Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult may give possibilities for treatment.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should significantly interfere with daily functioning at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving communication and problem-solving skills. Family and marital counseling can also be beneficial.

Signs and symptoms

If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it might seem that you're not living up to your potential. You might feel overwhelmed as an adult by your obligations. You might be full-time at work, caring for aging parents or children, and managing household chores.

Your difficulty in keeping up may result in embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and the loss of confidence. 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 challenges. The first step is to make a diagnosis.

A medical professional can identify ADHD in adults by performing an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as gathering information regarding your medical and psychiatric history. The provider may also ask you to provide information about the history of your family members with 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 prior to the age of 12 and have continued to impact your life. You should also be having difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different environments, including school, work and social relationships.

You may be late for appointments, make mistakes at work or home and fail to meet your obligations if lack of attention is an issue. You might have trouble managing your health and finances, and you might also experience difficulties with everyday tasks such as remembering to go to the doctor or take your medication.

For people with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even worse. You might interrupt other people's conversations, blurt out answers to questions before they're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in line. Your impulsivity could lead to risky behaviors like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be passed down through families and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase your chances of developing this disorder.

diagnosis of adult adhd

A health specialist who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and a review of medical history, school or work records along with family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant impairment to everyday activities.

Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can lead to chronic issues which could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family issues and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents.

Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by friends, relatives and coworkers. They may be viewed by others as lazy, irresponsible or a bad employee. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression.

Women are generally better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis. They may employ strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, for example frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on tools to make up for their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD also might have trouble diagnosing their own symptoms, as they tend to have symptoms of inattention, not the impulsivity or hyperactivity.

It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or ability. It's merely a different way to think and behave that could cause challenges in certain situations.

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

Treatment

People with undiagnosed ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, stay on top of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms can also interfere with the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like anxiety or depression. Hyperactive or impulsive people might appear to be agitated and they might try to do a variety of things at the same time. They might not finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which can result in miscommunications or relationship issues.

The symptoms of the disorder usually are not recognized until the early years, and a lot of adults who have them do not know they have ADHD. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, goof-off, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and daily life. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're not able to manage all the balls at once - pursuing a career and caring for family as well as keeping up with housework and errands, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A health care provider or mental health professional will assess whether a person suffers from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review a person's medical history. The person could be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to determine working memory, executive function, and visual and spatial skills.

Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated by stimulant medications. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD improve their focus, organize their lives, remember important information and tasks, and manage the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their physician.

Some adults with ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as develop healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Certain adults suffering from ADHD will also be part of clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to discover more about how to get adhd diagnosis scotland to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended conversation with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your child's or your own health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They might also look over your medical records and conduct a physical examination.

Many people with ADHD also have other medical or psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. It is estimated that those with ADHD are six-times more likely to experience mood disorders. People with ADHD also are more likely to be victims of consuming alcohol.

Adults with adhd symptoms for diagnosis often have a difficult time to get and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.

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

Research has shown that ADHD is a chronic and persistent disorder that affects adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life, and can result in a number of comorbid conditions including mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People with untreated ADHD are at an increased risk of being incarcerated and divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric problems.

It is advised that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and monthly thereafter until their symptoms are managed. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.