Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult could provide treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be a major hindrance with your daily life at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Marital and family counseling can also be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD, it may seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. You might feel overwhelmed as an adult due to your obligations. You may be working full-time or caring for elderly parents or children, as well as managing household chores.
Inability to keep up may cause frustration and embarrassment. You might be feeling hopeless, 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 struggles. The first step is a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be utilized by a health professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering information about your medical and psychopathological history. The doctor might 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 occurred prior to the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You must also be having difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different environments such as school, work and social relationships.
If your inattention is a serious issue, you may skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your responsibilities. You may be struggling with managing your finances and health and may have a difficult time with simple tasks like remembering to take medication or going to the doctor for checkups.
In people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even more difficult. You may disrupt conversations with others and spit out answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to research the genetics and the environment play a major role in the development ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically be passed down through the family, and some researchers believe that problems with your central nervous system during critical developmental stages increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health care professional with an expertise in ADHD can help those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview as well as reviewing medical records, workplace or school records, family medical histories, and a mental health screening. A trained professional can also conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for six months or more and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.
Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems, work-related or financial stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in confusion among family members, friends and colleagues. They could be perceived by others as lazy, unreliable or a bad employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it harder for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their impulsivity and inattention. Or they might use methods and tools to compensate for their poor time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD also might have trouble diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to suffer from inattentive symptoms rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's merely a different way to think and behave that could cause problems in certain situations.
adhd uk diagnosis may experience different symptoms in comparison to children. However, the signs of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, stay on top of work or school tasks and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning, and cause emotional issues such as anxiety or depression. People who are impulsive or hyperactive may appear restless, and they might try to accomplish a lot at the same time. They may not be able to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and relationship problems.
The symptoms of the disorder usually are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults who have them do not know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in their studies and daily life, they may be viewed as a dreamer or a slacker. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience increasing symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're unable to handle all the balls they're trying to keep in the air--pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and working on social and romantic relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if someone has ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with relatives, friends and others who know the person well and a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric history. The patient may be asked to complete the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to assess working memory, executive function as well as spatial and visual skills.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated by stimulant medications. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD improve their focus and manage their lives, keep track of important information and tasks and control impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants but still aid in the treatment of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to manage their symptoms and to develop healthy school, family and workplace relationships. A few adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These studies help scientists discover more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your your child's health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also go through your past medical records and conduct physical examination.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other mental or physical disorders such as anxiety or 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 the rest of us. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult to find and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing other health problems, including obesity, heart disease and smoking. They are also more likely to develop poor eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities when they were children. The sample size was not large. An enlargement of the sample could have provided more details about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has revealed that ADHD is a persistent and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative effect on quality of living and lead to other conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. People with untreated ADHD are at an increased chance of being in prison and divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious mental health issues.
It is recommended that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days and monthly after that until the symptoms are controlled. Adults suffering from ADHD might require receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest their lives.