Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could provide treatment options.

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, work and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving the communication and problem-solving abilities. Marital and family counseling can also be beneficial.

Signs and symptoms

If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it could appear like you're failing to live up to your potential. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult with the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You could be working full-time, caring for aging parents or children, and managing household chores.

Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and the loss of confidence. It's not your problem if you have ADHD. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is an assessment.

A medical professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by performing an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining information about your medical and mental health history. The doctor may 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 occurred before the age of 12 and have continued to impact your life. You must also have difficulty with these behavior in multiple settings, such as at work, school and in your social relationships.

If your inattention is a serious issue, you may be late adhd diagnosis for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home and fail to fulfill your responsibilities. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances, and you may also have difficulty with simple tasks such as remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication.

For people with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations worse. You may disrupt conversations with others or utter answers to questions before you're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in line. Your impulsiveness could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

According to research, genetics and environment are key factors in the development ADHD. Symptoms tend to be inherited from families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase the risk for this condition.

Diagnosis

A health care professional with a specialization in ADHD can help those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview, a review of medical background, school or work records along with family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A specialist may also conduct a physical examination and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment in everyday activities.

Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to long-term problems which could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family issues, work-related or financial stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.

Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by friends, relatives 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 for anxiety and depression.

Women tend to be better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to get a proper diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or they might rely on methods and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they tend to have symptoms of inattention rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.

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

Adults may exhibit different symptoms in comparison to children. Adults who suffer from ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.

Treatment

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay organized and complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning and cause emotional issues like depression, anxiety or mood swings. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the disorder may seem agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at the same time, but fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to others which can lead to miscommunications and problems with relationships.

ADHD is often not recognized in childhood and many adults with the symptoms are not aware of it. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and life they might have been labelled as an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people suffering from ADHD have increasing symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're not able to manage all the balls that are flying such as pursuing a career or caring for family, while also keeping up with housework and errands, as well as maintaining 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, friends and others who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and mental health background. The person could also be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to measure executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.

Stimulant medications are the most frequently used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD to focus better and organize their lives, recall important information and tasks, and control impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work slow than stimulants, yet help improve the symptoms of adhd self diagnosis. Patients with certain health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Some adults with ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms as well as build healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults with adhd diagnosis as an adult. These studies help scientists discover more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating ADHD in adult patients typically conducts an lengthy interview. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the background of your child's or your own health issues, family dynamics, and Diagnosis of adhd In adults lifestyle choices. The evaluator could also review your medical records and perform a physical examination.

Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other medical or psychiatric conditions such as anxiety or depression, which must be treated. It is estimated that people who have ADHD are six-times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People with ADHD also are more likely to be victims of consuming alcohol.

Adults with ADHD have a hard time finding and keeping jobs. They also have a tougher managing their finances and keeping track of household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing health issues, such as heart disease, obesity and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.

In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities as children. However, the sample size was small. A larger sample could have provided more information on the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.

Research has revealed that ADHD is a chronic and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of life and can cause range of comorbidities, like learning disabilities, mood disorders and abuse of alcohol and drugs. If left untreated, 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 who have an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and every month after that until the symptoms are controlled. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue to receive psychotherapy and/or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.