be having difficulties with everyday tasks like 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 difficult situations even worse. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or have trouble waiting in lines. Your impulsiveness could lead to risky activities, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health professional who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview and an examination of medical documents, school or work records as well as family medical histories and a mental screening. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical examination or lab tests to rule out other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for six months or more, and are causing significant impairments in the daily routine.
People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with ongoing issues which could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems financial or work-related stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretations by family members, friends, and coworkers. They could be seen by others as lazy, irresponsible or a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Women are generally better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Sometimes, they use tools and techniques to compensate for their poor time management and disorganization. Women suffering from ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's just an alternative approach to thinking and acting that could cause difficulties in certain situations or settings.
Adults may exhibit different symptoms than children. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay organized and complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning, and cause anxiety or depression. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition can appear agitated and try to do several things at once, and fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which can result in miscommunications or relationship problems.
ADHD is not often recognized as a child, and a lot of adults with symptoms aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life they may how do you get a diagnosis of adhd be viewed as a dreamer or a slacker. Many people suffering from ADHD have increasing symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're not able to manage all the balls in the air working on a job and taking care of family members, 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 assess whether a person suffers from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes conversations with family members and friends, as well as other people who know the person well, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric history. The person could also be asked to complete standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to measure working memory and executive function as well as visual and spatial abilities.
Stimulant drugs are the most commonly used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also control impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants but still improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with certain health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure must consult with 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 manage their ADHD symptoms as well as build healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults with ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of a misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your or your child's health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They will also review your past medical records and perform an examination of your body.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other medical or psychiatric conditions such as anxiety or depression, that need to be treated. It is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to experience mood disorders. People with ADHD also are more likely to be victims of consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD have a hard to find and keep a job. They also face difficulties managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and struggle to maintain and form relationships with their partners.
In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health services when they were children. However, the sample size was small. An expansion of the sample might have provided more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven that ADHD is a chronic, persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and lead to other conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as the abuse of alcohol and drugs. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of incarceration or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status for those with ADHD.
It is advised that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and every month thereafter until their symptoms are managed. Adults with ADHD may need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest of their lives.