Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult could provide possibilities for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be a major hindrance with your daily activities at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can also be helpful.
Signs and symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it might seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel you're unable take on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You might be working full time as a caregiver for children or an aging parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up can cause embarrassment and frustration. You may also feel depressed, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. It's not an issue if you have ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your problems. The first step in the process of diagnosing.
A medical professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves talking to you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining details on your mental health and medical history. The provider 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 been present prior to the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You must also be having issues with these behavior issues at least in two different environments which include work, school and social relationships.
You could miss appointments, make careless errors at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your obligations if lack of attention is an issue. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances and you could also be having difficulty with simple tasks like remembering to visit the doctor or take your medication.
In people with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations worse. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or struggle to wait in lines. Your impulsiveness can result in risky behavior, such as driving too quickly or spending money recklessly.
Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be inherited from families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health professional who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and a review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A trained professional may also perform a physical exam or lab tests to determine if there are other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can lead to long-term problems which could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems financial or 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 and criticized by family members, friends and coworkers. They may be perceived as a lazy, irresponsible person or even simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to disguise their impulsivity and inattention. They may also use methods and tools to compensate for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they tend to have inattentive symptoms rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's just an altered way of thinking and behave that could cause problems in certain situations.
In adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as people became older. 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
Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay on track and complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning, and cause emotional issues such as anxiety or depression. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the disorder may seem agitated and may try to accomplish several things at once, failing to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, leading to misunderstandings and problems with relationships.
ADHD is often not recognized in childhood and many adults suffering from the disorder aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and life they may be viewed as either a dreamer or a slacker. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience worsening symptoms as their obligations increase. They can't manage all the balls in the air working on a job and caring for their family and juggling with errands and housework, as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with relatives, friends and others who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric history. The patient could be asked to fill out standard ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to determine executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual skills.
Stimulant drugs are the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD better focus and organize their lives, remember important information and tasks, and manage their an impulsive behaviour. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. They perform slower than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their physician.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to manage their symptoms and to build healthy school, family and work relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies aid scientists in learning more about the latest methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults using several assessment instruments will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating ADHD in adult patients typically conducts an lengthy interview. The examiner will also inquire with you about your the child's previous health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she will also look over your previous medical records and conduct an examination of your body.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it is believed that those with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People who suffer from ADHD also are at a higher risk of substance abuse.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard time finding and keeping jobs. They also have a difficult managing their finances and juggling household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and are more likely to have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, individuals with ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. However, the sample size was small. A larger sample could provide additional details about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.
Research has proven that ADHD is a persistent permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It has a negative impact on quality of life and can lead to a number of comorbid conditions including mood disorders, learning disabilities and alcohol and drug abuse. adult adhd diagnosis uk who are not treated for ADHD are at a higher chance of being in prison and divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious psychiatric issues.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first 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 receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest their lives.