Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult may provide treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must affect daily functioning, at home, work and in social settings. Talk therapy can enhance the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
You might feel that you're not living up to your full potential if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult by your obligations. You could be working full time, caring for children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Inability to keep up can cause embarrassment and anger. You might also feel hopeless and lose confidence. You may even feel embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD it's not your fault. It's important to recognize that there are ways to overcome your challenges. The first step to a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric assessment can be performed by a health care specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and collecting information regarding your medical and psychopathological history. The doctor might also ask you to provide information 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 occurred prior to age 12 and have continued to impact your life. You should also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different settings 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 not be able to meet your obligations. You might have difficulty managing your finances and health and may have a difficult time with simple tasks, like taking medication, or going to the doctor for a checkup.
People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You could disrupt conversations with others, blurt 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 fast or spending money in a reckless manner.
Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview as well as reviewing medical documents, school or work records and family medical histories and a mental screening. A trained professional can also conduct a physical examination or lab tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for six months or more, and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.
Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, work-related or financial stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.
Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by friends, relatives and coworkers. They may be perceived as a lazy, irresponsible person or even simply crazy. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater chance of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. They may also depend on tools and techniques to make up for their poor time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they tend to have inattentive symptoms rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capacity. It's merely an alternative way of thinking and behaving that can cause challenges in certain situations or settings.
Adults may exhibit different symptoms as children. However, the symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, stay on top of work or school tasks and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect everyday functioning and can trigger anxiety or depression. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the disorder may seem agitated and try to do several things at once, and fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which could result in miscommunications or relationship issues.
Symptoms of the disorder often are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults with the disorder do not know they have ADHD. They might have been viewed as a goof-off, dreamer or a slacker, instead of struggling to keep up in school and life. As responsibilities increase in adulthood however, many who have ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They are unable to manage all the balls they have to keep on top of - pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, keeping up with chores and household chores, and working on social and romantic relationships.
A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with family, friends and others who know the person well, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric background. The person could also be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests can be conducted to determine executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual skills.
Stimulant medication is the most commonly 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, organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks, and manage their impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants with certain health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their physician.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults to manage their ADHD symptoms and to establish healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults with ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment instruments will improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce mistakes in diagnosis. The process usually involves an extended discussion with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the history of your or your child's health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also look over your previous medical records and perform an examination of your body.
Many people suffering from ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which must be treated. In fact, it's estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD are also at a greater risk of using drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulty to find and keep jobs. They also have a tougher time managing finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing health issues, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to develop poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.
In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in a minor mental health clinic as children. However the sample size was small. A larger sample size would have provided additional information about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.
Research has revealed that ADHD is a long-lasting and persistent disorder that affects adults. It has a negative impact on the quality of life, and can lead to a variety of comorbid conditions, like mood disorders, learning disabilities and alcohol and drug abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at an increased risk for incarceration, divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious mental health issues.
diagnose adhd in adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD may need to continue to receive psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.