Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can open up 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 your daily activities at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
It could be that you feel that you're not performing to your full potential when you suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel you're unable manage the many tasks in front of you. You might be full-time at work or caring for elderly parents or children, or managing household chores.
Inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and anger. You might be feeling hopeless, lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. If you have ADHD, it's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your problems. The first step is a diagnosis.
A health professional can diagnose ADHD in adults through an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining details on your medical and mental health history. The doctor might 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 prior to age 12 and continue to affect your life. You must also have difficulty with these behavior in multiple settings, such as at school, work as well as in your social relationships.
If your inattention is a significant issue, you may miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your responsibilities. You may have trouble managing your health and finances and may have a hard working through everyday tasks, such as remembering to take medication or going to the doctor for a checkup.
In people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations even more difficult. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or struggle to wait in the line. Your impulsiveness could cause risky actions like driving too fast or spending money in reckless ways.
Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to run in families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care professional who has a specialization in ADHD can assist adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and review of medical background, school or work records, family medical history and a mental health screening. A trained professional may also perform a physical exam or laboratory tests to identify other conditions that may have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant impairment in daily life functions.
adult adhd diagnosis with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with ongoing issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems financial or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen as irresponsible, lazy or even simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women are generally better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, like the frequent distractions and daydreaming or use tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It's important to remember that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or capacity. It's just an alternative behavior and way of thinking that can cause challenges in certain situations or environments.
For adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because the signs may have changed as people grew up. However, the signs 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
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay organized, complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. These symptoms can affect daily functioning and cause emotional issues like depression, anxiety or shifts in mood. Hyperactive or impulsive people may appear restless, and may attempt to do a variety of things simultaneously. They may not be able to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others which can lead to miscommunications and problems with relationships.
The symptoms of the disorder usually are not recognized until childhood, and many adults who have them aren't aware of ADHD. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob, slacker or troublemaker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and life. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood however, many who have ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They aren't able to handle all the balls in the air working on a job and caring for family as well as keeping up with housework and errands, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will determine whether a person suffers from ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with relatives, friends and others who know the person well as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric background. The patient could be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to measure working memory, executive function, and visual and spatial abilities.
Stimulant medications are the most commonly used treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD to focus better, organize their lives, remember important information and tasks, and manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants, but they can improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure should talk to their doctor.
Some adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms and to establish healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. A few adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical trials. These studies allow scientists to discover more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating ADHD in adults typically conducts an lengthy interview. The evaluator will also ask you about your children's health history, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your body.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental or physical disorders like anxiety and depression, which need to be treated. In fact, it's thought that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than other people. People who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to be victims of consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to find and keep jobs. They also have difficulty managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk for developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. In addition they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and experience trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.
In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in a minor mental health clinic when they were children. However the sample size was small. A larger sample would provide more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown ADHD to be a chronic and persistent problem for adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of living and may lead to other health issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, addiction to alcohol and other drugs. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated, divorce and a lower social economic status for those suffering from ADHD.
Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might need to receive psychotherapy and/or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.