Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult may open up options for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect your daily activities, whether at home, work and in social settings. Talk therapy can improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
You may feel like you are not performing to your full potential if suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel you're unable manage the numerous tasks ahead of you. You may be full-time at work as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, and managing household chores.
Your inability to keep up can cause embarrassment and frustration. You might also feel hopeless or lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD, it's not your fault. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step to a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric assessment can be used by a medical specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists, and gathering information on your mental and medical background. The doctor may also inquire 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 occurred prior to age 12 and have continued to impact your life. You should also be experiencing difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different settings such as school, work and social relationships.
If your inattention is a significant issue, you could miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your obligations. You might have difficulty managing your finances and health and may have a hard to complete simple tasks, like remembering to take medication or visiting the doctor for checkups.
In people with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even more difficult. You may interrupt conversations with other people and spit out answers to questions before they're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to risky activities, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to studies that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a major role in the development ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically run in the family, and some scientists believe that problems with your central nervous system during crucial developmental stages increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. adhd adult diagnosis uk ADHD Diagnosis consists of an interview and review of medical history, work or school records, family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A trained professional may also perform a physical exam or laboratory tests to determine if there are other conditions that share similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for six months or more and are causing significant impairments in daily life.
People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with ongoing issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues and financial stress as well as work-related stress, drug abuse, and even serious accidents, such as motor 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 might be viewed as a lazy, irresponsible person or even just plain crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women tend to be better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to get a proper diagnosis. They may employ strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, for example the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to make up for their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD might also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to experience hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's simply a different way of thinking and behaving that could cause difficulties in certain situations or settings.
Adults may experience different symptoms than children. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay organized and complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with daily functioning, and cause emotional issues such as anxiety or depression. People with hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition can appear agitated and try to do several things at once, and fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to others, leading to misunderstandings and relationship problems.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged as a child, and a lot of adults with symptoms are unaware 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 life. Many people with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms as their obligations increase. They're not able to manage all the balls at once working on a job and caring for their family, while also keeping up with errands and housework, and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will assess whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with relatives or friends who know the person well as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric history. The patient may be asked to complete standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to measure executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual skills.
Stimulant medications are the most frequently used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD better focus, organize their lives, remember important information and tasks and manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants but still help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, people who suffer from certain health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their physician.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to manage their symptoms and to develop healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are also enrolled in clinical trials. These studies help scientists gain knowledge about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating ADHD in adult patients will often conduct an extended interview. The evaluation will also ask you about your the child's previous health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she could also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your body.
Many people suffering from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety, which must be treated. It is estimated that those with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also are at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD have a tough time finding and keeping a job. They also have a difficult managing their finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing other health problems, like obesity, heart disease, and smoking. In addition they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and experience difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, individuals who had ADHD who were treated in mental health facilities as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. The sample size was small. A larger sample size would have provided additional information on the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.
Research has proven ADHD to be a chronic and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can cause range of comorbidities, like mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a greater risk for incarceration or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status and more serious mental health issues.
It is recommended that all adults who have new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and every month after that until their symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might require receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy throughout their lives.