Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be 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 should significantly interfere with your daily activities at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial.
Symptoms
You might feel that you're not doing enough to fulfill your full potential if you have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel you're unable manage the many tasks in front of you. You may be full-time at work as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, and managing household chores.
Your difficulty keeping up can lead to embarrassment, frustration despair, and a loss of confidence. It's not your problem in the event that you suffer from ADHD. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your problems. The first step is a diagnosis.
A health care professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by performing an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This includes talking with you about symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining details on your medical and mental health background. The doctor might also inquire about your family 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 been present before age 12 and continue to cause problems with your life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in two or more environments, including at work, school as well as in your social relationships.
If your inattention is a major 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 might also experience problems with tasks that are simple like remembering to visit the doctor or take your medication.
People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You could disrupt conversations with others, blurt out answers to questions before you're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness can lead to risky behaviors, such as driving too quickly or spending money in reckless ways.
According to research the genetics and the environment play a significant role in the development ADHD. Symptoms tend to be inherited from families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase the risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who has an expertise in ADHD can assist adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview as well as an examination of medical records, school or workplace records and family medical histories and a mental screening. A trained professional can also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at least six months and result in significant impairment of daily life functions.
People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with chronic difficulties that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues financial or work-related stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents.
Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to confusion among family members, friends and colleagues. They might be viewed as irresponsible, lazy or even simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, such as the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on devices to compensate for their disorganization and poor time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD also might have trouble diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or capability. It's simply an alternative way of thinking and behave that could cause challenges in certain situations.
In adults, it may be difficult to determine ADHD because the symptoms could have changed as they grew up. However, symptoms of ADHD in adults still match the criteria 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. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger mental issues such as depression, anxiety, or shifts in mood. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition can appear agitated and may try to accomplish several things at the same time, but fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which could cause confusion or problems with relationships.
ADHD is often not recognized as a child, and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder are not aware of it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life they might have been labelled as a dreamer or a slacker. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood, however, many people who have ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They can't manage all the balls that are flying - pursuing a career and caring for family as well as keeping up with chores at home and errands and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will assess whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with family or friends who know the person well as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric history. The patient may also be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to test working memory and executive function as well as visual and spatial abilities.
Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant medications. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also control impulse-driven behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work slow than stimulants, yet aid in the treatment of ADHD. People who have certain health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching, individual therapy group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms and to establish healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. Certain adults suffering from ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These studies help scientists learn more about new methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults using various assessment instruments will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize mistakes in diagnosis. The process usually involves an extended discussion with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your or your child's health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also go through your past medical records and perform a physical exam.
Many people with ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which need to be treated. It is estimated that people with ADHD are six-times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty to get and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and keeping track of household tasks. ADHD Diagnosis with ADHD are at increased risk for developing other health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.
In one study, people who had ADHD who were treated in mental health services as young children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. The sample size was small. A larger sample size could have provided additional details about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and may lead to other health issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as addiction to alcohol and other drugs. People with untreated ADHD are at an increased chance of being in prison, divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious mental health issues.
It is recommended that all adults who have new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days, and then every month after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest of their lives.