Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult may give treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should significantly interfere with daily functioning at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Marital and family counseling can be beneficial as well.
Symptoms
You may feel like you're not living up to your full potential when you suffer from ADHD symptoms. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult by your responsibilities. You might be working full time as a caregiver for children or an elderly parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your difficulty keeping up can lead to embarrassment, frustration despair, and an eroding of confidence. It's not a problem when you suffer from ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is a diagnosis.
A health professional can identify ADHD in adults by conducting an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining details on your mental health and medical background. The doctor might also ask you 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 been present prior to age 12 and continue to affect your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in multiple situations, like at work, school as well as in your social relationships.
You may miss appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or at home and fail to meet your obligations if inattention is an issue. You might have difficulty managing your finances and health and may have a hard time with simple tasks, like taking medication, or going to the doctor for checkups.
For people with ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations even worse. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions after people have finished or struggle to wait in line. Your impulsivity could cause risky actions like driving too quickly or spending money recklessly.
Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to run in families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview and a review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and a mental health screening. A trained professional may also perform a physical exam or lab tests to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for six months or more and are causing significant impairments in daily life.
People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with chronic difficulties which could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems financial or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents.
Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and colleagues. They may be viewed by others as lazy, irresponsible or a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Women tend to be better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to disguise their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they depend on strategies and tools to compensate for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to suffer from hyperactive or inattention symptoms.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's just an alternative behavior and way of thinking that could cause difficulties in certain situations or environments.
In adults, it may be difficult to determine ADHD because the symptoms could have changed over time as they developed. However, the signs 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
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, stay on top of work or school tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with everyday functioning and lead to emotional issues like anxiety, depression or changes in mood. People who are hyperactive or impulsive might appear to be agitated and they may try to do many things at once. They might not finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which could lead to misunderstandings or relationship problems.
The symptoms of the disorder typically are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults with the disorder aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life, they may have been labeled either a dreamer or a slacker. As the demands of adulthood increase, however, many people who have ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They can't manage all the balls at once such as pursuing a career or taking care of family members and juggling with housework and errands, as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A health care provider or mental health professional will assess whether a person suffers from ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the individual and a physical examination and a review of a person's medical history. The person may also be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to assess working memory, executive function as well as spatial and visual skills.
Stimulant drugs are the most frequently used treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD improve their focus, organize their lives, remember important information and tasks, and control the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants but still improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their doctor.
Some adults with ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms and establish healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults with ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with experience in treating ADHD in adults typically conducts an extended interview. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the background of your or your child's health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she could also review your medical records and perform an examination of your body.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or read more medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety that need to be treated. It is estimated that people with ADHD are six-times more likely to experience mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of using drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a tough time finding and keeping a job. They also face difficulties managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing health issues, such as obesity, heart disease and smoking. In addition they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health services when they were children. However, the sample size was very small. A larger sample size would have provided additional information on the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a chronic permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of life and can cause number of comorbid conditions such as mood disorders, learning disabilities and alcohol and drug abuse. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated and divorce as well as a lower socioeconomic status for people with ADHD.
All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.