Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may offer treatment options.
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, at work, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Family and marital counseling can also be helpful.
Symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it might seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult due to the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You could be working full time, caring for children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Inability to keep up with the pace can lead to frustration and embarrassment. You might be feeling hopeless or lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. If you have ADHD It's not your fault. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is the process of diagnosing.
A medical professional can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering information about your medical and psychopathological background. The doctor may 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 continue affecting your life. undiagnosed adult adhd must also have difficulty with these behaviors in multiple environments, including at work, school and in your social interactions.
If your inattention is a serious issue, you may miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet 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.
For those with ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations more difficult. You may interrupt other people's conversations or utter answers to questions before you're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness can lead to risky behaviors, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to studies, genetics and environment are key factors in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to run in families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health care professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview, a review of medical records, workplace or school records and family medical histories and a mental assessment. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to identify other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for six months or more and cause significant impairments in daily life.
Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents like 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 colleagues. They may be viewed by others as lazy, irresponsible or as a poor employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at chance of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder to get the correct diagnosis. They may employ strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, such as the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on devices to help them cope with their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to experience hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's simply an altered approach to thinking and acting that could cause difficulties in certain situations or environments.
In adults, it may be difficult to determine ADHD because the signs may have changed over time as they developed. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay on track, complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like anxiety or depression. People who are hyperactive or impulsive can appear agitated, and may attempt to accomplish a lot at once. They may fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which can result in miscommunications or relationship issues.
The symptoms of the disorder typically are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults with the disorder aren't aware of ADHD. They may have been described as a goof-off, dreamer or a slacker, instead of struggling to keep up in school and life. Many people with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They can't manage all the balls that are flying - pursuing a career and caring for their family as well as keeping up with chores at home and errands and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if someone has ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical 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 assess executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial abilities.
Stimulant drugs are the most frequently used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, manage their lives and keep track of important information. They can also manage impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work more slow than stimulants, yet aid in the treatment of ADHD. People who have certain health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to manage their symptoms, and how to develop healthy family, school and work relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD will also be part of clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to learn more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults using several assessment instruments will improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience treating ADHD in adults will often conduct an extended interview. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your child's or your own health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also look over your previous medical records and conduct a physical exam.
Many people with ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which need to be treated. In fact, it's believed that those with ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than other people. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty to get and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing health issues, such as heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and to struggle to maintain and form romantic relationships.
In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as young children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. However 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 psychiatric conditions.
Research has shown ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of life and can lead to a variety of comorbid conditions, like learning disabilities, mood disorders and abuse of alcohol and drugs. If left untreated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration, divorce and a lower socioeconomic status for those suffering from ADHD.
It is advised that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days, and then every month after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.