A New Trend In Diagnosis Of ADHD

Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult could give options 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 your daily life at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem-solving skills. Family and marital counseling can also be beneficial.

Symptoms

You might feel that you are not doing enough to fulfill your full potential if have ADHD symptoms. You might be overwhelmed as an adult by the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You might be full-time at work or caring for elderly parents or children, or managing household chores.

Your difficulty keeping up can lead to embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and an eroding of confidence. It's not a problem when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to understand that there are ways to overcome your difficulties. The first step is to make a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric examination can be used by a health care specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This includes talking with you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining details on your mental and medical background. The doctor might 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 occurred before the age of 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily life. You should also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at the very least in two different settings which include work, school and social relationships.

If your inattention is a significant issue, you may be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home, and not be able to meet your responsibilities. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances, and you may also have difficulty with simple tasks like remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication.

People who suffer from ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You could interrupt conversations with other people, blurt out answers to questions before you're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be inherited from families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase the risk for this condition.

Diagnosis

A health specialist who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview, a review of medical background, school or work records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialist may also conduct a physical examination and/or laboratory 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 a period of six months or more, and are causing significant impairments in the daily routine.

People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with ongoing issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, drug abuse, and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents.

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretations by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen by others as irresponsible, lazy or a poor employee. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, like the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to compensate for their disorganization and lack of time management skills. Women with ADHD might also have trouble identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.

It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or capacity. It's merely an altered approach to thinking and acting that may cause problems in certain situations or environments.

Adults may have different symptoms than children. However, the 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

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay organized, complete their work and school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like depression, anxiety, or mood swings. People who are impulsive or hyperactive might appear to be agitated and may attempt to do a variety of things simultaneously. They may not be able to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and problems with relationships.

ADHD is often not recognized as a child, and a lot of adults with the symptoms aren't aware that they have it. They may have been described as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker, instead of struggling to stay on top in school and life. Many people suffering from ADHD experience increasing symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're not able to manage all the balls in the air such as pursuing a career or caring for their family as well as keeping up with housework and errands, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a patient has ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with relatives, friends and others who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and mental health background. The person may be asked to complete standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to measure executive function and working memory as well as visual and spatial capabilities.

Stimulant drugs are the most common treatment for adults with ADHD. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD better focus and manage their lives, remember important information and tasks, and manage their impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or antidepressants. They work more slow than stimulants, yet help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with certain health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms and to build healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Some adults with ADHD will also be part of clinical studies. These studies help scientists learn more about the latest methods to identify, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an extended interview. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the history of your or your child's health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also look over your previous medical records and conduct a physical exam.

Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety that must be treated. In fact, it's believed that those with ADHD are six times more likely to have mood disorders than others. People with ADHD are also at a higher risk of substance abuse.

Adults with ADHD have a hard to find and keep jobs. They also have a tougher managing their finances and staying on top 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 be prone to poor eating habits and experience difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities when they were children. However, the sample size was small. An expansion of the sample would have provided more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has proven ADHD to be a long-lasting and more info persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and may lead to other health issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a higher risk for incarceration and divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious mental health issues.

It is advised that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and monthly thereafter until their symptoms are managed. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue to receive psychotherapy and/or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.