Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult could give possibilities for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must interfere with daily functioning, at work, home and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
It could be that you feel that you're not living up to your full potential if you have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you might feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel like you're unable to manage the numerous tasks ahead of you. You could be working full-time or caring for elderly parents or children, or taking care of household chores.
Your difficulty in keeping up may result in embarrassment, frustration despair and a loss of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD It's not your fault. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A medical professional can identify ADHD in adults by performing an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This includes talking with you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining information about your mental and medical history. The doctor may also ask you about your family's history of ADHD.
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 the age of 12 and continue affecting your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in two or more environments, including at school, work as well as in your social relationships.
If your inattention is a significant problem, you might skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and fail to follow through on your obligations. You might be struggling with managing your finances and health, and you may also have difficulty with simple tasks like remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication.
For those with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even more difficult. You might interrupt other people's conversations and spit out answers to questions before they're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in line. Your impulsivity might result in reckless actions, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
According to research, genetics and environment play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to be inherited from the family, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system during critical developmental stages increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health care professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview and a review of medical records, workplace or school records, family medical histories, and a mental screening. A specialist may also conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months, and result in significant impairment of daily life functions.
Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents such as motor crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause confusion among family members, friends, and coworkers. They could be seen by others as lazy, unreliable or a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, like the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on devices to make up for their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's merely an altered way of thinking and behaving that may cause problems in certain situations or settings.
Adults may have different symptoms in comparison to children. However, the symptoms of ADHD in adults still match the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay on track, complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues such as anxiety or depression. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the disorder may seem agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at the same time, but fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which could result in miscommunications or relationship issues.
ADHD is often not recognized as a child, and a lot of adults with the symptoms aren't aware that they have it. They may have been described as a goof-off, dreamer or a slacker, instead of struggling to stay on top in school and life. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from more severe symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're not able to manage all the balls in the air - pursuing a career and caring for their family and juggling with errands and housework, and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the individual, a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical history. The patient could be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to assess executive and working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant drugs are the most commonly used treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD improve their focus and organize their lives, recall important information and tasks and manage their impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants but still help improve the symptoms of ADHD. People who have certain health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure must consult with their doctor before taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their symptoms and to build healthy family, school and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults suffering from ADHD. These trials allow scientists to gain knowledge about how 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 the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of a misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended conversation with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation will also ask you questions about the child's previous health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They might also look over your medical records and conduct a physical examination.
Many people with ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders such as anxiety or depression, that need to be treated. It is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six-times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a greater risk of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD often find it difficult to get and keep jobs. They also have a difficult managing their finances and keeping track of household tasks. adhd uk diagnosis with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing health issues, such as obesity, heart disease and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and to 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 size of the sample was small. An expansion of the sample might provide more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has revealed that ADHD is a chronic and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can lead to other issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, and the abuse of alcohol and drugs. Untreated ADHD increases the risk of incarceration, divorce and a lower social economic status for those suffering from ADHD.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD may require receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.