Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of their bupa adhd diagnosis 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 be a major hindrance with your daily life at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Marital and family counseling can also be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it could appear like you're failing to live up to your potential. You might feel overwhelmed as an adult due to your responsibilities. 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 can cause frustration and embarrassment. You might also feel hopeless, lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. It's not a problem when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to understand that there are ways to overcome your challenges. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric assessment can be performed by a medical professional to determine ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering information about your medical and psychiatric history. The doctor might 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 cause problems with your daily activities. You should also be struggling with these behaviors in multiple environments, including at work, school as well as in your social relationships.
If your inattention is a major problem, you might be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home and fail to follow through on your obligations. You might have difficulty managing your finances and health and may have a hard working through everyday tasks, like remembering to take medication or visiting the doctor for checkups.
People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You could disrupt conversations with others, blurt out answers to questions before they're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be passed down through families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental stages increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview and a review of medical history, school or work records along with family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical exam or lab tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and cause significant impairments in daily life.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues financial or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.
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 irresponsible, lazy, a bad employee or just plain crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed for adhd an accurate diagnosis. They may employ strategies to disguise their inattention 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 with ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or ability. It's simply an altered way of thinking and behave that may cause challenges in certain situations.
In adults, it may be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms could have changed as they became older. However, symptoms 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 with undiagnosed ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, stay on top of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger emotional problems such as depression, anxiety or changes in mood. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition may appear restless and try to do several things at the same time, but fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which could lead to misunderstandings or relationship issues.
Symptoms of the disorder often remain unnoticed in childhood, and many adults with the disorder don't know they have ADHD. They may have been described as a goof-off, dreamer, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and life. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood, however, many people who suffer from ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They aren't able to handle all the balls that are flying - pursuing a career and caring for family as well as keeping up with errands and housework, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a person has ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the individual, a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical history. The person may be asked to complete the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests how can i get diagnosed with add be used to test working memory and executive function as well as spatial and visual capabilities.
Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant drugs. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and remember important information. They also help control the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can also be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. People who have certain health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching, individual therapy group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms and to develop healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. Certain adults suffering from ADHD will also be part of clinical trials. These studies aid scientists in learning more about new ways to identify, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation 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 experience in treating ADHD in adults typically conducts an extended interview. The evaluator will also ask you about your or the child's previous health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also review your past medical records and conduct an examination of your body.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other medical or psychiatric conditions such as anxiety or depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it's thought that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD have a tough finding and keeping jobs. They also have a harder time managing finances and juggling household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing health issues, such as obesity, heart disease, and smoking. In addition they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and are more likely to have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in a minor mental health clinic as children. However the size of the sample was small. A larger sample size could have provided more information on the clinical course and relationships of adhd getting diagnosed in adults with other mental disorders.
Research has proven ADHD to be a chronic and persistent disorder among adults. It has a negative effect on quality of life and can cause range of comorbidities, like learning disabilities, mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. People with untreated ADHD are at a greater risk for incarceration and divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious psychiatric problems.
It is recommended that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days and every month thereafter until their symptoms are controlled. Adults with ADHD might need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.