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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult could open up possibilities for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must interfere with your daily activities, whether at home, work and in social settings. Talk therapy can aid in improving the ability to communicate and problem-solve. I Am Psychiatry for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
You may feel like you are not living up to your full potential when you have ADHD symptoms. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult by the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You might be working full-time as a caregiver for children or an elderly parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your difficulty keeping up can lead to embarrassment, frustration despair and a loss of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD It's not your fault. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your problems. The first step is an assessment.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be performed by a health professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as collecting information about your medical and psychiatric history. 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 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, and in your social relationships.
You may miss appointments, make careless errors at work or at home and fail to meet your responsibilities if your lack of attention is an issue. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances, and you may also have difficulties with everyday tasks like remembering to go to the doctor or take your medication.
People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations with other people or utter answers to questions before you're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in line. Your impulsiveness can cause risky actions, such as driving too quickly or spending money in reckless ways.
According to studies the genetics and the environment are key factors in the development ADHD. The symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview, a review of medical history, work or school records, family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical examination and/or tests in the laboratory to rule out other conditions that share similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment in daily life functions.
People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with persistent issues which could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues financial or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretation by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen as irresponsible, lazy or a poor employee, or simply crazy. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more at chance of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder to get a proper diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Sometimes, they rely on tools and techniques to compensate for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women suffering from ADHD also might have trouble diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention, not an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It's important to remember that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capacity. It's merely a different way to think and behave that may cause difficulties in certain situations.
Adults may have different symptoms as children. Adults who suffer from ADHD still fit the criteria of 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 relationships with others. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger emotional problems such as depression, anxiety or changes in mood. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition can appear agitated and try to do several things at once, failing to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and problems with relationships.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged in the early years and a lot of adults with the symptoms aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life they may have been labelled as an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from more severe symptoms as their obligations increase. They can't manage all the balls that are flying working on a job and caring for family as well as keeping up with chores at home and errands and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
A health care professional or mental health professional will assess whether a person suffers from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with relatives, friends and others who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric background. The person could be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to measure working memory, executive function, and visual and spatial skills.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD improve their focus and organize their lives, recall important information and tasks, and manage impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants but still help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with certain health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, should talk to their doctor before taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults to manage their ADHD symptoms and build healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are also enrolled in clinical trials. These studies help scientists learn more about new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with experience treating ADHD in adult patients typically conducts an lengthy interview. The evaluator will also ask you questions about your child’s past health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator may also review your medical records and perform an examination of your physical.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, that must be treated. In fact, it's thought that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than other people. People with ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD often find it difficult to find and keep jobs. They also have a harder time managing finances and keeping track of household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased risk of developing other health issues, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and are more likely to have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people with ADHD who were treated in mental health services as young children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. The sample size was not large. A larger sample could provide additional information on the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.
Research has revealed that ADHD is a chronic and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative effect on living quality and lead to other conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities, alcohol and drugs abuse. If not treated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration or divorce, as well as an economic disadvantage for people with ADHD.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest their lives.
