• 목록
• 답변
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult add diagnosis 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 significantly interfere with daily functioning at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Family and marital counseling can be beneficial as well.

Signs and symptoms

You might feel that you are not living up to your full potential if have ADHD symptoms. You might feel overwhelmed as an adult with the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You may be working full-time and caring for your children or an elderly parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.

Your difficulty in keeping up may lead to embarrassment, frustration despair and a loss of confidence. It's not your problem when you suffer from ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your issues. The first step in an assessment.

A health professional can detect ADHD in adults by performing an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves talking to you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining information about your mental and medical history. The doctor might also ask you to provide information 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 been present prior to age 12 and continue affecting your life. You should also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at the very least in two different environments, including school, work and social interactions.

If your inattention is a serious problem, you might be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your obligations. You might have trouble managing your finances and health, and you may also have difficulty with simple tasks such as remembering to visit the doctor or take your medication.

For those with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations worse. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or have difficulty waiting in the line. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

According to studies that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a major role in the development ADHD. The symptoms tend to be passed down through families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase the risk for this condition.

Diagnosis

A health professional with an expertise in ADHD can help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview, a review of medical history, work or school records along with family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A trained professional may also conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to identify other conditions that share similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for six months or more, and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.

Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead depression, family problems financial stress, work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.

Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretations by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen by others as lazy, irresponsible or even a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, like frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on tools to compensate for their disorganization and lack of time management skills. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.

It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's just a different approach to thinking and acting that can cause challenges in certain situations or environments.

Adults may have different symptoms in comparison to children. However, the 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

Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay organized, complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. The symptoms can also affect everyday functioning and lead to mental issues such as depression, anxiety, or changes in mood. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition may appear restless and may try to accomplish several things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or problems with relationships.

ADHD is often not recognized in the early years and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder are not aware of it. They might have been viewed as a goof-off, dreamer or a slacker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and daily life. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood However, many people who have ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They're unable to handle all the balls they're trying to keep in the air--pursuing a career, caring for family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and working on social and romantic relationships.

A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a person has ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with family and friends, as well as other people who know the person well and a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric background. The person may also be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests are used to assess working memory and executive function as in addition to spatial and visual capabilities.

Adults with adhd diagnosis for adults are most commonly treated with stimulant medications. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals called 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 medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can be used to treat ADHD. They work more slowly than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. People who have certain health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, should talk to their doctor before taking stimulants.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how can i get an adhd diagnosis to cope with their symptoms, and how to diagnosis adhd in adults to develop healthy school, family and work relationships. Some adults with ADHD will also be part of clinical trials. These studies allow scientists to discover more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult adhd diagnosis in adults using various assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of a misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator will also ask you about your or your child’s past health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she may also review your medical records and perform an examination of your body.

Many people with ADHD also suffer from other medical or psychiatric conditions such as anxiety or depression, which must be treated. In fact, it's thought that people with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD also are more likely to be victims of substance abuse.

Adults with ADHD often find it difficult to get and keep jobs. They also have a harder managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to develop poor eating habits and struggle to maintain and form romantic relationships.

In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in a minor mental health clinic when they were children. The sample size was not large. A larger sample size would have provided more details about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.

Research has revealed that ADHD is a chronic permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It has a negative impact on quality of life and can lead to a number of comorbid conditions including learning disabilities, mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. People with untreated ADHD are at a higher risk for incarceration or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric issues.

All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.