Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of 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 significantly interfere with daily functioning at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Marital and family counseling can be beneficial as well.
Signs and symptoms
You may feel like you're not living up to your full potential if suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel like you're unable to take on the many tasks in front of you. You could be working full time as a caregiver for children or an aging parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.
Inability to keep up can cause embarrassment and frustration. You might also feel hopeless and lose confidence. You may even feel embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD It's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step to a diagnosis.
A health care professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as collecting details about your medical and psychopathological history. 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 occurred prior to age 12 and continue affecting your life. You should also be having difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different environments, including school, work and social relationships.
If your inattention is a major problem, you might miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and not be able to meet your responsibilities. You might have trouble managing your health and finances, and you may also have difficulty with simple tasks like making sure you visit the doctor or take your medication.
People who suffer from ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or have difficulty waiting in lines. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
According to studies the genetics and the environment are key factors in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to run in families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who has an expertise in ADHD can help those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview, reviewing medical documents, school or work records as well as family medical histories and a mental assessment. A specialist may conduct physical examinations and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and result in significant impairment of everyday life activities.
Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by friends, relatives and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as irresponsible, lazy or even a bad employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are generally better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, like constant distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD also might have trouble in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or ability. It's merely a different way to think and behave that can create difficulties in certain situations.
Adults may experience different symptoms than children. Adults who suffer from ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay organized and complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as depression, anxiety or shifts in mood. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis or impulsive people might appear to be agitated and they might try to do many things simultaneously. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which could result in miscommunications or relationship problems.
The symptoms of the disorder typically remain unnoticed in childhood, and many adults with them don't know they have ADHD. They may have been described as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker, instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood however, many who have ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They aren't able to handle all the balls at once such as pursuing a career or caring for family and juggling with chores at home and errands as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the individual as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical history. The patient could be asked to complete standard ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to test executive and working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant medications are the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD focus better, manage their lives and remember important information. They can also control the impulsive behavior. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. They work more slowly than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. People who have certain health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching, individual therapy group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms and to establish healthy relationships at home, in school, and at work. Certain adults suffering from ADHD also will participate in clinical studies. These studies help scientists gain knowledge about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended discussion with a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator will also ask you about your your child’s past health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis or she could also review your medical records and perform an examination of your body.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric or medical conditions such as anxiety or depression, which must be treated. It is estimated that those who have ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD also are more likely to be victims of consuming alcohol.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult to find and keep jobs. They also have a harder time managing finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are more at risk for developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity, and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to have poor eating habits and experience difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in a minor mental health clinic when they were children. The sample size was small. A larger sample could have provided additional details about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has revealed that ADHD is a persistent and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative effect on living quality and can lead to other issues like mood disorders learning disabilities, as well as addiction to alcohol and other drugs. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated or divorce, as well as an economic disadvantage for those with ADHD.
All 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 suffering from ADHD may require to receive psychotherapy and/or medication for the rest of their lives.