Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult can open up options for treatment.
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 the communication and problem-solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial as well.
Symptoms
You may feel like you're not doing enough to fulfill your full potential if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel that you can't manage the many tasks in front of you. 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 a loss of confidence. If you have ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to understand that there are ways to overcome your challenges. The first step is a diagnosis.
A health professional can detect ADHD in adults by performing an extensive psychiatric examination. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptom checklists, and gathering details about your medical and psychiatric 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 life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in multiple settings, such as at school, work and in your social relationships.
You could miss appointments, make erroneous mistakes at home or at work and not be able to meet your obligations if lack of attention is a problem. You may be struggling with managing your finances and health and may have a difficult time with simple tasks like remembering to take medication or going to the doctor for checkups.
People with ADHD can make difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You could interrupt conversations with other people or utter answers to questions before you're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to studies the genetics and the environment are key factors in the development ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be inherited from families and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate those who have symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview and review of medical background, school or work records along with family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A trained professional can conduct physical examinations and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for six months or more, and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.
People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with ongoing issues which could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems, work-related or financial stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.
Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as irresponsible, lazy or even a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder to get an accurate diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Sometimes, they use tools and techniques to compensate for their poor time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD also might have trouble identifying their own symptoms as they tend to have symptoms of inattention rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's simply a different way of thinking and behaving that can cause challenges in certain settings or situations.
In adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because the signs may have changed over time as they developed. However, the signs of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria set forth in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might struggle to stay organized, stay on top of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and lead to emotional issues like depression, anxiety or changes in mood. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition can appear agitated and try to do several things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others which can lead to miscommunications and relationships issues.
ADHD is not often recognized in the early years and a lot of adults with symptoms are not aware of it. adhd uk diagnosis may have been described as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and everyday life. As responsibilities increase in adulthood However, many people who suffer from ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They're not able to handle all the balls they're trying to keep on top of - pursuing a career, caring for family members, juggling household chores and errands, as well as working on social and romantic relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person has ADHD. The evaluation usually includes conversations with family members and friends, as well as other people who know the person well and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric background. The patient may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to determine executive function, working memory and spatial and visual skills.
Stimulant drugs are the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, manage their lives and keep track of important information. They can also manage the impulsive behavior. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, people who suffer from certain health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure should talk to their doctor.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms, and how to develop healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Some adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies help scientists learn more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment instruments will improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience treating ADHD in adult patients typically conducts an lengthy interview. The examiner may also inquire about the history of your child's or your own health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also look over your previous medical records and conduct physical examination.
Many people suffering from ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions such as anxiety or depression, that need to be treated. It is estimated that those with ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of using drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often find it difficult to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a tougher time managing finances and keeping track of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are more at risk for developing other health issues, such as obesity, heart disease and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and are more likely to have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities as children. However, the sample size was very small. A larger sample could have provided additional information about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a long-lasting, persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative effect on living quality and lead to other conditions like mood disorders learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. People who do not treat ADHD are at a greater risk for incarceration, divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric problems.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may require receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.