Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could provide 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 work, home and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can also be helpful.
Symptoms
You might feel that you are not doing enough to fulfill your full potential if have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel that you can't get a handle on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You could be working full-time and caring for your children or an aging parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and frustration. You might be feeling hopeless, lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. It's not your problem if you have ADHD. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A medical professional can identify ADHD in adults by performing a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists, and gathering information about your medical and psychopathological background. The doctor may inquire 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 occurred before age 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in two or more environments, including at school, work, and in your social relationships.
If your inattention is a serious issue, you could miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your obligations. You might be struggling with managing your finances and health, and you might also experience difficulty with simple tasks like making sure you visit the doctor or taking your medication.
People who suffer from ADHD can make difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You could interrupt other people's conversations and spit out answers to questions before you're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in a line. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk could cause risky actions, such as driving too quickly or spending money in reckless ways.
According to research, genetics and environment play a significant role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend 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 professional with an expertise in ADHD can help 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 an examination for mental health. A trained professional may also conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to identify other conditions that may have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at least six months and cause significant impairment in daily life functions.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to chronic issues which could have been prevented or treated. This can lead depression, family issues and financial stress as well as work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretations by family members, friends and colleagues. They might be viewed as irresponsible, lazy or a poor employee, or just plain crazy. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing 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 distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or they might depend on strategies and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their symptoms, since 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 merely an alternative behavior and way of thinking that can cause challenges in certain situations or settings.
Adults may have different symptoms in comparison to children. However, the signs 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
People with undiagnosed ADHD might struggle to stay organized, keep track of work or school tasks and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues such as anxiety or depression. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition may appear restless and may try to accomplish several things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people that can cause confusion and relationships issues.
The symptoms of the disorder usually go unrecognized in childhood, and many adults with them aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in their studies and daily life they may be viewed as an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience more severe symptoms as their obligations increase. They're not able to handle all the balls they have to keep on top of - pursuing a career, caring for family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and working on social and romantic relationships.
A health care professional or mental health professional will determine whether a person has ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical history. The patient could be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to measure executive function and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant medication is the most commonly used treatment for adults with ADHD. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD improve their focus, organize their lives, remember important information and tasks, and manage impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, yet still improve symptoms. People who have particular health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms and to develop healthy school, family and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults with ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new methods to prevent, diagnose and treat 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 decrease misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience treating ADHD in adult patients will often conduct an extended interview. The evaluation will also ask you about your or children's health history, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They could also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your body.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other medical or psychiatric conditions such as anxiety or depression, which need to be treated. It is estimated that those with ADHD are six-times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD have a tough to find and keep jobs. They also face difficulties managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people with ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. However, the sample size was small. An expansion of the sample might provide more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and lead to other conditions like mood disorders learning disabilities, addiction to alcohol and other drugs. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of incarceration or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status for those with ADHD.
Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might need to receive psychotherapy and/or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.