Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult can 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 your daily activities at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial as well.
Symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it might seem as if you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel like you're unable to take on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You could be working full time, caring for children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your difficulty in keeping up may result in embarrassment, frustration despair and the loss of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD It's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your difficulties. The first step is an assessment.
A thorough psychiatric assessment can be performed by a health professional to determine ADHD in adults. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists, and gathering information about your medical and psychopathological history. 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 before age 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily life. You must also be having issues with these behavior issues at least in two different situations such as school, work and social interactions.
You may be late for appointments, make mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your responsibilities if your lack of attention is an issue. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances, and you may also have difficulties with everyday tasks such as making sure you visit the doctor or taking your medication.
People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You might disrupt conversations with others, blurt out answers to questions before you're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness could cause risky actions, such as driving too quickly or spending money recklessly.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to run in families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview, a review of medical history, work or school records, family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to rule 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 impairments in the daily routine.
People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with persistent issues which could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents like motor crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in confusion among family members, friends and colleagues. They could be perceived by others as irresponsible, lazy or as a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it harder to get an accurate diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their impulsivity and inattention. They may also depend on strategies and tools to make up for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they tend to have symptoms of inattention, not hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's simply an alternative approach to thinking and acting that could cause difficulties in certain settings or situations.
Adults may exhibit different symptoms than children. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, stay on top of work or school tasks and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with the daily routine and trigger depression or anxiety. People who are impulsive or hyperactive can appear agitated, and may attempt to accomplish a lot simultaneously. They may fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which could cause confusion or relationship problems.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged as a child, and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder are not aware of it. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life they may have been labeled a dreamer or a slacker. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood however, many who have ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They are unable to manage all the balls they have to keep in the air--pursuing a career, caring for family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person has ADHD. The assessment usually involves conversations with family members, friends and others who know the person well, a physical exam, and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric history. The person could be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to measure executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial abilities.
Stimulant medication is the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD focus better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also control the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants, but they can help improve the symptoms of ADHD. People who have certain health problems like high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms and to develop healthy family, school and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults with ADHD. These studies help scientists discover more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in treating ADHD in adult patients will often conduct an lengthy interview. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the history of your or your child's health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator might also look over your medical records and perform an examination of your physical.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety that require treatment. In fact, it is thought that people with ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of using drugs.
Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to find and keep jobs. They also face difficulties managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to have bad eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In IamPsychiatry , individuals with ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. However the size of the sample was small. A larger sample could have provided more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and lead to other conditions like mood disorders learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated or divorce, as well as an economic disadvantage for those with ADHD.
It is recommended that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days, and then every month thereafter until their symptoms are managed. Adults with ADHD might need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.