Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may not be aware of their 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 ADHD Diagnosis For Adults hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should significantly interfere with daily functioning at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Family and marital counseling can be beneficial as well.

Symptoms

If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it could appear as if you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you may feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel that you can't take on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You may be working full time as a caregiver for children or an elderly parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.

Your difficulty keeping up can result in embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and an eroding of confidence. It's not an issue in the event that you suffer from ADHD. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your problems. The first step is an assessment.

A thorough psychiatric examination can be used by a health care professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists, and gathering information on your mental and medical history. The provider may ask 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 affect your life. You should also be having issues with these behavior issues at least in two different situations, including school, work and social relationships.

You could miss appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or home and not be able to meet your obligations if inattention is an issue. You might have trouble managing your finances and health, and you could also be having problems with tasks that are simple such as remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication.

People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations with other people, blurt out answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness could lead to reckless actions, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

According to studies that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a significant role in the development ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be inherited from families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental stages increase the chances of developing this disorder.

Diagnosis

A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults with symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview and review of medical history, work or school records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialist may also conduct a physical examination and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult diagnosis of adhd or ADHD Diagnosis For Adults teenager if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more, and are causing significant impairments in daily life.

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

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretation by family members, friends and colleagues. They may be viewed by others as lazy, irresponsible or a poor employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater chance of developing depression and anxiety.

Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their impulsivity and inattention. Or they might rely on methods and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention, not the impulsivity or hyperactivity.

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

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

Treatment

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay organized and complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger anxiety or depression. People with hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition can appear agitated and may try to accomplish several things at once, failing to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to others which can lead to miscommunications and problems with relationships.

Symptoms of the disorder often are not recognized until childhood, and many adults who have them don't know they have adhd diagnosis For adults. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and life. As the demands of adulthood increase however, many who have ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They aren't able to handle all the balls in the air working on a job and taking care of family members and juggling with chores at home and errands and maintaining social and romantic relationships.

A health care provider or mental health professional will determine whether a person has ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with relatives, friends and others who know the person well and a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric background. The person may be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to assess working memory and executive function as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.

Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD improve their focus and manage their lives, recall important information and tasks and control the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but still improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, people who suffer from certain health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms and to establish healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults suffering from ADHD. These studies help scientists learn more about new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in treating ADHD in adults will often conduct an lengthy interview. The examiner will also inquire with you questions about your child’s past health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They might also look over your medical records and perform an examination of your physical.

Many people suffering from ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions like anxiety and depression, which need to be treated. In fact, it is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People with ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of using drugs.

Adults with ADHD have a hard time finding and keeping jobs. They also have difficulty managing finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health issues, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. In addition they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and are more likely to have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.

In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health services as children. However the size of the sample was small. A larger sample might provide 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 impact on quality of living and can lead to other issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as addiction to alcohol and other drugs. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of incarceration or divorce, as well as an economic disadvantage for those suffering from ADHD.

It is recommended that all adults who have a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and every month after that until the symptoms are managed. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to receive psychotherapy and/or medication for the rest of their lives.