Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. undiagnosed adhd in adults 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, at work, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
You might feel that you are not performing to your full potential if have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel like you're unable to manage the many responsibilities in front of you. You could be working full-time as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, or taking care of household chores.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to frustration and embarrassment. You might also feel depressed and lose confidence. You may even be embarrassed. It's not your problem in the event that you suffer from ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A medical professional can identify ADHD in adults through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptom checklists, and collecting information regarding your medical and psychopathological background. The doctor may inquire 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 have continued to impact your life. You must also be having difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different environments which include work, school and social interactions.
If your inattention is a major issue, you could be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances, and you could also be having difficulty with simple tasks like remembering to visit the doctor or take your medication.
For those with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations worse. You might disrupt conversations with others and spit out answers to questions before you're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness can cause risky actions like driving too quickly or spending money in reckless ways.
According to studies the genetics and the environment are key factors in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be passed down through families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase your chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can help people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview and review of medical history, school or work records along with family medical history and an examination for mental health. A trained professional may also perform a physical exam or lab tests to identify other conditions that share similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months, and result in significant impairment of everyday life activities.
People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with chronic difficulties which could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues and financial stress as well as work-related stress, addiction to drugs, and even serious accidents, such as motor crashes.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as lazy, irresponsible or a bad employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at chance of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it harder for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, like the frequent distractions and daydreaming or use tools to compensate for their disorganization and lack of time management skills. Women with ADHD might also have trouble diagnosing 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 simply a different way to think and behave that can create challenges in certain situations.
In adults, it may be difficult to determine ADHD because the signs may have changed as people grew up. However, the symptoms of ADHD in adults still match the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, stay on top of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with daily functioning, and cause emotional issues like depression or anxiety. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition may appear restless and attempt to complete multiple things at the same time, but fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and relationship problems.
The symptoms of the disorder typically go unrecognized in childhood, and many adults with the disorder do not know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life they might have been labeled a dreamer or a slacker. Many people with ADHD experience more severe symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They aren't able to handle all the balls at once such as pursuing a career or caring for their family and juggling with housework and errands, and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a patient has ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with relatives or friends who know the person well as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical and mental health history. The person may be asked to complete standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to measure working memory and executive function as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant medications are the most common treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD focus better, manage their lives, and retain important information. They can also control impulse-driven behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants, but they can help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with certain health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to manage their symptoms and to build healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults with ADHD. These studies aid scientists in learning more about new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults using various assessment tools will increase the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize mistakes in diagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in treating ADHD in adults typically conducts an lengthy interview. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the background of your your child's health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other medical or psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which need to be treated. In fact, it is thought that people with ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD are also at a higher risk of using drugs.
Adults with ADHD have a tough time finding and keeping jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing other health issues, such as obesity, heart disease and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. The sample size was not large. A larger sample would provide more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has revealed that ADHD is a long-lasting permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative effect on quality of living and may lead to other health issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as addiction to alcohol and other drugs. If not treated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration, divorce and a lower socioeconomic status for people with ADHD.
It is recommended that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and monthly after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults with ADHD may need to continue to receive psychotherapy and/or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.