Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may open up 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 daily functioning, at home, at work, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it might seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. You might be overwhelmed as an adult with your responsibilities. You could be working full time and caring for your children or an elderly parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your difficulty in keeping up may lead to embarrassment, frustration despair, and the loss of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is a diagnosis.
A health professional can detect ADHD in adults by performing an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists, and collecting information about your medical and psychiatric history. The doctor may also ask you to provide information 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 occurred prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your life. You should also be having issues with these behaviors at the very least in two different situations, including school, work and social relationships.
You could miss appointments, make mistakes at work or home and fail to meet your obligations if your lack of attention is a problem. You may be struggling with managing your finances and health and may have a hard time with simple tasks, such as taking medication, or visiting the doctor for a checkup.
People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. Iam Psychiatry could interrupt conversations with other people and spit out answers to questions before you're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsivity might result in dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to be passed down through the family, and some researchers believe that issues with your central nervous system at critical developmental phases increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health professional who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview, a review of medical records, school or workplace records as well as family medical histories and a mental health screening. A trained professional can also conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to rule other conditions with 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 cause significant impairments in daily life.
Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues and financial stress as well as work-related stress, substance abuse, and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and colleagues. They may be viewed by others as lazy, irresponsible or as a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. They may also depend on methods and tools to compensate for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or ability. It's merely an alternative way of thinking and behave that may cause problems in certain situations.
In adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms could have changed over time as they grew up. However, the symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay on track and complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like depression or anxiety. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the disorder may seem agitated and try to do several things at once, failing to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which can result in miscommunications or problems with relationships.
ADHD is not often recognized as a child, and a lot of adults with symptoms 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 who suffer from ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're not able to handle all the balls they're trying to keep up-to-date with: pursuing a career, caring for family members, juggling household chores and errands, as well as 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 discussions with family, friends and others who know the person well and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and mental health history. The patient may also be asked to complete standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests are used to measure executive and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated by stimulant medications. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also manage the impulsive behavior. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine, can be used to treat ADHD. They perform more slowly than stimulants, but still improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their doctor.
Some adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to manage their symptoms, and how to develop healthy school, family and workplace relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies aid scientists in learning more about new methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with experience in treating ADHD in adult patients will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The examiner will also inquire with you about your your child’s past 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 who suffer from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such depression and anxiety that need to be treated. In fact, it is thought that people with ADHD are six times more likely to have mood disorders than others. People with ADHD are also at a higher risk of using drugs.
Adults with ADHD have a hard to find and keep a job. They also have a difficult time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing health problems, including obesity, heart disease and smoking. They are also more likely to develop poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.
In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in mental health facilities as children were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. However the sample size was small. An enlargement of the sample would provide more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative effect on quality of living and may lead to other health issues like mood disorders learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. Untreated ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated, divorce and an economic disadvantage for those suffering from ADHD.
It is advised that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days, and then every month after that until the symptoms are controlled. Adults with ADHD may require to receive psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.