Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of their 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 must interfere with your daily activities, whether at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.

Symptoms

If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it might seem that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel you're unable get a handle on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You might be full-time at work or caring for 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 also feel hopeless and lose confidence. You may even be embarrassed. It's not a problem if you have ADHD. It's important to realize that there are ways to overcome your difficulties. The first step to a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be used by a health professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining details on your mental and medical background. The doctor might inquire about the history 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 occurred prior to age 12 and have continued to impact your life. You must also be having issues with these behaviors at least in two different situations, including school, work and social relationships.

If your inattention is a major issue, you may miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your obligations. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances, and you could also be having difficulty with simple tasks such as remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication.

In people with ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations worse. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or struggle to wait in lines. Your impulsive behavior could lead to reckless actions, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

According to studies, genetics and environment play a major role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase your chance of developing this condition.

Diagnosis

A health professional with a specialization in ADHD can assist people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview as well as an examination of medical documents, school or work records and family medical histories and a mental health screening. A specialized professional also may 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 be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at least six months and result in significant impairment of daily life functions.

People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD can struggle for the rest of 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 issues, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.

Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen as irresponsible, lazy or even just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it harder to get an accurate diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or they might rely on strategies and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.

It's important to remember that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or ability. It's just an altered way of thinking and behave that may cause problems in certain situations.

Adults may exhibit different symptoms in comparison to children. However, symptoms of ADHD in adults still match the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.

Treatment

People with undiagnosed ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, stay on top of school or work obligations and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like depression or anxiety. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition can appear agitated and may try to accomplish several things at once, and fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which could result in miscommunications or relationship problems.

The symptoms of the disorder usually are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults who have them aren't aware of ADHD. They may have been described as a goof-off, dreamer, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to keep up in school and daily life. Many people with ADHD experience worsening symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're not able to handle all the balls they're trying keep on top of - pursuing a career, caring for family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.

A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves conversations with family members or friends who know the person well as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric background. The person may also be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological testing may be done to measure working memory, executive function as well as spatial and visual abilities.

Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medications. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, manage their lives, and retain important information. They can also manage impulsive behaviors. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may also be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, yet still improve symptoms. Patients with particular health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor before taking stimulants.

Some adults with ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms as well as develop healthy relationships at home, in school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults using various assessment instruments will improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in treating ADHD in adult patients will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the history of your child's or your own health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical.

Many people suffering from ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions such as anxiety or depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it's thought that people with ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a greater risk of using drugs.

Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty to secure and maintain jobs. They also have difficulty managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance 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 to struggle to maintain and form relationships with their partners.

In one study, people with ADHD who were treated in mental health facilities as children were diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. The sample size was small. A larger sample would have provided more details about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.

Research has revealed that ADHD is a long-lasting and persistent disorder that affects adults. It has a negative impact on quality of life and can cause variety of comorbid conditions, including learning disabilities, mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated and divorce as well as an economic disadvantage for those suffering from ADHD.

It is recommended that all adults get more info with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and every month after that until their symptoms are controlled. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.