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 everyday functioning at home, at work, and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem solving skills. Marital and family counseling can also be helpful.

Signs and symptoms

If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it might seem as if you're not living up to your potential. You might be overwhelmed as an adult due to your obligations. You may be working full-time, caring for children or an elderly parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.

Your inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and frustration. You might also feel depressed and lose confidence. You may even feel embarrassed. It's not a problem in the event that you suffer from ADHD. It's important to understand that there are ways to overcome your issues. The first step is to make a diagnosis.

A medical professional can detect ADHD in adults through an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and collecting details about your medical and psychopathological background. The provider may ask about the background 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 interfere with your daily activities. You must also be having issues with these behaviors at least in two different situations, including school, work and social relationships.

You could 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 might be struggling with managing your health and finances, and you might also experience difficulty with simple tasks like remembering to go to the doctor or take your medication.

For people with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations worse. You might disrupt conversations with others or utter answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to risky activities, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

According to studies, genetics and environment play a significant role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be passed down through families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase your chances of developing this disorder.

Diagnosis

A health professional with an expertise in ADHD can assist those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and review of medical history, work or school records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam and/or tests in the laboratory to determine if there are other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for six months or more, and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.

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

Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to confusion among family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen by others as irresponsible, lazy or even a bad employee. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater chance of developing depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult to get adhd diagnosis an accurate diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their impulsivity and inattention. Or they might rely on strategies and adhd tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. 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 remember that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capacity. It's simply an altered approach to thinking and acting that may cause problems in certain situations or environments.

In adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because the symptoms could have changed as they developed. Adults with ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.

Treatment

People with undiagnosed ADHD might struggle to stay organized, keep track of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues such as depression or anxiety. Hyperactive or impulsive people may appear restless, and they might try to do a variety of things simultaneously. They might not complete tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and relationships issues.

The symptoms of the disorder typically remain unnoticed in the early years, and a lot of adults with them aren't aware of ADHD. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker, instead of struggling to keep up in school and life. As responsibilities increase in adulthood however, many who suffer from ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They're not able to manage all the balls at once such as pursuing a career or caring for their family and juggling with errands and housework, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with relatives, friends and others who know the person well, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric background. The person may be asked to complete standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to determine working memory, executive function as well as spatial and visual abilities.

Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant medications. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, organize their lives and keep track of important information. They can also manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants, but they can improve the symptoms of ADHD. People who have particular health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to manage their symptoms and to develop healthy family, school and workplace relationships. A few adults with ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new ways to identify, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment tools will increase the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize the chance of misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended conversation with a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator will also ask you questions about your child’s past health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she could also review your medical records and perform a physical examination.

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

Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty to get and keep jobs. They also have difficulty managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.

In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health services as children. The sample size was small. An enlargement of the sample could have provided more details about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative effect on living quality and can lead to other issues like mood disorders learning disabilities, as well as the abuse of alcohol and drugs. People with untreated ADHD are at a greater chance of being in prison and divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric issues.

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