Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can provide treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must significantly interfere with daily functioning at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it might seem as if you're not living up to your potential. You may be overwhelmed as an adult by the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You might be working full time, caring for children or an aging parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and frustration. You may be feeling hopeless, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. It's not a problem when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A health professional can detect ADHD in adults by performing an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists, and gathering details about your medical and mental health history. The doctor might also ask you about your family's history of ADHD.
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 environments, including school, work and social relationships.
If your inattention is a significant issue, you may skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. You might have trouble managing your health and finances and you could also be having difficulty with simple tasks like remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication.
For those with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations more difficult. You may interrupt conversations with other people and spit out answers to questions before they're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could cause risky actions, such as driving too quickly or spending money recklessly.
According to studies that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a major role in the development ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be passed down through families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who has an expertise in ADHD can assist those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview and a review of medical background, school or work records along with family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialized professional also may 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 a period of six months or more and are causing significant impairments in the daily routine.
People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with ongoing issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, substance abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen by others as lazy, unreliable or a bad employee. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.
Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder to get an accurate diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they rely on methods and tools to compensate for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.
It's important to remember that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capacity. It's merely a different behavior and way of thinking that can cause challenges in certain settings or situations.
In adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as they grew up. However, symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria set forth 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. Symptoms can also interfere with everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues such as anxiety or depression. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition can appear agitated and may try to accomplish several things at once, and fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or problems with relationships.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged in the early years and a lot of adults with the symptoms are not aware of it. They might have been viewed as a goof-off, dreamer or a slacker, instead of battling to stay ahead in school and daily life. Many people who suffer from ADHD have worsening symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying to keep up-to-date with: pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, juggling chores and household chores, and working on social and romantic relationships.
A health care professional or mental health professional will determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the individual as well as a physical exam and a review a person's medical history. The patient could be asked to complete the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to assess executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial abilities.
Stimulant drugs are the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and keep track of important information. They can also control impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants but still aid in the treatment of ADHD. People who have certain health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms and to build healthy family, school and work relationships. Some adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These studies allow scientists to learn 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 mistakes in diagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has 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, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she might also look over your medical records and conduct a physical examination.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other medical or psychiatric conditions such as anxiety or depression, which need to be treated. It is estimated that those with ADHD are six-times more likely to experience mood disorders. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD have a hard finding and keeping a job. They also have a difficult managing finances and juggling household tasks. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing other health issues, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to have poor eating habits and experience trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in a minor mental health clinic when they were children. The sample size was not large. An enlargement of the sample would have provided more details about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven that ADHD is a long-lasting and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and can lead to other issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as alcohol and drugs abuse. People with untreated ADHD are at an increased chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric issues.
It is advised that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days and every month thereafter until their symptoms are managed. Adults who suffer from ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy throughout their lives.