Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren’t aware of ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult may open up treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must affect your daily activities, whether at home, work and in social settings. Talk therapy can improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you’re suffering from symptoms of ADHD it could appear like you’re failing to live up to your potential. As an adult adhd diagnosis criteria, you might feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel that you can’t take on the many responsibilities in front of you. You could be working full-time as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, and managing household chores.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment, frustration despair, and an eroding of confidence. It’s not a problem if you have ADHD. However, it’s important to understand that there are solutions to your problems. The first step is a diagnosis.
A medical professional can identify ADHD in adults through an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This includes talking 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 psychopathological background. The doctor might also ask you to provide information 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 to affect your life. You must also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different settings, including school, work and social relationships.
You may miss appointments, make careless errors at home or at work, and fail to fulfill your obligations if inattention is an issue. You might have trouble managing your health and finances, and you may also have problems with tasks that are simple like making sure you visit the doctor or taking your medication.
People with ADHD can make difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You might disrupt conversations with others or utter answers to questions before they’re finished or have trouble waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could lead to risky behaviors like driving too quickly or spending money in reckless ways.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to run in the family, and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system during crucial developmental stages increase your risk.
Diagnosis
A health care professional with an expertise in ADHD can help those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and review of medical background, school or work records along with family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and result in significant impairment of everyday activities.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues and financial stress as well as work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor crashes.
Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and coworkers. They may be perceived as a lazy, irresponsible person, a bad employee or simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women are generally better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to disguise their impulsivity and inattention. Or they might use strategies and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely where to get adhd diagnosis experience symptoms of inattention rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It’s important to remember that ADHD isn’t an indicator of intelligence or capability. It’s just a different approach to thinking and acting that could cause difficulties in certain settings or situations.
In adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because the symptoms may have changed over time as they grew up. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay organized, complete their work and school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning and cause emotional issues like depression, anxiety or shifts in mood. Hyperactive or impulsive people may appear restless, and they may try to accomplish a lot simultaneously. They may not be able to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and problems with relationships.
ADHD is not often recognized in childhood and many adults with the symptoms aren’t aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life they may have been labelled as an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people with ADHD suffer from more severe symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They aren’t able to handle all the balls that are flying working on a job and caring for their family as well as keeping up with errands and housework, and maintaining social and romantic relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves conversations with family members and friends, as well as other people who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of the person’s medical and mental health background. The patient may be asked to fill out standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to determine executive function, working memory and spatial and visual skills.
Stimulant medications are the most commonly used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, organize their lives and keep track of important information. They can also control impulse-driven behaviors. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Patients with certain health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure must consult with their doctor before taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to get diagnosed with adhd in adults to manage their symptoms and to establish healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Some adults with ADHD will also be part of clinical trials. These studies help scientists gain knowledge about how to treat, diagnose adhd and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults using several assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended conversation with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator will also ask you questions about children’s health history, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she will also look over your previous medical records and conduct a physical exam.
Many people suffering from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety that must be treated. It is estimated that those who have ADHD are six-times more likely to experience mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also are at a higher risk of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to get diagnosed with add and keep jobs. They also face difficulties managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and to have trouble forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, those with ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as young children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. The sample size was small. A larger sample could have provided more information about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.
Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can lead to a number of comorbid conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at an increased risk of being incarcerated, divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious mental health issues.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.