Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed 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 interfere with daily functioning, at work, home and in social settings. Talk therapy can enhance the ability to communicate and problem solve. Family and marital counseling can also be beneficial.

Signs and symptoms

If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it might seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. You might be overwhelmed as an adult by your responsibilities. You might be working full time, caring for children or an aging parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.

Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and anger. You may be feeling hopeless and lose confidence. You may even feel embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD it's not your fault. It's important to recognize that there are ways to overcome your issues. The first step to a diagnosis.

A medical professional can identify ADHD in adults by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD list of symptoms, and gathering information on your mental health and medical history. The doctor might also ask you 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 to interfere with your daily activities. You should also be having difficulty with these behaviors at the very least in two different situations such as school, work and social interactions.

You could miss appointments, make mistakes at work or home and not be able to meet your obligations if lack of attention is an issue. You may have trouble managing your health and finances and may have a difficult to complete simple tasks, such as taking medication, or going to the doctor for a checkup.

People with ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions before others are done or have trouble waiting in line. Your impulsiveness could lead to reckless actions, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be passed down through families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase the chance of developing this condition.

Diagnosis

A health care professional with an expertise in ADHD can assist people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview, an examination of medical records, workplace or school records, family medical histories, and a mental assessment. A trained professional may also perform a physical exam or lab tests to determine if there are other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment in everyday life activities.

People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with ongoing issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents.

Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by friends, relatives and coworkers. They may be perceived as a lazy, irresponsible person or a poor employee, or just plain crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at chance of developing depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Sometimes, they depend on tools and techniques to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention, not an impulsive or hyperactivity.

It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's just an alternative way of thinking and behave that could cause difficulties in certain situations.

Adults may exhibit different symptoms as children. However, the symptoms of more info ADHD in adults still match the criteria 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, complete their work and school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. The symptoms can also affect everyday functioning and lead to mental issues such as anxiety, depression or changes in mood. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the disorder may seem agitated and may try to accomplish several things at the same time, but fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to others that can cause confusion and relationship problems.

ADHD is usually not acknowledged in childhood and many adults with symptoms aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep up in their studies and daily life, they may have been labelled as an overachiever or a dreamer. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood However, many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They aren't able to handle all the balls in the air such as pursuing a career or caring for their family, while also keeping up with housework and errands, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a patient has ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members or friends who are familiar with the person, a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical history. The patient may be asked to fill out standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to determine executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial skills.

Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD improve their focus, organize their lives, recall important information and tasks, and manage impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants but still aid in the treatment of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms, and how to build healthy family, school and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults suffering from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize mistakes in diagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults will often conduct an extended interview. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your your child's health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They could also review your medical records and conduct a physical examination.

Many people suffering from ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions such as anxiety or depression, which need to be treated. In fact, it's believed that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to have mood disorders than others. People with ADHD also are more likely to be victims of substance abuse.

Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to get and keep jobs. They also have a tougher time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to have poor eating habits and experience difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in a minor mental health clinic when they were children. However the sample size was small. A larger sample size could have provided more information about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.

Research has shown that ADHD is a long-lasting, persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative effect on quality of living and can lead to other issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, alcohol and drugs abuse. People who do not treat ADHD are at a greater chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric problems.

It is recommended that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and monthly after that until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy throughout their lives.