Diagnosing adults with ADHD can be difficult because their symptoms do not always fit the specific criteria outlined by the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.” These criteria are geared towards the behaviors of a child, and adults with ADHD may exhibit some variation of these symptoms in their everyday lives. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that approximately 4.1 percent of adults between the ages of 18 and 44 are diagnosed with ADHD.
Symptoms
The National Resource Center on ADHD outlines these symptoms that may be found in adults with ADHD: easily distracted, difficulty paying attention, restless, acting before thinking, trouble starting and finishing tasks, procrastination, losing and forgetting things, and poor time management and organization. They may also struggle to do everyday tasks such as getting to work on time, remembering appointments and staying organized. Additionally, adults with ADHD often try to act quickly, looking for the quickest solution to a problem.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD, adults must demonstrate a history of problems with attention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity since early childhood. According to the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,” an individual must have evidence of these symptoms before the age of 7 and in at least two settings, usually home and school. Additionally, the individual’s current symptoms must cause significant problems in his life. For example, adults with ADHD may be at risk of losing their jobs, be struggling financially, performing poorly in college or graduate school, or have significant relationship problems as a result of their disorganization, impulsivity, procrastination or restlessness.
Interview
A mental health professional will want to conduct an interview with the individual to obtain some historical and medical information. It is important for the professional to obtain information on the adult’s symptoms, her childhood behavior, family background and health. The National Resource Center on ADHD suggests that mental health professionals look at past school records and obtain information from parents to assess the presence of ADHD symptoms in childhood. The professional may also want to speak with a spouse or close friend who can discuss the impact of the individual’s symptoms currently.
Psychological Testing
In addition to the interview, a mental health professional may ask the individual to complete standardized scales that evaluate behavior. These provide objective information on the individual’s symptoms and can be given to that person as well as friends and family members. According to the National Resource Center on ADHD, further psychological testing may be warranted to assess for other disorders such as learning disabilities that may be interfering with the individual’s functioning as well as to observe behavior.
Treatment
As described by the National Institute of Mental Health, treatment for adults is similar to that of children. Stimulant medication may be prescribed; however, some of those given to children are not approved for adults. Also, drug interactions are a more serious consideration as adults are more likely to be treated for other health conditions at the same time. The use of antidepressants to treat adults with ADHD has also been recommended in some individuals. The National Institute of Mental Health also suggests that therapy can be an effective treatment for adults with ADHD. Psychotherapy can help an individual to change his behavior, become more organized, manage important tasks and improve self-esteem.
References
- National Resource Center on ADHD: Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
- “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, text revision”; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- National Institute of Mental Health: Can adults have ADHD?
- National Institute of Mental Health: The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America
