Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can 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 home, at work, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Family and marital counseling can also be helpful.
Symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it may seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel you're unable take on the many responsibilities in front of you. You may be working full time and caring for your children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up can cause embarrassment and anger. You may also feel hopeless, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. If you have ADHD it's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your problems. how to diagnose adults with adhd is to make a diagnosis.
A health professional can diagnose ADHD in adults through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and collecting information regarding your medical and psychiatric background. 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 been present before age 12 and continue to interfere with your life. You must also be having issues with these behaviors at least in two different situations, including school, work and social relationships.
You may be late for appointments, make careless errors at home or at work, and fail to fulfill your obligations if your lack of attention is a problem. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a difficult to complete simple tasks, such as remembering to take medication or visiting the doctor for a checkup.
People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may disrupt conversations with others and spit out answers to questions before they're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
According to studies that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a major role in the development ADHD. The symptoms tend to be inherited from families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who has a specialization in ADHD can help people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and a review of medical history, work or school records along with family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A trained professional can conduct physical examinations and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment to daily life functions.
Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, work-related or financial stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretation by family members, friends, and coworkers. They could be seen by others as lazy, unreliable or as a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult to get the correct diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to disguise their impulsivity and inattention. Or they might rely on tools and techniques to help them overcome their lack of time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD also might have trouble diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to experience 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 difficulties in certain situations.
In adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as they became older. Adults with ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, keep track of work or school tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning, and cause emotional issues like depression or anxiety. People who are hyperactive or impulsive can appear agitated, and may attempt to do many things simultaneously. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which can cause confusion or problems with relationships.
The symptoms of the disorder usually remain unnoticed in childhood, and many adults who have them aren't aware of ADHD. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, a snob, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and daily life. As responsibilities increase in adulthood however, many who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They aren't able to handle all the balls in the air - pursuing a career and taking care of family members and juggling with chores at home and errands and maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person suffers from ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with family and friends, as well as other people who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric background. The patient may also be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to measure working memory and executive function as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant medications are the most frequently 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 focus better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also control impulse-driven behaviors. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, yet nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. People who have particular health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor before taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy, 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. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies aid scientists in learning more about new methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of a misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience treating ADHD in adults typically conducts an lengthy interview. The evaluator may also ask about the background of your your child's health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she could also review your medical records and perform a physical examination.
Many people suffering from ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions like anxiety and depression, which must be treated. It is estimated that people who have ADHD are six times more likely to experience mood disorders. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of using drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often find it difficult to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a difficult time managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing other health issues, such as obesity, heart disease and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and to have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health services when they were children. The sample size was not large. A larger sample could have provided more details 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 has a negative impact on quality of life and can cause variety of comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, mood disorders and abuse of alcohol and drugs. Untreated ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated or divorce, as well as an economic disadvantage for those suffering from ADHD.
It is advised that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days, and then every month thereafter until their symptoms are controlled. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest of their lives.