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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult may give possibilities for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should significantly interfere with your daily activities at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Marital and family counseling can be beneficial as well.
Signs and symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it may seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel you're unable take on the many tasks in front of you. You may be working full time as a caregiver for children or an elderly parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and frustration. You may also feel depressed or lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. It's not your problem in the event that you suffer from ADHD. It's important to realize that there are ways to overcome your difficulties. The first step is a diagnosis.
A health professional can detect ADHD in adults by performing an extensive psychiatric examination. This includes talking with you about symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD list of symptoms, and gathering information on your mental health and medical history. The doctor might also ask you about the history of your family members with 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 continue affecting your life. You must also be having difficulty with these behaviors at the very least in two different environments such as school, work and social relationships.
You may be late for appointments, make erroneous mistakes at home or at work and fail to meet your responsibilities if your inattention is an issue. You might have trouble managing your health and finances, and you might also experience difficulty with simple tasks such as remembering to visit the doctor or take your medication.
People with ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations, answer questions before others are done or struggle to wait in lines. Your impulsive behavior could lead to risky activities, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
According to studies, genetics and environment are key factors in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to run in families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview and a review of medical records, school or workplace records as well as family medical histories and a mental screening. A specialized professional also may perform a physical exam or tests in the laboratory to rule out other conditions that share similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment to daily life functions.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by friends, relatives and coworkers. They may be perceived as a lazy, irresponsible person or a poor employee, or simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder to get an accurate diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, like constant distractions and daydreaming or use tools to help them cope with 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 suffer from inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's just a different way to think and behave that could cause challenges in certain situations.
In adults, it may be difficult to determine ADHD because the symptoms may have changed over time as they developed. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People with undiagnosed ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, keep track of school or work obligations and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like anxiety, depression or changes in mood. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition may appear restless and attempt to complete multiple things at once, and fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. how to diagnose adults with adhd may be unable to pay attention to others, which can cause confusion or relationship problems.
The symptoms of the disorder typically are not recognized until childhood, and many adults who have them aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and everyday life they may have been labelled as a dreamer or a slacker. Many people suffering from ADHD experience worsening symptoms as their obligations increase. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying keep on top of - pursuing a career, caring for family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if someone has 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 the person's medical and psychiatric background. The person may be asked to complete standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to determine executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial abilities.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated by stimulant medications. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD better 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 work slower than stimulants, yet still improve symptoms. Patients with certain health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions 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 with adults who suffer from ADHD. These trials allow scientists to learn more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of ADHD for adults using various assessment tools will increase the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in treating ADHD in adults will often conduct an extended interview. The examiner will also inquire with you about your your child’s past health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also look over your previous medical records and perform a physical exam.
Many people with ADHD also have other medical or psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which must be treated. In fact, it's believed that those with ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult to find and keep jobs. They also have a harder managing their finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health facilities as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. The sample size was not large. An enlargement of the sample would provide more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a long-lasting and persistent disorder that affects adults. It has a negative impact on the quality of life, and can result in a variety of comorbid conditions, like learning disabilities, mood disorders and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at a higher chance of being in prison and divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric problems.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.
