Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could 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 home, work and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Family and marital counseling can be beneficial as well.
Signs and symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it could appear that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel you're unable get a handle on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You could be full-time at work, caring for aging parents or children, as well as taking care of household chores.
Your difficulty keeping up can result in 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 ways to overcome your challenges. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A health care professional can identify ADHD in adults by conducting an extensive psychiatric examination. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering information regarding your medical and psychiatric 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 occurred prior to the age of 12 and continue affecting your life. You must also be experiencing difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different settings such as school, work and social interactions.
You may miss appointments, make mistakes at work or home and not be able to meet your responsibilities if your inattention is a problem. You might have trouble managing your health and finances, and you might also experience difficulties with everyday tasks like remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication.
People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions after people have finished or have trouble waiting in line. Your impulsivity might result in reckless actions, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
According to studies, genetics and environment play a significant role in the development ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be inherited from families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the chance of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
A health professional who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview and a review of medical records, school or workplace records and family medical histories and a mental assessment. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to identify other conditions that share similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment in everyday life activities.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretations by family members, friends, and coworkers. They may be perceived as lazy, irresponsible, a bad employee or simply crazy. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression.
Women are generally better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, such as frequent distractions and daydreaming, or use tools to make up for their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention, not the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's just an altered way of thinking and behave that may cause challenges in certain situations.
Adults may have different symptoms as children. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People with undiagnosed ADHD may struggle to get organized, stay on top of work or school tasks and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues such as anxiety or depression. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition may appear restless and may try to accomplish several things at the same time, but fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people here that can cause confusion and relationship problems.
The symptoms of the disorder typically remain unnoticed in childhood, and many adults with them aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and life they may have been labeled a dreamer or a slacker. Many people suffering from ADHD have increasing symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're unable to handle all the balls they're trying to keep up-to-date with: pursuing a career, caring for family members, keeping up with household chores and errands, as well as trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.
A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a patient has ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members as well as friends and family members who know the person as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical history. The patient may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to test working memory and executive function as well as visual and spatial abilities.
Stimulant medication is the most frequently used treatment for adults with ADHD. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD focus better, manage their lives and remember important information. They also help control impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants but still aid in the treatment of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their physician.
Some adults with ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms, and how to develop healthy school, family and work relationships. A few adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended discussion with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner will also inquire with you questions about children's health history as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also review your past medical records and perform an examination of your body.
Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric or medical conditions like anxiety and depression, which must be treated. It is estimated that those with ADHD are six-times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a greater risk of substance abuse.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard finding and keeping jobs. They also have a tougher managing finances and staying on top of household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing health problems, including obesity, heart disease and smoking. They are also more likely to have poor eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health services as children. However, the sample size was very small. A larger sample could have provided additional information about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a chronic, persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative impact on quality of life and can cause variety of comorbid conditions, including mood disorders, learning disabilities as well as alcohol and drug abuse. Untreated ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status for those with ADHD.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.