Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult may provide treatment options.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should significantly interfere with daily functioning at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem solving skills. Family and marital counseling can also be beneficial.

Symptoms

If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it might seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel you're unable manage the many responsibilities in front of you. You might be working full-time or caring for elderly parents or children, as well as managing household chores.

Your difficulty in keeping up may cause embarrassment, anger, hopelessness and an eroding of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD it's not your fault. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your problems. The first step is a diagnosis.

A health professional can detect ADHD in adults through an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves talking to you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists, and gathering information on your mental and medical background. The doctor might also ask you 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 occurred prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily activities. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in multiple environments, including at school, work as well as in your social interactions.

If your inattention is a major issue, you may be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your responsibilities. You may be struggling with managing your finances and health and may have a hard time with simple tasks like remembering to take medication or visiting the doctor for a checkup.

For those with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make stressful situations more difficult. You might disrupt conversations with others and spit out answers to questions before you're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in a line. Your impulsivity might result in reckless actions, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

According to studies, genetics and environment play a significant role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to be inherited from the family, and some scientists believe that issues with your central nervous system during critical developmental stages increase your risk.

Diagnosis

A health professional who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview as well as an examination of medical documents, school or work records, family medical histories, and a mental assessment. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to identify 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 the daily routine.

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

Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and coworkers. They may be viewed by others as irresponsible, lazy or even a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.

Women are generally better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their impulsivity and inattention. Or they might rely on strategies and tools to compensate for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women suffering from ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they tend to have symptoms of inattention rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.

It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's simply an alternative way of thinking and behave that may cause difficulties in certain situations.

In adults, it may be difficult to determine ADHD because the symptoms could have changed as people became older. Adults with ADHD still meet 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 on track and complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with everyday functioning and can trigger anxiety or depression. People who are impulsive or hyperactive can appear agitated, and may attempt to do many things simultaneously. They might not finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or relationship issues.

The symptoms of the disorder usually go unrecognized in the early years, and a lot of adults with the disorder aren't aware of ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and [empty] everyday life they might be viewed as either a dreamer or a slacker. Many people suffering from ADHD have increasing symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying to keep up-to-date with: pursuing an occupation, 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 has ADHD. The assessment typically involves conversations with family members and friends, as well as other people who know the person well and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric history. The patient could be asked to complete the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to assess executive and working memory as well as visual and spatial capabilities.

Stimulant drugs are the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and keep track of important information. They can also manage impulsive behaviors. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can be used to treat ADHD. They perform more slowly than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. People who have certain health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes, should talk to their doctor before taking stimulants.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to get diagnosed with add as an adult to cope with their symptoms, and how do you get diagnosed with adhd in adults to establish healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Some adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical trials. These studies allow scientists to learn more about the latest methods to identify, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment instruments will improve diagnostic criteria for adult adhd accuracy and reduce misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended discussion with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator will also ask you questions about children's health history as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical.

Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such anxiety and depression, that require treatment. In fact, it is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than other people. People who suffer from ADHD also are at a higher risk of substance abuse.

Adults with ADHD have a tough time finding and keeping a job. They also have a harder time managing finances and keeping track of household chores. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing health problems, like obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to have bad eating habits and to struggle to maintain and form romantic relationships.

In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities when they were children. However, the sample size was small. An enlargement of the sample would have provided more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a chronic and persistent problem for adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of life and can result in a range of comorbidities, such as mood disorders, learning disabilities and alcohol and drug abuse. Untreated ADHD increases the chance of incarceration and divorce as well as a lower social economic status for those suffering from ADHD.

It is recommended that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days and monthly after that until their symptoms are controlled. Adults with ADHD might require receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest their lives.