Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult can give possibilities for treatment.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must affect everyday functioning at home, at work, and in social settings. Talk therapy can improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.

Symptoms

If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it could appear that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel you're unable manage the many tasks in front 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 inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and frustration. You might also feel hopeless or lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. It's not an issue if you have ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is to make a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric examination can be utilized by a health care professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This includes talking with you about symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining information about your medical and mental health background. The doctor may also inquire 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 age 12 and continue to affect your life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in multiple settings, such as at school, work as well as in your social interactions.

If your inattention is a significant issue, you may be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your obligations. You might have difficulty managing your finances and health and may have a hard time with simple tasks, such as taking medication, or visiting the doctor for checkups.

In people with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make stressful situations worse. You might interrupt conversations, answer questions before others are done or have difficulty waiting in lines. Your impulsiveness can lead to risky behaviors like driving too quickly or spending money in reckless ways.

Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to run in families and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder.

Diagnosis

A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview as well as reviewing medical documents, school or work records, family medical histories, and a mental screening. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam or lab tests to rule out other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment in daily life functions.

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

Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to confusion among family members, friends, and coworkers. They may be viewed by others as lazy, unreliable or a bad employee. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more at chance of developing depression and anxiety.

Women are generally better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to get a proper diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, for example constant distractions and daydreaming or rely on devices to help them cope with their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD also might have trouble in recognizing their own symptoms since they tend to have inattentive symptoms rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.

It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's merely an alternative way of thinking and behave that can create difficulties in certain situations.

Adults may experience different symptoms in comparison to children. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.

Treatment

Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay on track, complete their work and school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and lead to mental issues such as depression, anxiety, or changes in mood. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the disorder may seem agitated and try to do several things at once, failing to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people that can cause confusion and relationship problems.

ADHD is often not recognized in childhood and many adults suffering from the disorder are not aware of it. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and daily life. As responsibilities increase in adulthood However, many people who suffer from ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They are unable to manage all the balls they have to keep on top of - pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, juggling household chores and errands, as well as trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.

A health care provider or mental health professional will determine whether a person has ADHD. The evaluation usually includes conversations with family members, friends and others who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and mental health history. The patient may be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to measure working memory and executive function as well as spatial and visual abilities.

Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD to focus better, organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks and manage the impulsive behavior. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, yet still improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants with certain health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor.

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 and to build healthy relationships at home, at school, and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults with ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about how to get an adhd diagnosis as an adult 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 likelihood of a misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator will also ask you questions about your child’s past health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical.

Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other psychiatric or medical conditions like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. It is estimated that people who have ADHD are six times more likely to experience mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.

Adults who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a harder time managing finances and keeping track of household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing 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 romantic relationships.

In one study, adults were diagnosed Adhd with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health services when they were children. The sample size was not large. A larger sample size could provide additional details about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.

Research has proven that ADHD is a chronic and persistent disorder that affects adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life and can cause number of comorbid conditions including mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a higher chance of being in prison and divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious mental health issues.

Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may require to receive psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.