Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can provide treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be a major hindrance with your daily life at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem-solving skills. Family and marital counseling can be beneficial as well.
Signs and symptoms
It could be that you feel that you're not doing enough to fulfill your full potential if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. You might be overwhelmed as an adult with your responsibilities. You may be working full-time as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, and managing household chores.
Inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and anger. You might also feel depressed or lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD it's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is a diagnosis.
A health professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by performing an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and collecting details about your medical and psychopathological background. The provider may also inquire about your family's 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 continue affecting your life. You should also be having difficulty with these behaviors at the very least in two different situations which include work, school and social interactions.
If your inattention is a major problem, you might be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home, and not be able to meet your responsibilities. You may be struggling with managing your finances and health and may have a hard to complete simple tasks, such as remembering to take medication or visiting the doctor for a checkup.
People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You might disrupt conversations with others and spit out answers to questions before they're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to be inherited from the family, and some researchers believe that problems with your central nervous system during critical developmental stages increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health professional who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview as well as a review of medical records, school or workplace records, family medical histories, and a mental assessment. A specialist may conduct physical examinations and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and cause significant impairments in daily life.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents like motor crashes.
how to get an adhd diagnosis uk can cause misinterpretation by family members, friends and colleagues. They may be viewed by others as lazy, irresponsible or even a poor employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at chance of developing depression and anxiety.
Women tend to be better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, like constant distractions and daydreaming or use tools to make up for their lack of organization and lack of 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 simply an altered way of thinking and behave that could cause problems in certain situations.
Adults may experience different symptoms than 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 cause people to struggle to stay organized and complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. Symptoms can also interfere with everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues like anxiety or depression. People who are impulsive or hyperactive might appear to be agitated and they may try to do many things at once. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or relationship issues.
The symptoms of the disorder usually go unrecognized in childhood, and many adults who have them aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life they may have been labeled an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from increasing symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're not able to handle all the balls they're trying to keep on top of - pursuing a career, caring for family members, keeping up with chores and household chores, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a patient has ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with family and friends, as well as other people who know the person well as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric history. The person could also be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests are used to test executive function and working memory as well as spatial and visual capabilities.
Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated by stimulant medications. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and remember important information. They also help control impulsive behaviors. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. Patients with certain health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms and build healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults suffering from ADHD. These studies aid scientists in learning more about the latest methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating ADHD in adults will often conduct an extended interview. The evaluation will also ask you questions about the child's previous health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also go through your past medical records and conduct a physical exam.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric or medical conditions such as anxiety or depression, that need to be treated. It is estimated that people who have ADHD are six-times more likely to experience mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of using drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a tough time finding and keeping a job. They also have a harder managing their finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to have bad eating habits and to struggle to maintain and form romantic relationships.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in a minor mental health clinic when they were children. The sample size was small. An expansion of the sample could have provided more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven that ADHD is a long-lasting permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of life and can cause number of comorbid conditions including learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of incarceration, divorce and an economic disadvantage for those with ADHD.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need receiving psychotherapy or medication for the rest of their lives.
