Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an Adult Diagnosis adhd could open up 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, home and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem-solving skills. Counseling for families and marriage can also be beneficial.

Symptoms

It could be that you feel that you are not performing to your full potential if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you may feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel you're unable take on the many tasks in front of you. You could be working full-time or caring for elderly parents or children, or taking care of household chores.

Your difficulty in keeping up may lead to embarrassment, frustration despair and an eroding of confidence. It's not an issue when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to understand that there are solutions to overcome your issues. The first step is a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric examination can be performed by a health specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining information about your mental and medical background. The doctor may also ask you about your family 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 occurred before the age of 12 and continue affecting your life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in multiple environments, including at school, work and in your social relationships.

You may miss appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or home and not be able to meet your obligations if inattention is a problem. You might have trouble managing your finances and health, and you might also experience problems with tasks that are simple such as remembering to visit the doctor or take your medication.

People who suffer from ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or struggle to wait in line. Your impulsivity might result in risky activities, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be inherited from families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the risk for this condition.

Diagnosis

A health specialist who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview, a review of medical background, school or work records as well as family medical history. an assessment of mental health. A trained professional can conduct physical examinations and/or lab tests to rule other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed adhd with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months and result in significant impairment of daily life functions.

Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead depression, family problems and financial stress as well as work-related stress, addiction to drugs, and even serious accidents like motor crashes.

Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen by others as irresponsible, lazy or a bad 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 harder to get the correct diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Sometimes, they use tools and techniques to make up for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they tend to have symptoms of inattention, not an impulsive or hyperactivity.

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

Adults may experience different symptoms in comparison to children. However, 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

Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay on track, complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or changes in mood. People who are hyperactive or impulsive can appear agitated, and they might try to accomplish a lot simultaneously. They may fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and relationships issues.

ADHD is usually not acknowledged in the early years and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder are not aware of it. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker, instead of battling to stay ahead in school and everyday life. As the demands of adulthood increase, however, many people who have ADHD notice their symptoms getting worse. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying keep in the air--pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, juggling household chores and errands, as well as working on social and romantic relationships.

A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a patient has ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with family or friends who know the person well and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and mental health history. The patient may be asked to fill out standard ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to determine executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual skills.

Stimulant medications are the most commonly used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They also help control impulsive behaviors. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They are more slowly than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. People who have certain health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure must consult with their doctor before taking stimulants.

Some adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to manage their symptoms and to establish healthy school, family and workplace relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These trials allow scientists to learn more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of ADHD for adults using various assessment inventories will improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your child's or your own health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also look over your previous medical records and conduct an examination of your body.

Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of substance abuse.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a difficult to find and keep a job. They also have a difficult managing their finances and juggling household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and are more likely to have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.

In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in a minor mental health clinic as children. However, the sample size was very small. A larger sample could have provided more information about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.

Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a persistent and persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and can lead where to get diagnosed with add other issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at an increased chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric problems.

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