Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult could open up possibilities for treatment.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect daily functioning, at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.

Signs and symptoms

If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it might seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. You might feel overwhelmed as an adult adhd diagnosis due to your obligations. You may be working full-time, caring for aging parents or children, and taking care of household chores.

Inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and frustration. You may also feel hopeless and lose confidence. You may even be embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD It's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is an assessment.

A health professional can detect ADHD in adults by conducting an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists, and gathering information on 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 occurred prior to the age of 12 and have continued to impact your life. You should also be struggling with these behaviors in two or more environments, including at school, work, and in your social relationships.

You may miss appointments, make careless errors at work or at 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 difficulties with everyday tasks such as remembering to go to the doctor or take your medication.

For people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations more difficult. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions before people are finished or have trouble waiting in lines. Your impulsiveness could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

According to studies that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a significant role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be inherited from families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase the risk for this condition.

Diagnosis

A health professional with an expertise in ADHD can help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview as well as an examination of medical records, school or workplace records and family medical histories and a mental health screening. A trained professional may also perform a physical exam or lab tests to determine if there are other conditions that share similar symptoms. For an adult diagnosis of adhd or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment in everyday activities.

Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause to depression, family issues and financial stress as well as work-related stress, drug 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 and criticized by friends, relatives and coworkers. They might be viewed as irresponsible, lazy or even just plain crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety.

Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, for example frequent distractions and daydreaming, or use tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention, not hyperactivity or impulsivity.

It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's just a different behavior and way of thinking that may cause problems in certain settings or situations.

Adults may exhibit different symptoms as children. However, Adult Diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms 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 who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, stay on top of school or work tasks and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, or changes in mood. People with hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the disorder may seem agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at once, failing to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which can result in miscommunications or relationship problems.

ADHD is usually not acknowledged in the early years and a lot of adults with the symptoms are not aware of it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life they may have been labeled either a dreamer or a slacker. Many people suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're unable to handle all the balls they have to keep up-to-date with: pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, juggling housework and errands, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.

A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with relatives or friends who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical and mental health background. The person may be asked to complete standard ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to assess executive and working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.

Stimulant medications are the most common treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD focus better, manage their lives, and retain important information. They can also manage impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants, but they can aid in the treatment of ADHD. Patients with certain health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as establish healthy relationships at home, in school, and at work. Some adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These studies allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease the risk 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, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They could also review your medical records and conduct a physical examination.

Many people with ADHD also suffer from other medical or psychiatric conditions, Adult Diagnosis of ADHD such as anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it's estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of using drugs.

Adults with ADHD have a difficult time finding and keeping jobs. They also have difficulty managing finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to have bad eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.

In one study, those with ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as children were diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. However the sample size was small. A larger sample size could have provided more information about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.

Research has shown ADHD to be a chronic and persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative impact on quality of life and can cause range of comorbidities, such as mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People with untreated ADHD are at a higher risk for incarceration, divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious psychiatric issues.

It is advised that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days, and then every month after that until their symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.