Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may open up treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect daily functioning, at home, at work, and in social settings. Talk therapy can enhance communication and problem solving skills. Family and marital counseling can also be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it might seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. You may be overwhelmed as an adult due to your obligations. You might be full-time at work, caring for aging parents or children, or taking care of household chores.
Your difficulty in keeping up may cause embarrassment, anger, hopelessness and the loss of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A medical professional can detect ADHD in adults through an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists, and gathering information on your medical and mental health background. The doctor may inquire 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 been present prior to age 12 and continue affecting your life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in two or more environments, including at work, school as well as in your social relationships.
If your inattention is a serious issue, you may miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. You may have trouble managing your health and finances and may have a hard time with simple tasks, such as taking medication, or going to the doctor for checkups.
People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations with other people and spit out answers to questions before you're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsivity might result in risky activities, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to studies that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a major role in the development ADHD. Symptoms tend to run in families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase your chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health care specialist who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview, a review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A trained professional can also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment in everyday life activities.
People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with persistent issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead depression, family problems, financial stress or work-related stress, addiction to drugs 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 could be seen as lazy, irresponsible or even simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, such as constant distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to compensate for their disorganization and lack of time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they tend to have symptoms of inattention rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's simply an alternative approach to thinking and acting that can cause challenges in certain situations or environments.
For adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the signs may have changed over time as they developed. However, symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria set forth in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, keep track of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or mood swings. Hyperactive or impulsive people might appear to be agitated and may attempt to accomplish a lot simultaneously. They might not complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, leading to misunderstandings and relationships issues.
The symptoms of the disorder usually go unrecognized in childhood, and many adults who have them don't know they have ADHD. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker, instead of battling to stay ahead in school and daily life. As responsibilities increase in read more adulthood However, many people who have ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They're unable to handle all the balls they're trying to keep up-to-date with: pursuing a career, caring for family members, keeping up with household chores and errands, as well as working on social and romantic relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes conversations with family members and friends, as well as other people 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 be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to test executive function and working memory as well as visual and spatial abilities.
Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant drugs. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, manage their lives and keep track of important information. They can also manage the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can also be used to treat ADHD. They perform slower than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Patients with particular health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as establish healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. A few adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical trials. These studies allow scientists to discover more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with experience in treating ADHD in adult patients will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the history of your or your child's health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical.
Many people with ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety that must be treated. It is estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to be victims of using drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a tougher managing their finances and keeping track of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk for developing other health problems, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and experience difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health services as children. The sample size was not large. A larger sample could have provided additional information on the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown ADHD to be a chronic and persistent disorder among adults. It has a negative impact on quality of life and can lead to a range of comorbidities, such as mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People with untreated ADHD are at an increased risk of being incarcerated or divorce, as well as being less socioeconomically stable and more serious mental health issues.
It is recommended that all adults who have an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and every month after that until the symptoms are controlled. Adults with ADHD might require receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy throughout their lives.