Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult could give treatment options.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be a major hindrance with your daily life at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Family and marital counseling can also be helpful.

Symptoms

If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD, it may seem as if you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you could feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel you're unable take on the many responsibilities in front of you. You may be full-time at work or caring for elderly parents or children, as well as taking care of household chores.

Your inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and frustration. You may also feel hopeless, lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. 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 issues. The first step is a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric examination can be performed by a health care professional to determine ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as gathering information about your medical and mental health history. The doctor may inquire 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 been present prior to the age of 12 and continue affecting your life. You should also be having difficulty with these behaviors at the very least in two different environments, including school, work and social interactions.

You may miss appointments, make careless errors at work or home, and fail to fulfill your obligations if your inattention is a problem. You might have difficulty managing your finances and health and may have a hard to complete simple tasks like making sure you take your medication on time or visiting the doctor for a checkup.

For those with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make stressful situations worse. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before others are done or have trouble waiting in line. Your impulsiveness could lead to risky activities, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be passed down through families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase your chance of developing this condition.

Diagnosis

A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults with symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview and a review of medical background, school or work records as well as family medical history. a mental health screening. A specialized professional also may perform a physical exam or tests in the laboratory to determine if there are other conditions that share similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at least six months and cause significant impairment in daily life functions.

Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to chronic issues which could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems financial or work-related stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents.

Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and colleagues. They may be viewed by others as lazy, irresponsible or as a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. They may employ strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, for example the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on devices to help them cope with their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to experience inattentive symptoms rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.

It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's simply a different way to think and behave that could cause problems in certain situations.

In adults, it may be difficult to identify ADHD because the signs may have changed over time as they became older. However, the signs of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.

Treatment

People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD might struggle to stay organized, keep track of school or work tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like depression, anxiety or shifts in mood. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition may appear restless and attempt to complete multiple things at once, and fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to others, leading to misunderstandings and relationship problems.

Symptoms of the disorder often go unrecognized in the early years, and a lot of adults with them aren't aware of ADHD. They may have been described as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker instead of struggling to keep up in school and daily life. As the demands of adulthood increase However, many people who suffer from ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying to keep in the air--pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and working on social and romantic relationships.

A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes conversations with family members and friends, as well as other people who are familiar with the person and a website physical examination, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric history. The person may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to test executive and working memory as well as visual and spatial capabilities.

Stimulant medication is the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, organize their lives and remember important information. They also help control impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants but still aid in the treatment of ADHD. Before taking stimulants who suffer from certain health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor.

Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to manage their symptoms and to develop healthy school, family and workplace relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD will also be part of clinical trials. These studies help scientists learn more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the likelihood of a misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an extended interview. The examiner will also inquire with you about your the child's previous health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They could also review your medical records and conduct a physical examination.

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

Adults with ADHD have a hard to find and keep a job. They also have a difficult time managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.

In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in a minor mental health clinic when they were children. However the size of the sample was small. An enlargement of the sample would have provided more details about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has revealed that ADHD is a chronic permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of living and lead to other conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as the abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at an increased risk of being incarcerated, divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric issues.

It is advised that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and monthly thereafter until their symptoms are controlled. Adults with ADHD may require receiving psychotherapy or medication for the rest of their lives.