Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult could 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 interfere with daily functioning, at home, at work, and in social settings. Talk therapy can enhance communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for families and marriage can also be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it might seem that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you might feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel you're unable get a handle on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You may be working full time as a caregiver for children or an aging parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.
how to get an adult adhd diagnosis in keeping up may lead to embarrassment, frustration despair and an eroding 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 to make a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be utilized by a medical professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about symptoms, requiring you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining information about your medical and mental health background. The doctor might 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 occurred prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily life. You should also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different environments, including school, work and social interactions.
If your inattention is a major issue, you may miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and fail to follow through on your obligations. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances and you may also have problems with tasks that are simple like remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication.
People who suffer from ADHD can make difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions before people are finished or have difficulty waiting in line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Research suggests that genetics as well as 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 crucial developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health professional with an expertise in ADHD can help people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview, a review of medical history, school or work records as well as family medical history. an assessment of mental health. A specialist may conduct physical examinations and/or lab tests to rule other conditions with similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more, and are causing significant impairments in daily life.
Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, substance abuse 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. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at chance of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are generally better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They may employ strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, like frequent distractions and daydreaming, or use tools to compensate for their disorganization and ineffective time management. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to exhibit inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's just a different way to think and behave that could cause problems in certain situations.
Adults may have different symptoms than children. Adults who suffer from ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, stay on top of school or work obligations and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues such as anxiety or depression. People who are impulsive or hyperactive may appear restless, and may attempt to accomplish a lot at the same time. They might not complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and relationships issues.
The symptoms of the disorder usually remain unnoticed in childhood, and many adults who have them do not know they have ADHD. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and daily life. Many people with ADHD suffer from increasing symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're not able to handle all the balls they have to keep up-to-date with: pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A health care professional or mental health professional will assess whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with relatives or friends who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric history. The person may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to determine executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant medication is the most frequently used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, organize their lives and remember important information. They also help control impulse-driven behaviors. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. They work more slowly than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. People who have certain health problems like high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD may benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults to manage their ADHD symptoms and establish healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. A few adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to learn more about the latest methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended conversation with a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner will also inquire with you about your your child’s past health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator could also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your body.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions like anxiety and depression, which must be treated. In fact, it is thought that people with ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than other people. People who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to be victims of using drugs.
Adults with ADHD have a hard to find and keep a job. They also have difficulty managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to develop poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health services when they were children. The sample size was small. A larger sample might have provided more details about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a chronic and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can lead to a range of comorbidities, such as mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a greater risk for incarceration and divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric problems.
It is recommended that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days and monthly after that until their symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy throughout their lives.