Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could offer treatment options.

To be get adhd diagnosis diagnosed with add (Suggested Reading) with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be a major hindrance with your daily activities at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving communication and problem-solving skills. Family and marital counseling can also be helpful.

Signs and symptoms

If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it may seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel like you're unable to manage the numerous tasks ahead of you. You could 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 result in embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and the loss of confidence. It's not your problem when you suffer from ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your issues. The first step in an assessment.

A thorough psychiatric assessment can be performed by a health care professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This includes talking 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 background. The doctor may also inquire about your family's history of ADHD.

To qualify for [Redirect Only] 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 have continued to impact your life. You must also be having issues with these behavior issues at least in two different situations which include work, school and social relationships.

You could miss appointments, make careless errors at work or home, and fail to fulfill your responsibilities if your inattention is an issue. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a difficult to complete simple tasks like remembering to take medication or visiting the doctor for checkups.

For people with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations more difficult. You may disrupt conversations with others, blurt out answers to questions before they're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in line. Your impulsivity might result in dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

According to research the genetics and the environment are key factors in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder.

Diagnosis

A health specialist who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview and a review of medical documents, school or work records as well as family medical histories and a mental health screening. A specialized professional may conduct physical examinations and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment to everyday activities.

Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues and financial stress as well as work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents such as motor crashes.

Undiagnosed ADHD can result in confusion among family members, friends and colleagues. They could be perceived by others as irresponsible, lazy or even a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or they might rely on tools and techniques to compensate for their poor time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they tend to have symptoms of inattention, not the impulsivity or hyperactivity.

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

In adults, it may be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as they developed. However, symptoms of 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 relationships with others. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning, and cause emotional issues like anxiety or depression. People who are impulsive or hyperactive may appear restless, and they might try to accomplish a lot simultaneously. They may fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people which can lead to miscommunications and relationship problems.

The symptoms of the disorder usually are not recognized until childhood, and many adults who have them aren't aware of ADHD. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker, instead of battling to stay ahead in school and life. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from more severe symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying keep up-to-date with: pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, keeping up with household chores and errands, as well as trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.

A health care professional or mental health professional will assess whether a person suffers from ADHD. The assessment typically involves conversations with family members, friends and others who can diagnose adhd in adults are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical and mental health history. The person may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to test executive function and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual capabilities.

Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant medications. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also control impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants, but they can help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure should talk to their doctor.

Some adults with ADHD may benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as establish healthy relationships at home, in school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults suffering from ADHD. These trials allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating ADHD in adult patients will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The evaluator will also ask you about your or the child's previous health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They will also go through your past medical records and conduct an examination of your body.

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

Adults who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a harder time managing finances and keeping track of household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased risk of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. In addition they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and are more likely to have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, individuals with ADHD who were treated in mental health facilities as children were diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. The sample size was not large. A larger sample size would have provided more information about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.

Research has proven ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life, and can cause variety of comorbid conditions, like learning disabilities, mood disorders and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People with untreated ADHD are at an increased chance of being in prison and divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric issues.

Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis of adult adhd should be seen within 30 to 60 days, then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.