Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult may provide possibilities for treatment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must affect everyday functioning at work, home and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem-solving skills. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD, it may seem as if you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel you're unable take on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You could be working full time, caring for children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your difficulty in keeping up may cause embarrassment, anger despair, and an eroding of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to recognize that there are ways to overcome your issues. The first step is an assessment.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be utilized by a health professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This includes talking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining details on your medical and mental health background. 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 been present prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily 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 obligations if lack of attention is a problem. You might have difficulty managing your finances and health and may have a difficult time with simple tasks like taking medication, or going to the doctor for checkups.
In people with ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make stressful situations more difficult. You might interrupt conversations, answer questions after people have finished or have trouble waiting in lines. Your impulsivity might result in reckless actions, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to studies that have been conducted, environment and genetics 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 key developmental points increase the risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health professional who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview and review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam and/or tests in the laboratory to determine if there are other conditions that share similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for six months or more, and are causing significant impairments in the daily routine.
People with undiagnosed or under-treated 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 as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretations by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be perceived by others as irresponsible, lazy or as a poor employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are generally better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to disguise their impulsivity and inattention. They may also depend on strategies and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capability. It's merely a different way to think and behave that may cause challenges in certain situations.
Adults may have different symptoms in comparison to children. However, the symptoms of ADHD in adults still match the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
People with undiagnosed ADHD may struggle to get organized, stay on top of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues like anxiety or depression. Hyperactive or impulsive people might appear to be agitated and they may try to accomplish a lot at the same time. They may fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others that can cause confusion and relationship problems.
ADHD is not often recognized as a child, and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder aren't aware that they have it. ADHD Diagnosis may have been labeled as a dreamer, goof-off, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to keep up in school and life. Many people who suffer from ADHD have worsening symptoms as their obligations increase. They're not able to manage all the balls at once such as pursuing a career or caring for family, while also keeping up with housework and errands, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A health care professional or mental health professional will determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members or friends who are familiar with the person, a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical history. The patient could be asked to complete standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to measure working memory and executive function as well as spatial and visual capabilities.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated by stimulant medications. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD focus better, manage their lives, and retain important information. They can also manage impulsive behaviors. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, but still improve symptoms. People who have certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their symptoms, and how to establish healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Some adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of ADHD for adults using various assessment instruments will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize the chance of misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended discussion with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the history of your child's or your own health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They will also review your past medical records and perform physical examination.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety that require treatment. It is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to experience mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of using drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult finding and keeping a job. They also have a tougher managing their finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing health problems, like heart disease, obesity, and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.
In one study, people who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as children were diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. The sample size was not large. A larger sample could have provided additional information about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has revealed that ADHD is a long-lasting permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative effect on the quality of life and lead to other conditions such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, alcohol and drugs abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a greater risk for incarceration and divorce, being less socioeconomically stable 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 monthly thereafter until their symptoms are controlled. Adults suffering from ADHD may require receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.