17 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Avoid Diagnosis Of ADHD
Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may open up treatment options.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect everyday functioning at home, work and in social settings. Talk therapy can aid in improving the communication and problem-solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.
Symptoms
You may feel like you're not doing enough to fulfill your full potential if have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you may feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel that you can't get a handle on the many tasks in front of you. You could be full-time at work or caring for elderly parents or children, or managing household chores.
Your difficulty keeping up can result in embarrassment, frustration despair and the loss of confidence. If you have ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to recognize that there are solutions to overcome your difficulties. The first step is a diagnosis.
A thorough psychiatric assessment can be performed by a health care specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and collecting information regarding your medical and psychiatric background. The doctor may inquire about the background 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 been present prior to age 12 and have continued to impact your life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in multiple environments, including at work, school, and in your social relationships.
If your inattention is a significant issue, you could be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your obligations. You may be struggling with managing your finances and health and may have a difficult working through everyday tasks, such as remembering to take medication or going to the doctor for a checkup.
In people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even worse. You may interrupt conversations with other people or utter answers to questions before you're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in line. Your impulsiveness can cause risky actions, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be inherited from families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder.
Diagnosis
A health care professional with an expertise in ADHD can assist adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview, an examination of medical records, school or workplace records, family medical histories, and a mental health screening. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical examination and/or tests in the laboratory to identify other conditions that share similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and result in significant impairment of daily life functions.
People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with persistent issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues and financial stress as well as work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents such as motor crashes.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by friends, relatives and coworkers. They may be viewed by others as lazy, irresponsible or as a bad employee. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression.
Women tend to be better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, like frequent distractions and daydreaming, or use tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they tend to have symptoms of inattention, not hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's simply a different way to think and behave that can create problems in certain situations.
Adults may exhibit different symptoms as children. However, symptoms 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 aren't diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, stay on top of school or work obligations and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues such as depression or anxiety. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition may appear restless and may try to accomplish several things at the same time, but fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people which can lead to miscommunications and relationship problems.
ADHD is often not recognized in childhood and many adults suffering from the disorder aren't aware that they have it. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker, instead of struggling to stay on top in school and life. Many people with ADHD have more severe symptoms as their obligations increase. They're not able to handle all the balls they're trying to keep on top of - pursuing a career, caring for family members, juggling chores and household chores, and working on social and romantic relationships.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if someone has ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the individual, a physical examination, and a review a person's medical history. The person may be asked to complete standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to assess executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial skills.
Stimulant drugs are the most commonly used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD to focus better and organize their lives, recall important information and tasks and manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants but still improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with certain health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to manage their symptoms and to build healthy school, family and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults with ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating ADHD in adult patients typically conducts an lengthy interview. The evaluator may also ask about the background of your your child's health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also review your past medical records and conduct a physical exam.
click home page with ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, such depression and anxiety, which require treatment. In fact, it is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than other people. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of using drugs.
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard to find and keep a job. They also have a difficult time managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing health problems, including obesity, heart disease and smoking. In addition they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and experience difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in a minor mental health clinic when they were children. The sample size was small. A larger sample could have provided more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven that ADHD is a persistent permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life and can result in a range of comorbidities, such as learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. People who do not treat ADHD are at an increased chance of being in prison, divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious mental health issues.
All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy throughout their lives.