Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized 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, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving the communication and problem-solving abilities. Marital and family counseling can be beneficial as well.
Symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it may seem that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you could feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel you're unable manage the many tasks in front of you. You could be working full time as a caregiver for children or an elderly parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Inability to keep up can cause frustration and embarrassment. You might also feel depressed, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. It's not your problem when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step in a diagnosis.
A health professional can diagnose ADHD in adults through an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This involves talking to you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists, and gathering information on your mental health and medical background. The doctor may also ask you about your family 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 occurred before the age of 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily life. You should also be having issues with these behaviors at the very least in two different settings, including school, work and social relationships.
You may miss appointments, make mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your obligations if inattention is a problem. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances, and you may also have difficulty with simple tasks such as remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication.
For people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations even worse. You could interrupt conversations with other people, blurt out answers to questions before you're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsivity might result in reckless actions, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to run in families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase your chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care specialist who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A trained professional can conduct physical examinations and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for six months or more, and are causing significant impairments in daily life.
People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD may struggle all their lives with chronic difficulties that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues financial or work-related stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by friends, relatives and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as lazy, irresponsible or as a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Women tend to be better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their impulsivity and inattention. Or they might use strategies and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's simply a different way to think and behave that may cause challenges in certain situations.
In adults, it may be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms could have changed over time as they developed. However, the signs 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
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay organized, complete their work and school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and lead to mental issues such as anxiety, depression or shifts in mood. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the disorder may seem agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at once, failing to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to others that can cause confusion and problems with relationships.
Symptoms of the disorder often remain unnoticed in the early years, and a lot of adults with the disorder aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and life, they may have been labeled either a dreamer or a slacker. Many people with ADHD have increasing symptoms as their obligations increase. They can't manage all the balls that are flying - pursuing a career and caring for family, while also keeping up with housework and errands, and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with family or friends who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric background. The person may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to assess executive and working memory as well as spatial and visual capabilities.
Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated by stimulant medications. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD better focus and organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks, and manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slow than stimulants, yet aid in the treatment of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor.
Some adults with ADHD will benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms and to build healthy family, school and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults with ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in treating ADHD in adults will often conduct an lengthy interview. The examiner will also inquire with you about your children's health history as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she could also review your medical records and conduct a physical examination.
Many people suffering from ADHD also have other medical or psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which must be treated. It is estimated that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People with ADHD also have a higher risk of using drugs.
Adults with ADHD often find it difficult to secure and maintain jobs. They also face difficulties managing their finances and juggling household chores. adult adhd diagnosis uk 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 were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities as children. However, the sample size was small. A larger sample might provide more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a chronic and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative effect on quality of living and lead to other conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities, the abuse of alcohol and drugs. Untreated ADHD increases the chance of incarceration and divorce as well as a lower socioeconomic status for people with ADHD.
It is recommended that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days and every month after that until the symptoms are controlled. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy throughout their lives.