Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult can give options for treatment.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must interfere with everyday functioning at work, home and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem-solving skills. Counseling for families and marriage can also be beneficial.

Symptoms

You may feel like you're not living up to your full potential if you have ADHD symptoms. You might be overwhelmed as an adult with your responsibilities. You might be working full-time and caring for your children or an elderly parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.

Your inability to keep up with the pace can result in embarrassment, frustration despair and an eroding of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD It's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your challenges. The first step is a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric examination can be utilized by a health care professional to determine ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptom checklists, and gathering information about your medical and mental health history. The doctor might also ask you to provide information about your family's 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 before age 12 and continue to interfere with your life. You should also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different settings which include work, school and social relationships.

If your inattention is a major problem, you might skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your obligations. You might have trouble managing your health and finances and you could also be having difficulties with everyday tasks like remembering to visit the doctor or taking your medication.

For people with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations worse. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions before people are finished or struggle to wait in line. Your impulsivity could cause risky actions like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

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

Diagnosis

A health care professional who has a specialization in adhd adult diagnosis can help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview as well as reviewing medical documents, school or work records and family medical histories and a mental assessment. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical exam or lab tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment to daily life functions.

Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead depression, diagnosis for Adhd in adults family issues financial stress, work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.

Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and coworkers. They might be viewed as irresponsible, lazy, a bad employee or just plain crazy. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression.

Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they depend on methods and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. 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's important to understand that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capability. It's just an altered behavior and way of thinking that may cause problems in certain situations or settings.

Adults may exhibit different symptoms as children. However, symptoms 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 who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might struggle to stay organized, keep track of school or work obligations and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with daily functioning, and cause depression or anxiety. Hyperactive or impulsive people can appear agitated, and they might try to do many things at the same time. They may not be able to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people which can lead to miscommunications and relationships issues.

ADHD is not often recognized in the early years and a lot of adults with the symptoms aren't aware that they have it. They may have been described as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and everyday life. Many people suffering from ADHD experience more severe symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're not able to manage all the balls in the air working on a job and caring for their family and juggling with chores at home and errands and maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with relatives, friends and others who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and Diagnosis For adhd in adults a review of a person's medical and mental health history. The person may be asked to fill out standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to test executive function and working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.

Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated by stimulant medications. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD focus better, manage their lives, and retain important information. They also help control the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, people who suffer from certain medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their physician.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults to manage their ADHD symptoms and to build healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. Some adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new methods to identify, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of ADHD for adults using various assessment instruments will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize mistakes in diagnosis For adhd in adults. A psychologist or psychiatrist with experience treating ADHD in adult patients will usually conduct an extended interview. The evaluator may also ask about the background of your child's or your own health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also look over your previous medical records and conduct an examination of your body.

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

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a tough to find and keep a job. They also face difficulties managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing other health problems, like obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to have poor eating habits and struggle to maintain and form romantic relationships.

In one study, those with ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as young children were diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. The sample size was small. An expansion of the sample would provide more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has proven ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative effect on the quality of life and may lead to other health issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, the abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at an increased risk for incarceration or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status and more serious mental health issues.

It is recommended that all adults who have new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and every month thereafter until their symptoms are controlled. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need receiving psychotherapy or medication for the rest of their lives.