Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may offer treatment options.
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 improve communication and problem solving skills. Family and marital counseling can also be helpful.
Signs and symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it may seem that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel like you're unable to get a handle on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You may be working full time, caring for children or an elderly parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and anger. You might be feeling hopeless, 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 issues. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A health care professional can detect ADHD in adults by conducting a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves talking to you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining details on your mental and medical 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 the age of 12 and continue affecting your life. You should also be struggling with these behaviors in multiple environments, including at school, work and in your social interactions.
You could miss appointments, make mistakes at work or at home and fail to meet your obligations if your lack of attention is an issue. You may be struggling with managing your finances and health and may have a difficult time with simple tasks like remembering to take medication or going to the doctor for checkups.
For those with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations worse. You may interrupt conversations with other people and spit out answers to questions before you're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could lead to risky behaviors like driving too quickly or spending money recklessly.
According to research the genetics and the environment are key factors in the development ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically be inherited from the family, and some scientists believe that problems with your central nervous system at critical developmental stages increase the risk of developing.
Diagnosis
A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and review of medical background, school or work records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that exhibit 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 have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with persistent issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, work-related or financial stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by friends, relatives and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as lazy, unreliable or a bad employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, such as the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and ineffective time management. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention, not an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or ability. It's just an altered behavior and way of thinking that could cause difficulties in certain situations or settings.
In adults, it may be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms may have changed over time as they grew up. 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
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay organized, complete their work and school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. Symptoms also can interfere with daily functioning and cause mental issues such as depression, anxiety, or changes in mood. Hyperactive or impulsive people can appear agitated, and may attempt to do many things simultaneously. They might not complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or problems with relationships.
ADHD is usually not acknowledged in childhood and many adults suffering from the disorder are not aware of it. Instead of struggling to keep up in their studies and daily life they may have been labeled an overachiever or a dreamer. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood however, many who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They can't manage all the balls at once working on a job and taking care of family members, while also keeping up with housework and errands, as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A health care professional or mental health professional will determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with relatives, friends and others who know the person well, a physical exam, and a review of the person's medical and mental health background. The patient may be asked to complete standard ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to measure executive and working memory as well as visual and spatial abilities.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated by stimulant medications. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD focus better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also manage impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants, but they can aid in the treatment of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, those with certain health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure should talk to their doctor.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms, and how to establish healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Some adults with ADHD will also be part of clinical trials. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new ways to identify, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults typically conducts an extended interview. The examiner may also inquire about the history of your your child's health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They might also look over your medical records and perform an examination of your physical.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such anxiety and depression, that require treatment. In fact, it's estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time finding and keeping jobs. They also have a difficult time managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health problems, including obesity, heart disease 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, people were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health services as children. However, the size of the sample was small. A larger sample size could have provided additional details about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative effect on quality of living and may lead to other health issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as addiction to alcohol and other drugs. If not treated, adhd diagnostic increases the chance of incarceration, divorce and an economic disadvantage for people with ADHD.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.