Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could offer treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must interfere with everyday functioning at work, home and in social settings. Talk therapy can aid in improving the communication and problem-solving abilities. Family and marital counseling can also be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it might seem as if you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel like you're unable to manage the many responsibilities in front of you. You may be working full-time and caring for your children or an elderly parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up may cause frustration and embarrassment. You might be feeling hopeless, lose confidence, or even be 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 is an assessment.
A medical professional can detect ADHD in adults through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves talking to you about symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining details on your mental health and medical history. The provider may ask 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 to cause problems with your daily activities. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in multiple settings, such as at school, work, and in your social interactions.
You may be late for appointments, make erroneous mistakes at home or at work and fail to meet your obligations if your lack of attention is an issue. You might have difficulty managing your finances and health and may have a hard working through everyday tasks, like remembering to take medication or going to the doctor for a checkup.
In people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations more difficult. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or struggle to wait in line. Your impulsivity could lead to risky behaviors, such as driving too quickly or spending money recklessly.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically run in the family, and some scientists believe that problems with your central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate adults with symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview and a review of medical background, school or work records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical examination and/or tests in the laboratory to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment in daily life functions.
Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead depression, family issues and financial stress as well as work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by friends, relatives and coworkers. They might be viewed as a lazy, irresponsible person or a poor employee, or just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.
Women are generally better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to get a proper diagnosis. They may employ strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, such as the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and ineffective time management. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to experience inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or ability. It's merely a different way to think and behave that could cause challenges in certain situations.
In adults, it may be difficult to identify ADHD because the signs may have changed as people became older. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay organized, complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. The symptoms can also affect everyday functioning and lead to emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, or mood swings. People who are hyperactive or impulsive might appear to be agitated and they may 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 others, which can result in miscommunications or relationship issues.
The symptoms of the disorder usually are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults with the disorder aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and everyday life they may have been labelled as a dreamer or a slacker. Many people with ADHD suffer from more severe symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're not able to manage all the balls that are flying - pursuing a career and caring for family, while also keeping up with housework and errands, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A health care professional or mental health professional will assess whether a person has ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the person, a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical history. The person may also be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests are used to measure executive function and working memory as well as visual and spatial capabilities.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated by stimulant medications. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also control impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants, but they can improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their physician.
Some adults with ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to manage their symptoms, and how to establish healthy school, family and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies aid scientists in learning more about new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended conversation with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. 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. He or she will also look over your previous medical records and perform physical examination.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric or medical conditions such as anxiety or depression, which must be treated. In fact, it is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to be victims of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty to get and keep jobs. They also have a tougher managing finances and juggling household tasks. Adults with ADHD have an increased risk of developing other health issues, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in a minor mental health clinic as children. However, the size of the sample was small. An expansion of the sample could have provided more details about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
how to get an adhd diagnosis uk has proven ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and may lead to other health issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, addiction to alcohol and other drugs. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of incarceration or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status for people with ADHD.
Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.