Diagnosis Of ADHD: It's Not As Difficult As You Think
Diagnosis Of ADHD: It's Not As Difficult As You Think
Blog Article
Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult could open up options 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 socially. Talk therapy can enhance the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it might seem that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel you're unable take on the many tasks in front of you. You might be working full-time as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, as well as taking care of household chores.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can result in embarrassment, frustration despair and an eroding of confidence. It's not an issue when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to realize that there are ways to overcome your difficulties. The first step is a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric assessment can be performed by a health care professional to determine ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining information about your mental health and medical background. The doctor might also ask you about your family 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 the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in multiple environments, including at school, work as well as in your social relationships.
If your inattention is a major issue, you may be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. You might have trouble managing your health and finances and you may also have difficulty with simple tasks like remembering to go to the doctor or take your medication.
In people with ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations even more difficult. You may disrupt conversations with others, blurt out answers to questions before you're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be passed down through families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental stages increase the risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health professional with an expertise in ADHD can help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview as well as a review of medical records, workplace or school records as well as family medical histories and a mental assessment. A trained professional can also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to rule other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at least six months and cause significant impairment to everyday activities.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead depression, family issues and financial stress as well as work-related stress, substance abuse, and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be perceived by others as irresponsible, lazy or as a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, for example constant 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 are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or capacity. It's simply an altered way of thinking and behave that could cause problems in certain situations.
Adults may exhibit different symptoms as children. Adults who suffer from ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
People with undiagnosed ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, stay on top of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like anxiety or depression. Hyperactive or impulsive people can appear agitated, and they might try to do many things at the same time. They might not complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which can result in miscommunications or problems with relationships.
ADHD is not often recognized in the early years and a lot of adults with symptoms are not aware of it. They might have been viewed as a goof-off, dreamer or a slacker, instead of battling to stay ahead in school and life. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from more severe symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They can't manage all the balls at once working on a job and caring for family as well as keeping up with housework and errands, as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if someone has ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with family, friends and others who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric background. The person could also be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological testing may be done to measure working memory, executive function and spatial and visual skills.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and keep track of important information. They can also control impulse-driven behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants but still help improve the diagnosis adhd adults symptoms of ADHD. People who have certain health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults to manage their ADHD symptoms and to establish healthy relationships at home, in school, and at work. Some adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies help scientists learn more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the likelihood of a misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended discussion with a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner will also inquire with you questions about your child’s past health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They could also review your medical records and perform an examination of your body.
Many people suffering from ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it is estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD also are more likely to be victims of consuming alcohol.
Adults with ADHD often find it difficult to get and keep jobs. They also have a tougher managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and experience difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, individuals 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 size could have provided more information on the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.
Research has shown that ADHD is a chronic, persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and may lead to other health issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as the abuse of alcohol and drugs. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of incarceration or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status for people with ADHD.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest of their lives.