Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
There are adults who may not be 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 must affect everyday functioning at home, work and in social settings. Talk therapy can aid in improving the communication and problem-solving abilities. Marital and family counseling can be beneficial as well.
Symptoms
You might feel that you're not performing to your full potential when you suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you might feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel that you can't get a handle on the many responsibilities in front of you. You could be working full time, caring for children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and the loss of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD It's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric assessment can be performed by a health care specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This includes talking with you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining information about your mental health and medical background. The provider may ask about the background 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 been present prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily activities. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in multiple settings, such as at work, school as well as in your social interactions.
You may miss appointments, make careless errors at work or at home and not be able to meet your obligations if inattention is an issue. You might have trouble managing your finances and health, and you might also experience problems with tasks that are simple such as making sure you visit the doctor or taking your medication.
In people with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even more difficult. You might disrupt conversations with others, blurt out answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsivity might result in reckless actions, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to be passed down through the family, and some researchers believe that problems with your central nervous system during crucial developmental stages increase the risk of developing.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who has an expertise in ADHD can assist adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview as well as reviewing medical documents, school or work records and family medical histories and a mental screening. A specialist may also perform a physical exam or tests in the laboratory to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment to everyday life activities.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to chronic issues which could have been prevented or treated. This can lead depression, family problems, financial stress or work-related stress, substance abuse, and even serious accidents such as motor crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretations by family members, friends, and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as lazy, unreliable or a bad employee. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are at greater chance of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult to get a proper diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or they might use strategies and tools to make up for their poor time management and disorganization. Women suffering from ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to suffer from inattentive symptoms rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or ability. It's merely an alternative way of thinking and behaving that may cause problems check here in certain situations or environments.
Adults may experience different symptoms than children. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, keep track of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning, and cause emotional issues such as depression or anxiety. Hyperactive or impulsive people might appear to be agitated and they might try to do a variety of things at once. They might not finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people which can lead to miscommunications and relationship problems.
The symptoms of the disorder usually go unrecognized in childhood, and many adults who have them aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life, they may have been labeled an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people suffering from ADHD have increasing symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They can't manage all the balls in the air such as pursuing a career or caring for their family as well as keeping up with errands and housework, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if someone has ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the individual and a physical examination and a review of a person's medical history. The patient could be asked to complete standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to determine working memory, executive function, and visual and spatial skills.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, organize their lives and keep track of important information. They can also manage impulse-driven behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants, but they can aid in the treatment of ADHD. Before taking stimulants with certain health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their doctor.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their symptoms, and how to build healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults with ADHD. These studies help scientists learn more about the latest methods to identify, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The examiner will also inquire with you about your children's health history as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also look over your previous medical records and conduct physical examination.
Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other medical or psychiatric conditions such as anxiety or depression, which need to be treated. In fact, it's believed that those with ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than other people. People with ADHD also have a higher risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD have a hard finding and keeping jobs. They also have a harder managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing other health issues, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to have poor eating habits and struggle to maintain and form relationships with their partners.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in a minor mental health clinic as children. The sample size was small. A larger sample size could provide additional information on the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.
Research has proven ADHD to be a chronic and persistent problem for adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life, and can result in a variety of comorbid conditions, such as mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. Untreated ADHD increases the chance of incarceration, divorce and an economic disadvantage for people with ADHD.
It is recommended that all adults who have an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and every month after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults suffering from ADHD may require to receive psychotherapy and/or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.