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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must interfere with your daily activities, whether at home, at work, and in social settings. Talk therapy can enhance communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for families and marriage can also be helpful. Signs and symptoms You may feel like you are not doing enough to fulfill your full potential if you have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you may feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel you're unable get a handle on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You may be working full time and caring for your children or an aging parent and trying to manage household chores and finances. Your inability to keep up can cause embarrassment and anger. You may be feeling hopeless, lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. It's not a problem if you have ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your problems. The first step is a diagnosis. A health professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by performing an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves talking to you about symptoms, requiring you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom lists, and gathering information on your medical and mental health background. The doctor might inquire about the history of ADHD in your family. 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 interfere with your daily life. You must also have difficulty with these behavior in multiple environments, including at work, school as well as in your social interactions. If your inattention is a serious issue, you could be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home and fail to fulfill your obligations. You might have trouble managing your finances and health, and you might also experience difficulty with simple tasks such as making sure you visit the doctor or taking your medication. For people with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even more difficult. You may interrupt other people's conversations, blurt out answers to questions before you're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in line. Your impulsivity could cause risky actions like driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner. According to studies the genetics and the environment play a significant role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to be inherited from the family, and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system during crucial developmental stages increase the risk of developing. Diagnosis A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview, an examination of medical documents, school or work records as well as family medical histories and a mental screening. A specialist may also conduct a physical examination and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months and result in significant impairment of daily life functions. Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to chronic issues which could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems, work-related or financial stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents. Undiagnosed ADHD can result in confusion among family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen as irresponsible, lazy or a poor employee, or simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression. Women are more adept in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. They may employ strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, like constant distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD might also have trouble identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to exhibit inattentive or hyperactive symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's just an alternative way of thinking and behave that could cause difficulties in certain situations. Adults may have different symptoms as children. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association. Treatment People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, stay on top of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, or mood swings. People who are impulsive or hyperactive can appear agitated, and they might try to accomplish a lot at once. They might not complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or relationship issues. Symptoms of the disorder often are not recognized until childhood, and many 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 responsibilities increase in adulthood However, many people who suffer from ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They aren't able to handle all the balls that are flying working on a job and caring for their family and juggling with housework and errands, as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships. A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if someone has ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with relatives or friends who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric history. The person could be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests can be used to assess executive and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual abilities. Stimulant medication is the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD improve their focus and organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks, and manage an impulsive behaviour. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, yet still improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants who suffer from certain medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure should talk to their doctor. Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults to manage their ADHD symptoms and build healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults with ADHD. These studies help scientists learn more about new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD. Follow-up Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric or medical conditions such as anxiety or depression, which must be treated. It is estimated that those who have ADHD are six-times more likely to experience mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a higher risk of consuming alcohol. Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulty to find and keep jobs. They also have a tougher managing finances and juggling household tasks. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing other health problems, like obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining relationships with their partners. In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities when they were children. However, the size of the sample was small. An enlargement of the sample might have provided more details about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders. Research has revealed that ADHD is a long-lasting and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of living and can lead to other issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, and addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Untreated ADHD increases the risk of incarceration, divorce and a lower socioeconomic status for people with ADHD. All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest of their lives. |
