Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could 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 interfere with your daily activities, whether at work, home and in social settings. Talk therapy can enhance communication and problem solving skills. Family and marital counseling can be beneficial as well.

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 may feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel like you're unable to get a handle on the many responsibilities in front of you. You could be working full time, caring for children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.

Your difficulty keeping up can cause embarrassment, anger despair, and an eroding of confidence. It's not your problem if you have ADHD. It's important to understand that there are ways to overcome your issues. The first step is to make a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric assessment can be utilized by a medical specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists, and collecting details about your medical and mental health history. The doctor may inquire about the history 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 been present before age 12 and continue to interfere with your life. You must also be having issues with these behaviors at the very least in two different situations, including school, work and social interactions.

If your inattention is a major problem, you might skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and fail to follow through on your obligations. You may have trouble managing your health and finances and may have a hard to complete simple tasks like taking medication, or going to the doctor for a checkup.

People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or have trouble waiting in lines. Your impulsive behavior could lead to reckless actions, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be passed down through families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder.

Diagnosis

A health professional with an expertise in ADHD can help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview and a review of medical history, work or school records along with family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to determine if there are other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and cause significant difficulties in everyday life.

Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause confusion among family members, friends and coworkers. They may be viewed by others as lazy, irresponsible or as a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.

Women are generally better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their impulsivity and adhd private diagnosis near me inattention. They may also depend on strategies and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women suffering from ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they tend to have symptoms of inattention rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.

It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's merely an alternative way of thinking and behave that could cause challenges in certain situations.

In adults, it may be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms could have changed over time as they grew up. Adults with ADHD still meet 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 work or school tasks and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with daily functioning and cause mental issues such as anxiety, depression or mood swings. Hyperactive or impulsive people might appear to be agitated and they may try to do a variety of things at the same time. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people that can cause confusion and problems with relationships.

The symptoms of the disorder usually are not recognized until childhood, and many adults who have them don't know they have ADHD. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker instead of struggling to keep up in school and daily life. Many people with adhd private diagnosis near me suffer from more severe symptoms as their obligations increase. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying keep in the air--pursuing a career, caring for family members, juggling household chores and errands, as well as trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.

A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a patient has ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the individual as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical history. The person may also be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological testing may be done to assess working memory, executive function and spatial and visual abilities.

Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. 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 impulse-driven behaviors. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They perform slower than stimulants, but still improve symptoms. People who have certain health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms and to build healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies aid scientists in learning more about new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults using several assessment tools will increase the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize the chance of misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your or your child's health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she will also look over your previous medical records and conduct a physical exam.

Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental or physical disorders like anxiety and depression, which need to be treated. It is estimated that those who have ADHD are six times more likely to experience mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a greater risk of substance abuse.

Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a tougher managing their finances and staying on top of household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at 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 experience difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health facilities as children were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. The sample size was not large. An expansion of the sample could have provided more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.

Research has proven that ADHD is a chronic and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative effect on living quality and may lead to other health issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, and addiction to alcohol and other drugs. People with untreated ADHD are at a greater chance of being in prison and divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious mental health issues.

It is recommended that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis for adhd in adults of symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days and every month thereafter until their symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or medication for the rest of their lives.