Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can open up treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must affect daily functioning, at work, home and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it could appear that you're not living up to your potential. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult by the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You could be full-time at work as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, and taking care of household chores.
Your difficulty in keeping up may lead to embarrassment, frustration despair, and an eroding of confidence. It's not a problem when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to recognize that there are solutions to overcome your challenges. The first step is a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric examination can be used by a health care specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering information regarding your medical and psychopathological 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 been present prior to age 12 and have continued to impact your life. You should also be struggling with these behaviors in two or more situations, like at school, work, and in your social interactions.
If your inattention is a major issue, you may skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and not be able to meet your obligations. You might be struggling with managing your finances and health, and you could also be having difficulty with simple tasks like remembering to visit the doctor or take your medication.
People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or have trouble waiting in lines. Your impulsiveness can lead to risky behaviors like driving too quickly or spending money recklessly.
According to research, genetics and environment play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview and reviewing medical records, workplace or school records, family medical histories, and a mental screening. A specialist may also conduct a physical examination and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant impairment to daily life functions.
Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretations by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen by others as lazy, unreliable or even a poor employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult to get a proper diagnosis. They might use strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, like the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to compensate for their disorganization and poor time management skills. Women suffering from ADHD also might have trouble in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capacity. It's just a different approach to thinking and acting that could cause difficulties in certain situations or environments.
Adults may have different symptoms in comparison to children. Adults with ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay on track and complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. These symptoms can affect daily functioning and cause mental issues such as depression, anxiety, or shifts in mood. Hyperactive or impulsive people may appear restless, and may attempt to do many things at the same time. They may fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which could cause confusion or relationship issues.
ADHD is not often recognized in childhood and many adults with symptoms are unaware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and everyday life, they may be viewed as an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people who suffer from ADHD have more severe symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying to keep up-to-date with: pursuing a career, caring for family members, juggling housework and errands, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with family and friends, as well as other people who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric background. The person could also be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to assess executive and working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. adult adhd diagnosis uk and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also control impulsive behaviors. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, yet they can still help improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, those with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure should talk to their doctor.
Certain 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 manage their symptoms, and how to establish healthy family, school and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults suffering from ADHD. These studies aid scientists in learning more about the latest methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can help improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with experience treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The evaluator will also ask you questions about your child’s past health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your body.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric or medical conditions like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it's believed that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than other people. People with ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and experience difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health services as children. The sample size was small. A larger sample size could provide additional information about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.
Research has shown ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent problem for adults. It has a negative effect on quality of life and can result in a range of comorbidities, like mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at an increased chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric issues.
It is recommended that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days and every month after that until their symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest their lives.