Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult may give possibilities for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must significantly interfere with your daily life at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it might seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. You may be overwhelmed as an adult with the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You may be full-time at work as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, or managing household chores.
Your inability to keep up may cause frustration and embarrassment. You may also feel depressed or lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. It's not your problem if you have ADHD. It's important to recognize that there are ways to overcome your challenges. The first step to the process of diagnosing.
A thorough psychiatric examination can be utilized by a medical specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as 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 the age of 12 and continue affecting your life. You must also be having difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different environments, including school, work and social relationships.
You may miss appointments, make mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your obligations if lack of attention is an issue. You might have trouble managing your health and finances, and you may also have difficulty with simple tasks such as remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication.
People who suffer from 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 finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to reckless actions, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. adhd diagnosis uk adults tend to run in families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase the risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview, a review of medical background, school or work records along with family medical history and a mental health screening. A trained professional can also conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment to everyday life activities.
People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with chronic difficulties that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues financial or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes.
Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and colleagues. They may be perceived as lazy, irresponsible, a bad employee or simply crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it harder for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They may employ strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, for example constant distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to make up for their lack of organization and ineffective time management. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they tend to have symptoms of inattention rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capability. It's simply an alternative way of thinking and behave that may cause problems in certain situations.
In adults, it may be difficult to identify ADHD because the signs may have changed over time as they developed. Adults who suffer from 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. Symptoms also can interfere with the daily routine and trigger emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, or shifts in mood. Hyperactive or impulsive people might appear to be agitated and they might try to accomplish a lot at the same time. They may fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which can cause confusion or relationship issues.
ADHD is often not recognized in childhood and many adults suffering from the disorder aren't aware that they have it. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, goof-off, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and everyday life. Many people who suffer from ADHD have more severe symptoms as their obligations increase. They can't manage all the balls at once working on a job and caring for family, while also keeping up with errands and housework, as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person has ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with relatives and friends, as well as other people who know the person well, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric history. The patient may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to measure executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial skills.
Stimulant medication is 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 people suffering from ADHD improve their focus and manage their lives, remember important information and tasks and manage their impulsive behavior. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants or atomoxetine, may also be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but still improve symptoms. People who have certain health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as develop healthy relationships at home, in school, and at work. A few adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These studies allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults using various assessment instruments will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in treating ADHD in adult patients will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The evaluator will also ask you about your or children's health history as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also go through your past medical records and conduct a physical exam.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, that must be treated. In fact, it is thought that people with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD are also at a higher risk of using drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulty to find and keep jobs. They also have a harder time managing finances and keeping track of household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing other health issues, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and to have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.
In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health services when they were children. The sample size was not large. A larger sample could have provided more information on the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has revealed that ADHD is a long-lasting permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life and can cause variety of comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, mood disorders and abuse of alcohol and drugs. If not treated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration or divorce, as well as an economic disadvantage for those suffering from ADHD.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.