Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult can give options for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must interfere with your daily activities, whether at work, home and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Family and marital counseling can be beneficial as well.
Signs and symptoms
You may feel like you are not living up to your full potential if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. You might feel overwhelmed as an adult due to your responsibilities. You may be working full-time as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, as well as managing household chores.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can cause embarrassment, anger despair and an eroding of confidence. It's not an issue if you have ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your difficulties. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A health care professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. adhd uk diagnosis includes talking with you about symptoms, requiring you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining information about your mental health and medical history. The doctor might also ask you to provide information about your family 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 prior to age 12 and continue affecting your life. You should also be struggling with these behavior in multiple settings, such as at work, school as well as in your social interactions.
If your inattention is a serious issue, you could skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and not be able to meet your obligations. You might have trouble managing your finances and health, and you may also have difficulties with everyday tasks such as remembering to go to the doctor or take your medication.
For people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations more difficult. You may interrupt other people's conversations and spit out answers to questions before you're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in line. Your impulsivity might result in dangerous activities, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to run in the family, and some researchers believe that problems with your central nervous system at critical developmental phases increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview, a review of medical history, school or work records along with family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialist may also conduct a physical examination and/or tests in the laboratory 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 least six months and result in significant impairment of everyday life activities.
People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD may struggle all their lives with chronic difficulties that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems 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 friends, relatives and coworkers. They could be seen by others as irresponsible, lazy or even a poor employee. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more at chance of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder to get an accurate diagnosis. They may employ strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, such as constant distractions and daydreaming or use tools to compensate for their disorganization and ineffective time management. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capability. It's just an altered approach to thinking and acting that may cause problems in certain situations or environments.
Adults may have different symptoms in comparison to children. 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 aren't diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, stay on top of work or school tasks and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with the daily routine and trigger mental issues such as depression, anxiety or changes in mood. Hyperactive or impulsive people might appear to be agitated and may attempt to do many things simultaneously. They might not finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which could result in miscommunications or problems with relationships.
ADHD is not often recognized as a child, and a lot of adults with the symptoms are not aware of it. They may have been labeled as a goof-off, dreamer, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and life. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience worsening symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're unable to handle all the balls they're trying keep in the air--pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, juggling household chores and errands, as well as working on social and romantic relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a person has ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members as well as friends and family members who are familiar with the individual and a physical examination and a review of a person's medical history. The person may be asked to complete standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to measure working memory, executive function as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD improve their focus and organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks and manage their impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants, but they can improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, those with certain health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their physician.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults to manage their ADHD symptoms and to establish healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults suffering from ADHD. These trials allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of a misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the background of your or your child's health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator could also review your medical records and conduct a physical examination.
Many people suffering from ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, such depression and anxiety that require treatment. It is estimated that people who have ADHD are six-times more likely to experience mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased risk of developing other health problems, like obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and to have trouble forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.
In one study, individuals with ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as children were diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. However, the size of the sample was small. An enlargement of the sample might provide more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has revealed that ADHD is a persistent, persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life and can result in a variety of comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated or divorce, as well as a lower social economic status for people with ADHD.
It is recommended 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 under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may require to receive psychotherapy and/or medication for the rest of their lives.