Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could 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 daily functioning at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Counseling for families and marriage can also be helpful.
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 responsibilities you have and feel that you can't take on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You could be full-time at work as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, or managing household chores.
Your inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and frustration. You may be feeling hopeless, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD It's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your problems. The first step in an assessment.
A medical professional can detect ADHD in adults by performing an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about symptoms,
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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 before the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You must also be having issues with these behaviors at least in two different situations such as school, work and social relationships.
If your inattention is a serious issue, you could be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. You might have difficulty managing your finances and health and may have a difficult to complete simple tasks, such as making sure you take your medication on time or
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People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations with other people or utter answers to questions before you're completed,
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Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to be passed down through the family, and some scientists believe that issues with your central nervous system during critical developmental phases increase the risk of developing.
Diagnosis
A health professional who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview, reviewing medical documents, school or work records and family medical histories and a mental assessment. A specialist may also conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and result in significant impairment of everyday activities.
Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems, work-related or financial 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 coworkers. They could be seen as a lazy, irresponsible person, a bad employee or just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.
Women are generally better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, such as the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on devices to compensate for their disorganization and ineffective time management. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to experience hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or capacity. It's just an altered behavior and way of thinking that could cause difficulties in certain settings or situations.
Adults may exhibit different symptoms as children. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay organized and complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with daily functioning, and cause emotional issues like anxiety or depression. People with hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the disorder may seem agitated and may try to accomplish several things at once, and fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to others that can cause confusion and relationship problems.
Symptoms of the disorder often are not recognized until childhood, and many adults with them don't know they have ADHD. They may have been described as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker, instead of battling to stay ahead in school and life. Many people with ADHD have increasing symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They aren't able to handle all the balls in the air - pursuing a career and taking care of family members, while also keeping up with housework and errands, as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if someone has ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with relatives or friends who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical and mental health background. The patient may also be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests are used to assess working memory and executive function as in addition to spatial and visual capabilities.
Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated by stimulant medications. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also control the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants but still improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with certain health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their doctor prior to taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their symptoms, and how to establish healthy school, family and work relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD will also be part of clinical trials. These studies help scientists learn more about the latest methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.
