Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of their 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 affect daily functioning, at home, at work, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem-solving skills. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial.

Symptoms

You may feel like you are not living up to your full potential if have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel you're unable get a handle on the many responsibilities in front of you. You may be working full time as a caregiver for children or an elderly parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.

Your difficulty in keeping up may cause embarrassment, anger despair and a loss of confidence. It's not an issue when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to understand that there are ways to overcome your challenges. The first step to a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric assessment can be utilized by a medical professional to determine ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms lists, and gathering information on your mental and medical background. The doctor might also ask you to provide information about your family 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 been present prior to age 12 and have continued to impact your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in two or more settings, such as at school, work and in your social relationships.

You may miss appointments, make mistakes at work or home and not be able to meet your responsibilities if your lack of attention is an issue. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances and you might also experience difficulty with simple tasks such as making sure you visit the doctor or taking your medication.

For those with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations more difficult. You might interrupt other people's conversations, blurt out answers to questions before they're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to reckless actions, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

According to research, genetics and environment play a major role in the development ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to be passed down through the family, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system during critical developmental phases increase your risk.

Diagnosis

A health professional with an expertise in ADHD can assist adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview, an examination of medical records, workplace or school records and family medical histories and a mental assessment. A trained professional can conduct physical examinations and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and cause significant impairments in daily life.

Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues and financial stress as well as work-related stress, drug abuse, and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.

Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretations by family members, friends, and coworkers. They may be viewed by others as lazy, irresponsible or as a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Sometimes, they use strategies and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and disorganization. Women with adhd diagnosis adult uk may also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to experience inattentive symptoms rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.

It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or ability. It's just a different approach to thinking and acting that can cause challenges in certain situations or settings.

Adults may have different symptoms as children. However, symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria for adhd diagnosis listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.

Treatment

People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, keep track of school or work obligations, and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning and cause mental issues such as depression, anxiety, or changes in mood. Hyperactive or impulsive people can appear agitated, and may attempt to accomplish a lot simultaneously. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which can cause confusion or problems with relationships.

ADHD is usually not acknowledged in the early years and a lot of adults with symptoms are unaware that they have it. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and everyday life. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from increasing symptoms as their obligations increase. They're unable to handle all the balls they have to keep in the air--pursuing a career, caring for family members, juggling household chores and errands, as well as trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.

A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person suffers from ADHD. The assessment usually involves conversations with family members or friends who know the person well and a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric background. The patient may be asked to complete standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to measure executive function, working memory and spatial and visual skills.

Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD improve their focus and manage their lives, keep track of important information and tasks, and manage their an impulsive behaviour. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants or atomoxetine, may also be used to treat ADHD. They perform slower than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Patients with particular health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.

Some adults with ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms and to build healthy family, school and workplace relationships. A few adults with ADHD will also be part of clinical trials. These studies help scientists gain knowledge about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation will also ask you about your or your child’s past health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They will also review your past medical records and perform physical examination.

Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which need to be treated. It is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six-times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of substance abuse.

Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty to find and keep jobs. They also have a tougher managing finances and staying on top of household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing health issues, such as heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to develop poor eating habits and struggle to maintain and form relationships with their partners.

In one study, those with ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. However the sample size was very small. An enlargement of the sample would provide more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has shown that ADHD is a long-lasting permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It has a negative impact on quality of life and can cause range of comorbidities, like learning disabilities, mood disorders and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a higher risk of being incarcerated and divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious mental health issues.

It is recommended that all adults who have a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and every month thereafter until their symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.