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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in AdultsMany adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could 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 significantly interfere with your daily life at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can enhance communication and problem solving skills. Marital and family counseling can be beneficial as well.
Symptoms
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it could appear that you're not living up to your potential. You might be overwhelmed as an adult due to your responsibilities. You could be working full-time as a caregiver for children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can cause embarrassment, anger despair, and an eroding of confidence. It's not a problem when you suffer from ADHD. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your problems. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A health professional can detect ADHD in adults by performing a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists, and gathering information about your medical and psychiatric history. The doctor may inquire 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 age 12 and continue affecting your life. You should also be struggling with these behaviors in multiple environments, including at work, school and in your social interactions.
You may be late for appointments, make mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your obligations if inattention is an issue. You might be struggling with managing your finances and health, and you could also be having difficulties with everyday tasks such as making sure you visit the doctor or take your medication.
People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions before people are finished or struggle to wait in lines. Your impulsive behavior could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
According to research that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically run in the family, and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system during crucial developmental stages increase the risk of developing.
Diagnosis
A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview and a review of medical records, school or workplace records and family medical histories and a mental screening. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory 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 to 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 problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by friends, relatives and coworkers. They could be seen as lazy, irresponsible or even simply crazy. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater chance of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult to get the correct diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, for example the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on devices to help them cope with their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they tend to have inattentive symptoms rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capability. It's simply a different way to think and behave that may cause challenges in certain situations.
Adults may experience different symptoms than children. However, the symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay on track and complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. Symptoms can also interfere with everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues such as depression or anxiety. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition may appear restless and may try to accomplish several things at once, and fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which could cause confusion or problems with relationships.
The symptoms of the disorder typically remain unnoticed in childhood, and many adults with the disorder aren't aware of ADHD. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, goof-off, slacker or troublemaker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and life. As responsibilities increase in adulthood however, many who have ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They're not able to manage all the balls in the air working on a job and taking care of family members and juggling with housework and errands, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members or friends who know the person as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical history. The patient could be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to test working memory and executive function as well as visual and spatial capabilities.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD improve their focus and organize their lives, recall important information and tasks and manage impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may also be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, yet they can still help improve symptoms. People who have certain health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Some adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms, and how to develop healthy school, family and work relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are also enrolled in clinical trials. These studies help scientists gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience treating ADHD in adult patients typically conducts an lengthy interview. The evaluation will also ask you about your or the child's previous health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They will also go through your past medical records and conduct a physical exam.
Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety that need to be treated. It is estimated that those who suffer from ADHD are six-times more likely to experience mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to be victims of using drugs.
Adults with ADHD have a tough to find and keep jobs. They also have a tougher time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing other health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to have poor eating habits and have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities as children. However, the sample size was small. A larger sample would have provided more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has revealed that ADHD is a persistent and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of life and can lead to a range of comorbidities, like learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated and divorce as well as a lower social economic status for those suffering from ADHD.
It is recommended that all adults who have a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days, and then every get more info month after that until the symptoms are controlled. Adults with ADHD might need to receive psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.