Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of 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 should significantly interfere with daily functioning at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can also be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it could appear that you're not living up to your potential. 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 working full time as a caregiver for children or an aging parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.
Your difficulty in keeping up may cause embarrassment, anger despair and a loss of confidence. If you have ADHD it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are ways to overcome your difficulties. The first step is a diagnosis.
A health care professional can diagnose ADHD in adults through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as collecting information regarding your medical and mental health background. The doctor might 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 before the age of 12 and continue to interfere with your life. You should also be struggling with these behavior in multiple environments, including at work, school and in your social relationships.
You may miss appointments, make mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your obligations if lack of attention is an issue. You may be struggling with managing your health and finances and may have a hard working through everyday tasks, like making sure you take your medication on time or visiting the doctor for checkups.
People who suffer from ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You might interrupt other people's conversations and spit out answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior like 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 of ADHD typically be inherited from the family, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system during critical developmental stages increase the risk of developing.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview and reviewing medical records, school or workplace records, family medical histories, and a mental assessment. A specialist may conduct physical examinations and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment in daily life functions.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues financial or work-related stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen as lazy, irresponsible or a poor employee, or just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it harder for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, such as the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to compensate for their disorganization and lack of time management skills. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they tend to have symptoms of inattention rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's merely an altered way of thinking and behave that may cause challenges in certain situations.
Adults may exhibit different symptoms as children. However, the signs 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 individuals to have difficulty to stay organized and complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and lead to emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or mood swings. Hyperactive or impulsive people might appear to be agitated and they might try to do many things simultaneously. They might not finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to others that can cause confusion and problems with relationships.
ADHD is often not recognized as a child, and a lot of adults with the symptoms are unaware that they have it. They may have been described as a goof-off, dreamer or a slacker, instead of struggling to keep up in school and daily life. adhd uk diagnosis with ADHD suffer from increasing symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying keep up-to-date with: pursuing a career, caring for family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and working on social and romantic relationships.
A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical history. The patient may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to measure executive function, working memory and spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant drugs are the most frequently used treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD to focus better and manage their lives, remember important information and tasks, and control an impulsive behaviour. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, yet they can still help improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, people who suffer from certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching, individual therapy group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to manage their symptoms, and how to develop healthy family, school and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults with ADHD. These trials allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of a misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation will also ask you about your or your child’s past health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also go through your past medical records and perform a physical exam.
Many people suffering from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety that need to be treated. It is estimated that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to experience mood disorders. People with ADHD also are more likely to be victims of substance abuse.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulty to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a tougher managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk for developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and to struggle to maintain and form relationships with their partners.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities when they were children. The sample size was not large. An expansion of the sample might have provided more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative impact on the quality of life and can result in a number of comorbid conditions including mood disorders, learning disabilities and alcohol and drug abuse. If not treated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration and divorce as well as a lower socioeconomic status for people with ADHD.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue to receive psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.