Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult may give options for treatment.
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 enhance the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can also be beneficial.
Symptoms
You may feel like you are not performing to your full potential if you have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel you're unable get a handle on the many tasks in front of you. You may be working full time, caring 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 an eroding of confidence. It's not your problem if you have ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is the process of diagnosing.
how to get an adhd diagnosis uk can detect ADHD in adults by performing an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining details on your mental health and medical background. 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 before the age of 12 and have continued to impact your life. You should also be having difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different settings such as school, work and social interactions.
If your inattention is a major issue, you could miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and fail to follow through on your obligations. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances, and you could also be having problems with tasks that are simple such as making sure you visit the doctor or taking your medication.
For people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make stressful situations worse. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or have trouble waiting in lines. Your impulsivity could cause risky actions, such as driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner.
Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be inherited from families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate adults with symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview and a review of medical background, school or work records along with family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to rule other conditions with 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 everyday life activities.
People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with persistent issues which could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems, work-related or financial stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and coworkers. They may be perceived as lazy, irresponsible, a bad employee or simply crazy. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are generally better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, like the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on devices to help them cope with their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women suffering from ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention, not an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's merely an altered approach to thinking and acting that can cause challenges in certain settings or situations.
In adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms may have changed over time as they became older. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People with undiagnosed ADHD might struggle to stay organized, keep track of work or school tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or shifts in mood. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition can appear agitated and may try to accomplish several things at once, and fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and problems with relationships.
The symptoms of the disorder typically remain unnoticed in the early years, and a lot of adults who have them aren't aware of ADHD. They may have been described as a dreamer, goof-off, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and daily life. As responsibilities increase in adulthood however, many who have ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying keep up-to-date with: pursuing a career, caring for family members, keeping up with chores and household chores, and working on social and romantic relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members or friends who know the person, a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical history. The person may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to assess executive function and working memory as well as visual and spatial capabilities.
Stimulant medication is the most frequently used treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD to focus better and manage their lives, keep track of important information and tasks and manage their the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. People who have 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 behavior therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms and to develop healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. Some adults with ADHD will also be part of clinical trials. These studies help scientists gain knowledge about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment tools will increase diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chance of misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended conversation with a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner will also inquire with you about your children's health history, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They will also go through your past medical records and conduct physical examination.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric or medical conditions such as anxiety or depression, which must be treated. In fact, it's thought that people with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than other people. People who suffer from ADHD also are at a higher risk of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty to get and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing other health problems, including 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, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities when they were children. The sample size was small. A larger sample size would provide additional information about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.
Research has proven ADHD to be a chronic and persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative effect on the quality of life and lead to other conditions like mood disorders learning disabilities, and addiction to alcohol and other drugs. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated 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 examined within 30 to 60 days, then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.