Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult can open up possibilities for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must significantly interfere with your daily activities at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Counseling for families and marriage can also be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD, it may seem that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel that you can't manage the many responsibilities in front of you. You might be working full-time or caring for elderly parents or children, as well as managing household chores.
Inability to keep up with the pace can lead to frustration and embarrassment. You may also feel hopeless, lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. It's not an issue when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your difficulties. The first step is a diagnosis.
A health care professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by performing an extensive psychiatric examination. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists, and gathering details about your medical and psychiatric background. The doctor might 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 the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in two or more environments, including at work, school as well as in your social relationships.
You could miss appointments, make mistakes at home or at work and fail to meet your obligations if your lack of attention is a problem. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a hard to complete simple tasks, such as taking medication, or going to the doctor for checkups.
For those with ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations even more difficult. You may 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 impulsive behavior could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to run in families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase your risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate adults with symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview and review of medical background, school or work records, family medical history and a mental health screening. A trained professional may also conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for six months or more and cause significant difficulties in everyday life.
People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with ongoing issues that 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.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and colleagues. They might be viewed as irresponsible, lazy or even just plain crazy. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression.
Women are generally better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They may employ strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, such as the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to make up for their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD also might have trouble diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It's important to remember that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capacity. It's merely an altered approach to thinking and acting that may cause problems in certain settings or situations.
Adults may have different symptoms as children. However, symptoms 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 aren't diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, stay on top of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect everyday functioning and can trigger 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 the same time, but fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or relationship problems.
The symptoms of the disorder usually are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults with the disorder don't know they have ADHD. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker instead of struggling to keep up in school and life. Many people suffering from ADHD have increasing symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying to keep on top of - pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, juggling housework and errands, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a person has ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members as well as friends and family members who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review a person's medical history. The patient could be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to determine executive function, working memory and spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant medication is the most commonly 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, organize their lives, remember important information and tasks and manage impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. They perform slower than stimulants, yet nevertheless, they can 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 behavior coaching, individual therapy group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults to manage their ADHD symptoms and develop healthy relationships at home, in school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults using various assessment instruments will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended discussion with a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the background of your your child's health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They will also review your past medical records and perform physical examination.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental or physical disorders like anxiety and depression, which need to be treated. In fact, it's thought that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. adhd diagnosis uk adults who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to be victims of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD have a hard finding and keeping a job. They also face difficulties managing finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing other health issues, such as obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to develop poor eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities as children. The sample size was small. A larger sample might have provided more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has revealed that ADHD is a long-lasting permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It has a negative effect on quality of life and can result in a number of comorbid conditions such as mood disorders, learning disabilities and alcohol and drug abuse. People with untreated ADHD are at a greater risk of being incarcerated or divorce, as well as being less socioeconomically stable and more serious mental health 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 the symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.