Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. adhd diagnosis uk adults as an adult may provide treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be a major hindrance with your daily life at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for families and marriage can also be beneficial.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it might seem as if you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel like you're unable to manage the many responsibilities in front of you. You could be working full time and caring for your children or an elderly parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.
Your inability to keep up can cause embarrassment and anger. You might also feel hopeless, lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. It's not a problem when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to understand that there are solutions to overcome your challenges. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric examination can be used by a health care professional to determine ADHD in adults. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptom checklists, and gathering details about your medical and mental health history. The provider may also ask you about the history of your family members with 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 the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You should also be having issues with these behaviors at least in two different settings which include work, school and social relationships.
You may miss appointments, make careless errors at home or at work, and fail to fulfill your obligations if your inattention is an issue. You may be struggling with managing your finances and health and may have a hard to complete simple tasks like taking medication, or visiting the doctor for checkups.
People with ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or have trouble waiting in line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
According to research that have been conducted, environment and genetics are key factors in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be passed down through families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health specialist who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and a review of medical history, work or school records along with family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical exam or lab tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for six months or more, and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.
People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with chronic difficulties 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 like motor crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretations by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen by others as lazy, unreliable or even a poor employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at chance of developing depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to get a proper diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. They may also depend on strategies and tools to make up for their poor time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD also might have trouble diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention, not the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's simply a different approach to thinking and acting that can cause challenges in certain situations or environments.
For adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because the signs may have changed over time as they developed. However, symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria set forth 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 school or work tasks and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with everyday functioning and lead to emotional issues like depression, anxiety, or mood swings. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition can appear agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at the same time, but fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people that can cause confusion and relationship problems.
ADHD is often not recognized in the early years and a lot of adults with symptoms are not aware of it. They may have been described as a dreamer, goof-off, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life. Many people with ADHD experience more severe symptoms as their responsibilities grow. 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 housework and errands, and trying to improve their 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 and a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical and mental health history. The patient may be asked to complete standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to determine working memory, executive function and spatial and visual abilities.
Stimulant medication is the most commonly used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD improve their focus and manage their lives, recall important information and tasks and control the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They work more slowly than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their physician.
Some adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms and to build healthy family, school and work relationships. A few adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These studies allow scientists to learn more about the latest methods to identify, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The evaluation will also ask you about your or the child's previous health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your body.
Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other mental or physical disorders such as anxiety or depression, which need to be treated. In fact, it's thought that people with ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD are also at a greater risk of using drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard time finding and keeping jobs. They also have a tougher managing their finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health issues, such as obesity, heart disease and smoking. They are also more likely to have bad eating habits and to have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.
In one study, individuals with ADHD who were treated in mental health services as young children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. However the size of the sample was small. A larger sample size could provide additional information about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.
Research has shown ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life, and can result in a range of comorbidities, such as learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. People who do not treat ADHD are at an increased chance of being in prison, divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious psychiatric issues.
It is recommended that all adults who have a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and monthly after that until the symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest of their lives.