Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. Getting 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 daily functioning at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Marital and family counseling can be beneficial as well.
Signs and symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD, it may seem as if you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel you're unable get a handle on the many responsibilities in front of you. You might be working full-time and caring for your children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to frustration and embarrassment. You might also feel hopeless, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. It's not an issue if you have ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your challenges. The first step is a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric examination can be performed by a health care professional to determine ADHD in adults. 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 mental health background. The provider may ask 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 occurred prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily activities. You should also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different situations such as school, work and social relationships.
If your inattention is a serious issue, you could be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. You might have trouble managing your health and finances and you may also have difficulty with simple tasks such as remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication.
People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You could interrupt conversations with other people, blurt out answers to questions before you're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness could lead to reckless actions, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be inherited from families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase your risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health professional with an expertise in ADHD can help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview and a review of medical history, work or school records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialized professional also may perform a physical exam or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more, and are causing significant impairments in the daily routine.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can cause chronic problems which could have been prevented or treated. This can lead depression, family issues and financial stress as well as 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 coworkers. They may be perceived as irresponsible, lazy, a bad employee or just plain crazy. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are more at chance of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, like the frequent distractions and daydreaming or use tools to compensate for their disorganization and poor time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to exhibit inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's simply a different behavior and way of thinking that may cause problems in certain situations or settings.
Adults may have different symptoms as children. However, symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria set forth 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 and school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. The symptoms can also affect everyday functioning and can trigger anxiety or depression. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition may appear restless and try to do several things at once, failing to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which could cause confusion or problems with relationships.
ADHD is not often recognized in childhood and many adults with symptoms aren't aware that they have it. They might have been viewed as a goof-off, dreamer or a slacker, instead of struggling to keep up in school and daily life. Many people suffering from ADHD experience worsening symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're unable to handle all the balls they're trying to keep up-to-date with: pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, keeping up with chores and household chores, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A health care professional or mental health professional will determine whether a person suffers from ADHD. The assessment usually involves conversations with family members, friends and others who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and mental health history. The patient may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to measure executive function and working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated by stimulant medications. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD improve their focus and manage their lives, keep track of important information and tasks and manage an impulsive behaviour. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They are slower more info than stimulants, yet still improve symptoms. People who have particular health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure must consult with their doctor before taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as build healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults who suffer from ADHD. These trials allow scientists to discover more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment tools will increase the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended discussion with a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation will also ask you questions about the child's previous health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she will also look over your previous medical records and conduct physical examination.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental or physical disorders such as anxiety or depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it's believed that those 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 substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people with ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as young children were diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. However the sample size was small. A larger sample size would provide additional details about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a long-lasting, persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and can lead to other issues like mood disorders learning disabilities, as well as addiction to alcohol and other drugs. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of incarceration or divorce, as well as a lower social economic status for those suffering from ADHD.
It is recommended that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and monthly after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults with ADHD might need to receive psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.