Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can offer 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 enhance the ability to communicate and problem solve. Family and marital counseling can also be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it might seem that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel that you can't manage the many tasks in front of you. You may be working full-time, caring for children or an elderly parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.
Your difficulty in keeping up may lead to embarrassment, frustration despair, and the loss of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to your problems. The first step is an assessment.
A medical professional can diagnose ADHD in adults through an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as collecting information regarding your medical and psychiatric history. The provider may ask 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 prior to age 12 and continue affecting your life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in multiple settings, such as at work, school, and in your social relationships.
You may be late for appointments, make erroneous mistakes at home or at work, and fail to fulfill your responsibilities if your inattention is an issue. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a difficult working through everyday tasks, like making sure you take your medication on time or going to the doctor for a checkup.
For people with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations worse. You may interrupt conversations with other people or utter answers to questions before they're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsivity might result in dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to studies, genetics and environment play a major 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 critical developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview and reviewing medical records, school or workplace records and family medical histories and a mental screening. A trained professional can also conduct a physical examination and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant impairment to daily life functions.
People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD may struggle all their lives with persistent issues which could have been avoided or treated. This can lead depression, family problems, financial stress or work-related stress, addiction to drugs, and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to confusion among family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen by others as lazy, irresponsible or a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Women are more adept in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk may resort to strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, such as the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on devices to compensate for their disorganization and ineffective time management. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to experience inattentive symptoms rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's simply an altered way of thinking and behaving that may cause problems in certain situations or settings.
For adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the signs may have changed as they grew up. Adults with ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting 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 with hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition may appear restless and attempt to complete multiple things at once, and fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people that can cause confusion and problems with relationships.
ADHD is often not recognized in the early years and a lot of adults with symptoms are unaware that they have it. They may have been labeled as a goof-off, dreamer or a slacker, instead of battling to stay ahead in school and everyday life. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from more severe symptoms as their obligations increase. They're not able to manage all the balls in the air such as pursuing a career or caring for family and juggling with chores at home and errands and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person has ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the individual and a physical examination and a review a person's medical history. The patient may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to assess executive and working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD to focus better, organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks and manage impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, yet still improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, people who suffer from certain medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their physician.
Some adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms and to develop healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults suffering from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about the latest methods to identify, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with experience in treating ADHD in adults typically conducts an lengthy interview. The evaluator will also ask you about your or the child's previous health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she will also look over your previous medical records and perform physical examination.
Many people with ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which need to be treated. In fact, it is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to have mood disorders than others. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a greater risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD have a tough to find and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased risk of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults who 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 would provide more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a persistent, persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative effect on living quality and may lead to other health issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, and addiction to alcohol and other drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a higher risk of being incarcerated and divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric issues.
It is recommended that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and every month thereafter until their symptoms are managed. Adults who suffer from ADHD may require to receive psychotherapy and/or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.