Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult can give treatment options.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must significantly interfere with your daily life at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving the communication and problem-solving abilities. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.

Signs and symptoms

If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD, it may seem that you're not living up to your potential. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult due to your obligations. You may be working full time and caring for your children or an elderly parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.

Your difficulty keeping up can cause embarrassment, anger, hopelessness and the loss of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD It's not your fault. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be performed by a medical professional to determine ADHD in adults. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists, and collecting information about your medical and psychiatric history. The provider may also inquire 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 been present before the age of 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily life. You must also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at the very least in two different settings such as school, work and social interactions.

If your inattention is a serious issue, you could miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your responsibilities. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances and you might also experience difficulties with everyday tasks such as remembering to visit the doctor or take your medication.

People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations, answer questions after people have finished or have trouble waiting in lines. Your impulsive behavior could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

According to research the genetics and the environment play a major role in the development ADHD. Symptoms tend to be inherited from families and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder.

Diagnosis

A health care specialist who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate those who have symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview and a review of medical history, work or school records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A trained professional may also perform a physical exam or tests in the laboratory to identify other conditions that share similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for six months or more and are causing significant impairments in the daily routine.

People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with persistent issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems, financial stress or work-related stress, substance abuse, and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.

Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to confusion among family members, friends and coworkers. They may be perceived as a lazy, irresponsible person, a bad employee or simply crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression.

Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, such as frequent distractions and daydreaming, or use tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and ineffective time management. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.

It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or ability. It's just an alternative way of thinking and behave that may cause problems 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

Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay organized, complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. The symptoms can also affect everyday functioning and lead to emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, or mood swings. People who are hyperactive or impulsive might appear to be agitated and may attempt to do a variety of things simultaneously. They might not finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people that can cause confusion and relationship problems.

ADHD is not often recognized in childhood and many adults suffering from the disorder aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life they might have been labeled an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people with adhd adult diagnosis have increasing symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They can't manage all the balls in the air - pursuing a career and taking care of family members as well as keeping up with errands and housework, as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if someone has ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the person and a physical examination and a review of a person's medical history. The patient may also be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to assess executive function, working memory and spatial and visual abilities.

Stimulant drugs are the most commonly used treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also control impulse-driven behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slow than stimulants, yet help improve the symptoms of ADHD. People who have certain health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.

Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, undiagnosed self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to manage their symptoms and to build healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults with ADHD. These studies aid scientists in learning more about new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the chance of misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended discussion with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your or your child's health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your body.

Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental or physical disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which need to be treated. In fact, it is thought that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People who suffer from ADHD also are at a higher risk of using drugs.

Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a difficult managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing other health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health facilities as children. The sample size was small. A larger sample could have provided more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has shown ADHD to be a persistent and persistent disorder among adults. It has a negative effect on quality of life and can cause range of comorbidities, including learning disabilities, mood disorders and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People with untreated ADHD are at a greater chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric issues.

It is advised that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days, and then every month after that until the symptoms are controlled. Adults with ADHD may need to continue to receive psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.