Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult could open up options for treatment.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be a major hindrance with daily functioning at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Family and marital counseling can be beneficial as well.

Symptoms

It could be that you feel that you're not performing to your full potential when you suffer from ADHD symptoms. You might feel overwhelmed as an adult due to the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You might be working full-time as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, and taking care of household chores.

Your inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and anger. You may also feel depressed, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. If you have ADHD, it's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is a diagnosis.

A medical professional can detect ADHD in adults by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining information about your mental and medical history. The provider may ask 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 before the age of 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily activities. You must also have difficulty with these behavior in multiple settings, such as at work, school, and in your social interactions.

If your inattention is a significant problem, you might be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your responsibilities. You may have difficulty managing your finances and health, and you may also have problems with tasks that are simple such as remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication.

People who suffer from ADHD can make difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You could disrupt conversations with others or utter answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior like driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner.

Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase your risk for this condition.

Diagnosis

A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview and review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialized professional also may perform a physical exam or tests in the laboratory to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more, and are causing significant impairments in the daily routine.

People with undiagnosed or under-treated 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, work-related or financial stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.

Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen by others as lazy, unreliable or as a poor employee. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety.

Women tend to be better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Sometimes, they depend on strategies and tools to compensate for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women suffering from ADHD might also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to suffer from inattentive symptoms rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.

It's important to remember that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capacity. It's just an alternative approach to thinking and acting that could cause difficulties in certain situations or environments.

For adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because the signs may have changed as they became older. However, the signs 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

Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay on track, complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with daily functioning and cause emotional issues like anxiety, depression or changes in mood. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition can appear agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at the same time, but fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which could result in miscommunications or problems with relationships.

Symptoms of the disorder often are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults with the disorder do not know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life they might be viewed as an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people with ADHD have worsening symptoms as their obligations increase. They're not able to handle all the balls they have to keep on top of - pursuing an occupation, Adhd Diagnosis Uk caring for family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and working on social and romantic relationships.

A health care provider or mental health professional will assess whether a person has ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members or friends who are familiar with the individual, a physical examination, and a review a person's medical history. The patient could be asked to complete standardized adhd diagnosis uk adults ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to test working memory and executive function as well as visual and spatial capabilities.

Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD to focus better and manage their lives, remember important information and tasks and control an impulsive behaviour. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants or atomoxetine, may also be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. Patients with particular health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure must consult with their doctor before taking stimulants.

Some adults with ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, Adhd diagnosis uk self help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as build healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies help scientists learn more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating ADHD in adult adhd diagnosis uk patients will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The examiner will also inquire with you questions about children's health history as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator may also review your medical records and conduct a physical examination.

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

Adults with ADHD have a difficult time finding and keeping jobs. They also have a tougher managing their finances and staying on top of household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing other health problems, like obesity, heart disease and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.

In one study, individuals who had ADHD who were treated in mental health services as young children were diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. However, the sample size was small. A larger sample could have provided additional information about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.

Research has shown ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent problem for adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and lead to other conditions such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, and addiction to alcohol and other drugs. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated, divorce and a lower social economic status for those suffering from ADHD.

It is recommended that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and monthly after that until their symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might need to receive psychotherapy and/or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.