10 Myths Your Boss Is Spreading Concerning Diagnosis Of ADHD
10 Myths Your Boss Is Spreading Concerning Diagnosis Of ADHD
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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could provide treatment options.
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 work, home and socially. Talk therapy can enhance communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial.
Symptoms
You may feel like you're not doing enough to fulfill your full potential when you have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you might feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel you're unable manage the many tasks in front of you. You might be working full-time or caring for elderly parents or children, and taking care of household chores.
Your inability to keep up with the pace can result in embarrassment, frustration despair and an eroding of confidence. It's not an issue if you have ADHD. It's important to recognize that there are ways to overcome your difficulties. The first step in the process of diagnosing.
A thorough psychiatric assessment can be used by a health professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining information about your mental health and medical background. The doctor may also ask you 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 occurred before the age of 12 and have continued to impact your life. You must also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different environments which include work, school and social relationships.
If your inattention is a major issue, you could be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home and fail to fulfill your responsibilities. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances and you might also experience difficulty with simple tasks such as remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication.
For people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations worse. You might interrupt conversations, answer questions before others are done or struggle to wait in the line. Your impulsiveness can lead to risky behaviors like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.
According to studies, genetics and environment play a major role in the development ADHD. Symptoms tend to be inherited from families and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the risk for this condition.
Diagnosis
A health professional who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview, an examination of medical records, workplace or school records as well as family medical histories and a mental screening. A trained professional may also perform a physical exam or tests in the laboratory to determine if there are other conditions that share similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant impairment in everyday life activities.
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 problems financial stress, work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes.
Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and coworkers. They might be viewed as lazy, irresponsible, a bad employee or simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.
Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult to get a proper diagnosis. They may employ strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, like frequent distractions and daydreaming, or use tools to make up for their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention, not hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's just a different way to think and behave that can create problems in certain situations.
In adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the signs may have changed as they grew up. 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
People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, keep track of school or work obligations and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues such as depression or anxiety. People who are hyperactive or impulsive might appear to be agitated and they may try to accomplish a lot at the same time. They may fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which could cause confusion or problems with relationships.
Symptoms of the disorder often are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults with the disorder aren't aware of ADHD. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker, instead of struggling to keep up in school and life. As the demands of adulthood increase however, many who suffer from ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They're not able to manage all the balls in the air such as pursuing a career or caring for their family, while also keeping up with chores at home and errands and maintaining romantic and social relationships.
A mental health more info specialist or health care professional will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with relatives or friends who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric history. The patient may be asked to complete the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to measure executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial skills.
Stimulant medications are the most commonly used treatment for adults with ADHD. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD better focus and organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks and manage impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work more slow than stimulants, yet improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants who suffer from certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as build healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. Certain adults suffering from ADHD will also be part of clinical trials. These studies allow scientists to learn more about the latest methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders such as ADHD.
Follow-up
A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with experience treating ADHD in adult patients will often conduct an extended interview. The evaluator may also ask about the background of your your child's health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also go through your past medical records and perform an examination of your body.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other medical or psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression, which must be treated. It is estimated that those who suffer from ADHD are six-times more likely to experience mood disorders. People with ADHD also are more likely to be victims of consuming alcohol.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time to get and keep jobs. They also have a tougher managing finances and keeping track of household chores. 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 have bad eating habits and struggle to maintain and form romantic relationships.
In one study, those with ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as young children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. The sample size was not large. A larger sample size would have provided additional information about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.
Research has shown that ADHD is a chronic, persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can cause number of comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. If not treated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status for those suffering from ADHD.
It is recommended that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days, and then every month after that until their symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.