Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult could provide options for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect everyday functioning at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem solving skills. Marital and family counseling can be beneficial as well.
Signs and symptoms
You might feel that you are not living up to your full potential if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel that you can't get a handle on the many responsibilities in front of you. You may be working full-time as a caregiver for children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can cause embarrassment, anger despair and a loss of confidence. If iampsychiatry have ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are ways to overcome your difficulties. The first step is a diagnosis.
A medical professional can identify ADHD in adults by conducting an extensive psychiatric examination. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering information regarding your medical and psychopathological history. The provider may ask 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 been present before the age of 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily activities. You should also be having issues with these behavior issues at least in two different environments, including school, work and social relationships.
If your inattention is a serious problem, you might be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your obligations. You may have trouble managing your health and finances and may have a difficult time with simple tasks, like making sure you take your medication on time or going to the doctor for checkups.
For those with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations more difficult. You could interrupt other people's conversations and spit out answers to questions before they're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to run in families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can help people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and review of medical history, school or work records along with family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialized professional also may perform a physical exam or lab tests to determine if there are other conditions that share similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment to everyday activities.
People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with chronic difficulties that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause to depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents such as motor crashes.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and colleagues. They may be perceived as a lazy, irresponsible person or even just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their impulsivity and inattention. Or they might use strategies and tools to compensate for their poor time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD might also have trouble identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or ability. It's simply an alternative way of thinking and behave that can create challenges in certain situations.
Adults may exhibit different symptoms than children. However, the signs of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
People with undiagnosed ADHD might struggle to stay organized, stay on top of school or work tasks and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger mental issues such as depression, anxiety or changes in mood. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition may appear restless and attempt to complete multiple things at once, and fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which could cause confusion or problems with relationships.
The symptoms of the disorder typically go unrecognized in childhood, and many adults with the disorder aren't aware of 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. As responsibilities increase in adulthood, however, many people who suffer from ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They're unable to handle all the balls they're trying keep on top of - pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the individual and a physical examination and a review a person's medical history. The person may be asked to complete standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to assess executive function and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant medications are the most common treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants, but they can help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with particular health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms and to build healthy school, family and workplace relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults suffering from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new methods to identify, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults using several assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an extended interview. The evaluator will also ask you about your or the child's previous health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she will also go through your past medical records and perform an examination of your body.
Many people suffering from ADHD also have other medical or psychiatric conditions such as anxiety or depression, which need to be treated. In fact, it's estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People with ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty to get and keep jobs. They also have difficulty managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing other health issues, such as obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to 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 services as children. However the sample size was very small. A larger sample would have provided more details about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven ADHD to be a persistent and persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative effect on the quality of life and can lead to other issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as addiction to alcohol and other drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a greater risk of being incarcerated or divorce, as well as having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric problems.
Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first 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 require receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest their lives.