Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may open up treatment options.

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, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem-solving skills. Marital and family counseling can be beneficial as well.

Signs and symptoms

If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it may seem that you're not living up to your potential. You may 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, or taking care of household chores.

Your difficulty in keeping up may lead to embarrassment, frustration despair and a loss of confidence. It's not a problem when you suffer from ADHD. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your problems. The first step is a diagnosis.

A health professional can identify ADHD in adults by performing an extensive psychiatric examination. This includes talking with you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining details on your mental health and medical background. The doctor might inquire 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 life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in multiple situations, like at work, school and in your social interactions.

If your inattention is a serious problem, you might skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and fail to fulfill your obligations. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a hard working through everyday tasks like remembering to take medication or going to the doctor for checkups.

For people with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even more difficult. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or have trouble waiting in line. Your impulsiveness could cause risky actions like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to run in the family, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system during crucial developmental stages increase your risk.

Diagnosis

A health care specialist who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview as well as a review of medical records, school or workplace records and family medical histories and a mental screening. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent how to get diagnosed with adhd as a woman be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months, and result in significant impairment of daily life functions.

People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with ongoing issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues and financial stress, as well as work-related issues as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.

Many people who can diagnose adhd adults are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as lazy, irresponsible or as a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult to get diagnosed with add a proper diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to mask their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or they might rely on tools and techniques to make up for their poor time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to suffer from hyperactive or inattention symptoms.

It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's just an alternative way of thinking and behaving that could cause difficulties in certain situations or environments.

Adults may have different symptoms in comparison to children. However, the signs of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.

Treatment

People with undiagnosed ADHD may struggle to get organized, keep track of work or school tasks and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger mental issues such as depression, anxiety, or changes in mood. Hyperactive or impulsive people might appear to be agitated and they might try to accomplish a lot simultaneously. They may fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to others that can cause confusion and relationships issues.

ADHD is usually not acknowledged as a child, and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder are unaware that they have it. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and everyday life. As the demands of adulthood increase however, many who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They're unable to handle all the balls they have to keep in the air--pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, juggling chores and household chores, and working on social and romantic relationships.

A health care provider or mental health professional will assess whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment includes a conversation with family members as well as friends and family members who know the person as well as a physical exam and a review a person's medical history. The patient could be asked to fill out standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to measure executive function and working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.

Adults with ADHD are usually treated by stimulant medications. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They how can i get an adhd diagnosis help people with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and keep track of important information. They can also control impulse-driven behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants, but they can gp diagnose adhd help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their physician.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how can i get diagnosed with add to cope with their symptoms and to establish healthy family, school and workplace relationships. A few adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical studies. These studies help scientists learn more about new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of ADHD for adults using various assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the chance of misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended conversation with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your your child's health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also look over your previous medical records and perform physical examination.

Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other medical or psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it is estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to be victims of substance abuse.

Adults with ADHD often find it difficult to find and keep jobs. They also have a tougher time managing finances and keeping track of household tasks. Adults with ADHD have an increased risk of developing other health issues, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, those with ADHD who were treated in minor mental health facilities as children were diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. However the sample size was small. A larger sample could provide additional information on the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.

Research has proven ADHD to be a chronic and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and lead to other conditions such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as alcohol and drugs abuse. Untreated ADHD increases the chance of incarceration or divorce, as well as an economic disadvantage for people with ADHD.

All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue to receive psychotherapy and/or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.