Watch Out: How Diagnosis Of ADHD Is Taking Over And What We Can Do About It

Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult can provide possibilities for treatment.

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 home, work and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for families and marriage can also be beneficial.

Signs and symptoms

You may feel like you are not doing enough to fulfill your full potential if you have ADHD symptoms. You may be overwhelmed as an adult with the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You may be working full-time and caring for your children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.

Inability to keep up can cause embarrassment and frustration. You may also feel depressed or lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. It's not a problem in the event that you suffer from ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step to the process of diagnosing.

A thorough psychiatric assessment can be performed by a health specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as gathering information regarding your medical and psychiatric history. The provider may also ask you to provide information 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 age 12 and continue to affect your life. You should also be having issues with these behaviors at the very least in two different environments which include work, school and social relationships.

If your inattention is a serious problem, you might miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. You may be struggling with managing your finances and health and may have a difficult time with simple tasks, like taking medication, or going to the doctor for checkups.

In people with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations more difficult. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before others are done or have trouble waiting in line. Your impulsiveness can result in risky behavior, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

According to studies the genetics and the environment play a major role in the development ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to run in families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the chances of developing this disorder.

Diagnosis

A health care professional who has an expertise in ADHD can help those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview, a review of medical history, school or work records along with family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to rule other conditions with 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 cause significant impairments in the daily routine.

Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been prevented or treated. adhd diagnosis for adults can lead to depression, family issues financial or work-related stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.

Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by friends, relatives and coworkers. They could be seen as a lazy, irresponsible person or a poor employee, or just plain crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at chance of developing depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder to get a proper diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, for example the 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 diagnosing their own symptoms, as they tend to have symptoms of inattention, not an impulsive or hyperactivity.

It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or ability. It's simply a different way to think and behave that could cause problems in certain situations.

Adults may exhibit different symptoms than children. 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 have not been diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, keep track of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with daily functioning, and cause anxiety or depression. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the disorder may seem agitated and may try to accomplish several things at the same time, but fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and relationship problems.

ADHD is often not recognized in the early years and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and life, they may have been labeled an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people who suffer from ADHD have worsening symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying to keep up-to-date with: pursuing an occupation, 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 healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a person has ADHD. The evaluation usually includes conversations with family members, friends and others who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, 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 tests can be used to test executive and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual capabilities.

Stimulant drugs are the most common treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and remember important information. They also help control the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants, but they can help improve the symptoms of ADHD. People who have certain health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults to manage their ADHD symptoms and build healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults with ADHD. These studies aid scientists in learning more about new ways to identify, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of a misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended discussion with a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your child's or your own health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They will also go through your past medical records and conduct physical examination.

Many people who suffer from ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, that must be treated. It is estimated that people who have ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of substance abuse.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a tough time finding and keeping a job. They also have a harder managing their finances and keeping track of household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing other health problems, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition they are more likely to have poor eating habits and have difficulty 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 very small. A larger sample size would provide additional details about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.


Research has proven that ADHD is a long-lasting and persistent disorder that affects adults. It has a negative impact on the quality of life and can cause number of comorbid conditions such as mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. If left untreated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration, divorce and an economic disadvantage for those with ADHD.

It is recommended that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and every month after that until their symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.

Edit
Pub: 23 Apr 2024 20:31 UTC
Views: 27