Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult could give 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 home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Marital and family counseling can also be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it could appear that you're not living up to your potential. You might feel overwhelmed as an adult with your obligations. You could be working full-time 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 may also feel hopeless, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. It's not your problem if you have ADHD. It's important to realize that there are ways to overcome your challenges. The first step is the process of diagnosing.
A medical professional can identify ADHD in adults by conducting an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists, and collecting information regarding your medical and psychiatric background. The provider may ask 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 been present prior to age 12 and continue to affect your life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in multiple situations, like at work, school 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 fail to follow through on your obligations. You may have difficulty managing your finances and health, and you could also be having difficulty with simple tasks like making sure you visit the doctor or taking your medication.
People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You could interrupt other people's conversations and spit out answers to questions before they're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could lead to risky activities, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase your risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care professional with an expertise in ADHD can assist adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and a review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical exam and/or tests in the laboratory to identify other conditions that share similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and result in significant impairment of everyday life activities.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems, work-related or financial stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretations by family members, friends, and coworkers. They may be perceived as lazy, irresponsible, a bad employee or just plain crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their impulsivity and inattention. Or they might depend on tools and techniques to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's simply an altered approach to thinking and acting that could cause difficulties in certain situations or environments.
In adults, it may be difficult to determine ADHD because the signs may have changed as people became older. However, 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 might struggle to stay organized, keep track of school or work tasks and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues such as anxiety or depression. People who are hyperactive or impulsive might appear to be agitated and may attempt to do many things at the same time. They may not be able to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which can cause confusion or relationship problems.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged in the early years and a lot of adults with symptoms aren't aware that they have it. They may have been described as a dreamer, a snob, slacker or troublemaker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and life. As responsibilities increase in adulthood however, many who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying keep up-to-date with: pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will assess whether a person has ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with family, friends and others who know the person well, a physical exam, and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric history. The patient may be asked to complete the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to determine executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial skills.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD to focus better and manage their lives, keep track of important information and tasks and manage an impulsive behaviour. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work more slow than stimulants, yet aid in the treatment of ADHD. Patients with certain health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor before taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms and develop healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. A few adults with ADHD will also be part of clinical trials. These studies help scientists discover more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the background of your child's or your own health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other mental or physical disorders such as anxiety or depression, which must be treated. In fact, it is estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People with ADHD also have a higher risk of using drugs.
Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a harder managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing health issues, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in a minor mental health clinic as children. However, the sample size was small. An enlargement of the sample would have provided more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a chronic and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and may lead to other health issues like mood disorders learning disabilities, as well as addiction to alcohol and other drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a higher risk of being incarcerated or divorce, as well as being less socioeconomically stable and more serious mental health issues.
It is advised that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days, and then every month after that until their symptoms are under control. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis with ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.