Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of 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 should affect everyday functioning at home, work and in social settings. Talk therapy can enhance the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Family and marital counseling can be beneficial as well.
Signs and symptoms
It could be that you feel that you're not performing to your full potential when you have ADHD symptoms. You might be overwhelmed as an adult by your obligations. You may be working full-time, caring for aging parents or children, or managing household chores.
Your difficulty keeping up can lead to embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and a loss of confidence. It's not your problem when you suffer from ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is a diagnosis.
A medical professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as collecting information about your medical and psychopathological 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 occurred prior to age 12 and continue to affect your life. You should also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at the very least in two different settings, including school, work and social relationships.
You could miss appointments, make mistakes at work or home, and fail to fulfill your responsibilities if your lack of attention is an issue. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances and you could also be having difficulties with everyday tasks like remembering to go to the doctor or take your medication.
For those with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations more difficult. You may disrupt conversations with others or utter answers to questions before you're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsivity might result in reckless actions, like 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 tend to be passed down through the family, and some researchers believe that issues with your central nervous system during critical developmental phases increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health care professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview and review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialized professional may conduct physical examinations and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and result in significant impairment of daily life functions.
People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with chronic difficulties which could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and coworkers. They might be viewed as a lazy, irresponsible person, a bad employee or just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, like the frequent distractions and daydreaming or use tools to make up for their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD might also have trouble diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's just a different approach to thinking and acting that can cause challenges in certain settings or situations.
For adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the signs may have changed over time as they became older. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People with undiagnosed ADHD might struggle to stay organized, stay on top of school or work tasks and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and lead to emotional problems such as depression, anxiety or mood swings. People who are impulsive or hyperactive can appear agitated, and they may try to do many things at the same time. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or problems with relationships.
ADHD is often not recognized in the early years and a lot of adults with symptoms are unaware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in their studies and daily life, they may be viewed as an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people with ADHD experience worsening symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying to keep on top of - pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, keeping up with household chores and errands, as well as trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with relatives or friends who know the person well, a physical exam, and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric background. The person may also be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to test working memory and executive function as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant drugs are the most frequently used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD to focus better and manage their lives, remember important information and tasks and manage an impulsive behaviour. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, yet nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. People who have certain health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor before taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching, individual therapy group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as build healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies help scientists discover more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults using various assessment tools will increase diagnostic accuracy and reduce misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults will often conduct an extended interview. The examiner will also inquire with you questions about the child's previous health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she could also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical.
Many people with ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such anxiety and depression, that require treatment. It is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six-times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of substance abuse.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard time finding and keeping a job. They also face difficulties managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing health problems, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to have poor eating habits and are more likely to have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.
In one study, people with ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as children were diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. The sample size was not large. An enlargement of the sample would provide more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a persistent and persistent problem for adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life, and can lead to a variety of comorbid conditions, like learning disabilities, mood disorders and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at a higher risk for incarceration and divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric problems.
adhd uk diagnosis is advised that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and monthly thereafter until their symptoms are controlled. Adults with ADHD might need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy throughout their lives.