10 Myths Your Boss Has Regarding Diagnosis Of ADHD

Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult may 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 be a major hindrance with daily functioning at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem-solving skills. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial.

Signs and symptoms

If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD, it may seem as if you're not living up to your potential. You may be overwhelmed as an adult with the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You could be working full time and caring for your children or an elderly parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.

Your difficulty keeping up can lead to embarrassment, frustration despair and an eroding of confidence. If you have ADHD it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your difficulties. The first step is a diagnosis.

A medical professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by performing an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This involves talking to you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining information about your mental health and medical history. The doctor may also inquire 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 before the age of 12 and continue to interfere with your daily life. You must also be having issues with these behavior issues at least in two different settings, including school, work and social interactions.

If your inattention is a serious issue, you may be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home and fail to follow through on your obligations. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a hard to complete simple tasks like making sure you take your medication on time or going to the doctor for checkups.

For those with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even more difficult. You could interrupt other people's conversations, blurt out answers to questions before you're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior, such as driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner.

According to studies the genetics and the environment play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase the chance of developing this condition.

Diagnosis

A health care professional with a specialization in ADHD can help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview as well as a review of medical records, school or workplace records, family medical histories, and a mental assessment. A specialist may conduct physical examinations or lab tests to rule out other conditions that 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 cause significant impairments in the daily routine.

Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause to depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related 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 by friends, relatives and coworkers. They may be perceived as irresponsible, lazy or even simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.

Women tend to be better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to get a proper diagnosis. They might use strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, like constant distractions and daydreaming or rely on devices to make up for their lack of organization and ineffective time management. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to experience inattentive symptoms rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.

It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's merely a different way to think and behave that could cause difficulties in certain situations.

In adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because the signs may have changed as they developed. However, symptoms of ADHD in adults still match the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.

Treatment

People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, keep track of work or school tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger emotional problems such as depression, anxiety or shifts in mood. People who are impulsive or hyperactive might appear to be 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 could lead to misunderstandings or relationship issues.

Symptoms of the disorder often remain unnoticed in childhood, and many adults with the disorder do not know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life they might have been labeled either a dreamer or a slacker. Many people suffering from ADHD experience increasing symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're not able to manage all the balls in the air working on a job and taking care of family members and juggling with errands and housework, and maintaining social and romantic 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 person, a physical examination, and a review a person's medical history. The person may also be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests are used to assess working memory and executive function as well as spatial and visual abilities.

Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, manage their lives, and retain important information. They also help control the impulsive behavior. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, yet they can still help improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their physician.

Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms and to establish healthy school, family and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults with ADHD. These studies help scientists gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of add diagnosis as an adult and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in treating ADHD in adults typically conducts an lengthy interview. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your child's or your own health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They will also go through your past medical records and perform physical examination.

Many people with ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like anxiety and depression, that require treatment. It is estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of substance abuse.

Adults with ADHD have a difficult time finding and keeping a job. They also have a difficult time managing finances and keeping track of household chores. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing other health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and are more likely to have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities as children. The sample size was small. An enlargement of the sample might have provided more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.

Research has shown that ADHD is a chronic and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative effect on living quality and lead to other conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities, the abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a greater risk for incarceration and divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric problems.

Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.