Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could provide 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 in social settings. Talk therapy can improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial as well.
Symptoms
If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it could appear like you're failing to live up to your potential. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel you're unable take on the many responsibilities in front of you. You could be full-time at work or caring for elderly parents or children, and taking care of household chores.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and anger. You might also feel depressed, lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. It's not a 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 an assessment.
A thorough psychiatric examination can be used by a health care professional to determine ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and collecting information regarding your medical and psychiatric history. The provider may also ask you to provide information about your family's 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 prior to age 12 and continue to affect your life. You must also have difficulty with these behavior in multiple settings, such as at school, work as well as in your social interactions.
You may miss appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or home, and fail to fulfill your responsibilities if your inattention is a problem. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances and you could also be having difficulties with everyday tasks such as remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication.
People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations with other people or utter answers to questions before you're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior, such as driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to research that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a major role in the development ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be passed down through families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at critical developmental stages increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview, a review of medical background, school or work records along with family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A specialist may also perform a physical exam or lab tests to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant impairment to everyday activities.
People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with ongoing issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead depression, family problems and financial stress as well as work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents.
Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by friends, relatives and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as lazy, unreliable or even a poor employee. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are better at hiding 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. Sometimes, they use methods and tools to compensate for their poor time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD might also have trouble 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 merely an altered approach to thinking and acting that can cause challenges in certain situations or environments.
Adults may experience different symptoms as children. However, the signs of ADHD in adults still match the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, stay on top of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues such as anxiety or depression. People who are hyperactive or impulsive might appear to be agitated and they might try to do a variety of things at the same time. They may fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which could lead to misunderstandings or relationship issues.
ADHD is often not recognized as a child, and a lot of adults with the symptoms aren't aware that they have it. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and everyday life. As responsibilities increase in adulthood, however, many people who suffer from ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They can't manage all the balls in the air - pursuing a career and caring for family, while also keeping up with chores at home and errands as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical history. The patient could be asked to complete standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to assess executive and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual capabilities.
Stimulant drugs are the most common treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also control the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They perform slower than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. People who have certain health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. www.iampsychiatry.uk can teach adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms as well as establish healthy relationships at home, in school, and at work. Some adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies help scientists learn more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended conversation with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner will also inquire with you about your or the child's previous health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she could also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical.
Many people with ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such anxiety and depression, that must be treated. In fact, it's believed that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to have mood disorders than others. People who suffer from ADHD also are at a higher risk of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult finding and keeping a job. They also have a tougher managing their finances and keeping track of household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health issues, such as obesity, heart disease and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and are more likely to have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in a minor mental health clinic as children. The sample size was not large. A larger sample would have provided more details about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has revealed that ADHD is a chronic, persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of living and can lead to other issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, alcohol and drugs abuse. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of incarceration and divorce as well as a lower social economic status for those with ADHD.
It is advised that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and every month thereafter until their symptoms are controlled. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy throughout their lives.