Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may 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 socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it may seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel you're unable get a handle on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You could be working full-time as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, or managing household chores.
Your difficulty in keeping up may cause embarrassment, anger, hopelessness and a loss of confidence. It's not your problem if you have ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is a diagnosis.
A medical professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as gathering information about your medical and psychiatric 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 occurred before the age of 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily activities. You must also have difficulty with these behavior in multiple settings, such as at school, work and in your social interactions.
If your inattention is a serious problem, you might miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your obligations. You may be struggling with managing your finances and health and may have a hard working through everyday tasks, like taking medication, or visiting the doctor for checkups.
For people with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even more difficult. You could interrupt other people's conversations, blurt out answers to questions before they're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness can lead to risky behaviors like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
According to research, genetics and environment play a significant role in the development ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to run in families and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview as well as reviewing medical documents, school or work records, family medical histories, and a mental assessment. A trained professional may also perform a physical exam or lab tests to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant impairment to everyday activities.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues, work-related or financial stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and coworkers. They may be viewed by others as irresponsible, lazy or as a poor employee. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women tend to be better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to get a proper diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, for example the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on devices to compensate for their disorganization and lack of time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they tend to have symptoms of inattention, not an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's just an altered behavior and way of thinking that may cause problems in certain settings or situations.
Adults may have different symptoms in comparison to 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 have not been diagnosed with ADHD might struggle to stay organized, stay on top of work or school tasks and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning and cause mental issues such as depression, anxiety, or changes in mood. People who are impulsive or hyperactive can appear agitated, and may attempt to do a variety of things at the same time. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others which can lead to miscommunications and relationships issues.
The symptoms of the disorder typically remain unnoticed in the early years, and a lot of adults who have them don't know they have ADHD. adhd diagnosis uk adults might have been viewed as a goof-off, dreamer or a slacker, instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life. As the demands of adulthood increase however, many who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They can't manage all the balls at once working on a job and caring for their family, while also keeping up with chores at home and errands and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes conversations with family members or friends who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and mental health background. The person may also be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests can be used to assess working memory and executive function as well as visual and spatial capabilities.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated by stimulant medications. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, manage their lives, and retain important information. They can also manage impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants but still aid in the treatment of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, those with certain health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms and develop healthy relationships at home, in school, and at work. Some adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These trials allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults using several assessment instruments will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adult patients will often conduct an extended interview. The evaluator will also ask you questions about your child’s past health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also look over your previous medical records and perform an examination of your body.
Many people with ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety, which require treatment. In fact, it is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to be victims of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD have a tough time finding and keeping jobs. They also have a harder managing their finances and staying on top of household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to have poor eating habits and experience difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people who had ADHD who were treated in mental health services as young children were diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. The sample size was not large. A larger sample size would have provided more details about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven that ADHD is a long-lasting, persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life and can result in a variety of comorbid conditions, like mood disorders, learning disabilities as well as alcohol and drug abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at an increased risk of being incarcerated, divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious mental health issues.
Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might need to receive psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.