10 Misleading Answers To Common Diagnosis Of ADHD Questions: Do You Know The Right Answers?
10 Misleading Answers To Common Diagnosis Of ADHD Questions: Do You Know The Right Answers?
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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis 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 your daily life at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial as well.
Signs and symptoms
If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it could appear like you're failing to live up to your potential. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel you're unable manage the many tasks in front of you. You could be full-time at work as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, or taking care of household chores.
Inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and anger. You might be feeling hopeless or lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. It's not your problem if you have ADHD. It's important to recognize that there are solutions to overcome your issues. The first step is a diagnosis.
A health professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by performing an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists, and gathering information regarding your medical and psychopathological history. The doctor may also inquire about your family's 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 been present before the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You must also have difficulty with these behavior in multiple situations, like at school, work as well as in your social relationships.
If your inattention is a serious issue, you may miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your obligations. You may be struggling with managing your health and finances and may have a difficult time with simple tasks, such as making sure you take your medication on time or visiting the doctor for checkups.
For people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even more difficult. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or have difficulty waiting in line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to reckless actions, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.
Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be inherited from families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase your risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health care specialist who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate adults with symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview and a review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical examination or lab tests to rule out 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 life activities.
Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents like motor crashes.
Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretation by family members, friends and colleagues. They might be viewed as a lazy, irresponsible person, a bad employee or simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. They may also use methods and tools to make up for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to experience inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.
It's important to understand that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capability. It's just an altered way of thinking and behaving that can cause challenges in certain situations or settings.
Adults may exhibit different symptoms as 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 make it difficult for people to stay on track and complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. Symptoms also can interfere with the daily routine and trigger emotional problems such as depression, anxiety or shifts in mood. Hyperactive or impulsive people might appear to be agitated and they may try to do a variety of things at the same time. They might not finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people that can cause confusion and problems with relationships.
Symptoms of the disorder often remain unnoticed in childhood, and many adults who have them don't know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life they might have been labeled either a dreamer or a slacker. Many people who suffer from ADHD have more severe symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're not able to manage all the balls that are flying working on a job and caring for family as well as keeping up with chores at home and errands and maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a person has ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members, friends, and others who know the person as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical history. The patient could be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to assess working memory, executive function as well as spatial and visual skills.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated by stimulant medications. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD to focus better and organize their lives, recall important information and tasks, and control impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can be read more used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, but still improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, people with certain health conditions, 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 help adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms and to build healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies help scientists learn more about the latest methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults using several assessment inventories will improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The examiner may also inquire about the history of your your child's health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They could also review your medical records and perform an examination of your body.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which must be treated. In fact, it is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to be victims of substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD have a difficult finding and keeping jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and juggling household tasks. Adults with ADHD have an increased risk of developing other health issues, such as obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining romantic relationships.
In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health services as children. The sample size was not large. An expansion of the sample would have provided more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.
Research has proven ADHD to be a persistent and persistent problem for adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can lead to a variety of comorbid conditions, like mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People with untreated ADHD are at a greater risk of being incarcerated, divorce, a lower socioeconomic status and more serious mental health issues.
It is recommended that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and every month thereafter until their symptoms are managed. Adults with ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.