Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may offer treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect everyday functioning at home, work and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Marital and family counseling can also be helpful.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it might seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. As an adult, you may feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel you're unable manage the many responsibilities in front of you. You might be working full-time, caring for children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment, frustration despair and the loss of confidence. If you suffer from 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 assessment can be performed by a medical specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom lists, and gathering information on your medical and mental health 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 prior to the age of 12 and continue affecting your life. You must also have difficulty with these behavior in multiple environments, including at school, work, and in your social interactions.
You may miss appointments, make careless errors at home or at work, and fail to fulfill your obligations if your inattention is a problem. You may be struggling with managing your finances and health and may have a hard time with simple tasks, such as taking medication, or visiting the doctor for a checkup.
For those with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations even more difficult. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before others are done or struggle to wait in the line. Your impulsiveness could lead to risky activities, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically be passed down through the family, and some researchers believe that issues with your central nervous system at critical developmental phases increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview, a review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A trained professional may also conduct a physical examination and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that share 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 cause significant difficulties in everyday life.
People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with ongoing issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause confusion among family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen by others as irresponsible, lazy or as a poor employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can you get adhd medication without a diagnosis make it harder for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their impulsivity and inattention. Or they might rely on methods and tools to make up for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from adhd diagnosis and medication may also have difficulty identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to experience hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capability. It's merely an alternative way of thinking and behave that may cause difficulties in certain situations.
Adults may have different symptoms than children. Adults who suffer from ADHD still fit the criteria for adhd diagnosis of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People with undiagnosed ADHD may struggle to get organized, keep track of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues such as depression or anxiety. Hyperactive or impulsive people may appear restless, and they might try to do many things simultaneously. They might not complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people which can lead to miscommunications and problems with relationships.
ADHD is often not recognized in the early years and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder aren't aware that they have it. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker, instead of struggling to stay on top in school and life. As the demands of adulthood increase, however, many people who have ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying to keep up-to-date with: pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, keeping up with chores and household chores, and working on social and romantic relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually 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 the person's medical and psychiatric background. The patient may also be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests are used to test executive and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant medications are the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD better focus, organize their lives, recall important information and tasks and manage an impulsive behaviour. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, but still improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, people who suffer from certain health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their physician.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to get diagnosed with adhd to manage their symptoms and to build healthy school, family and workplace relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD also will participate in clinical studies. These studies help scientists discover more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment tools will increase the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adult patients will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your or your child's health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your body.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such depression and anxiety that require treatment. It is estimated that those with ADHD are six-times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also are at a higher risk of substance abuse.
Adults who can diagnosis adhd suffer from adhd adult diagnosis often have a difficult time to find and keep jobs. They also have a harder managing finances and keeping track of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing other health problems, like obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health facilities as children. The sample size was not large. A larger sample size could provide additional information about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a chronic permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and can lead to other issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a greater chance of being in prison, divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious psychiatric issues.
It is recommended that all adults who have a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days, and then every month after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or medication for the rest of their lives.