Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can provide 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, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving the communication and problem-solving abilities. Marital and family counseling can also be beneficial.

Signs and symptoms

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

Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to frustration and embarrassment. You may also feel depressed, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your issues. The first step to an assessment.

A medical professional can identify ADHD in adults by performing an extensive psychiatric examination. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as gathering information regarding your medical and psychopathological background. The doctor may inquire about the history 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 before the age of 12 and have continued to impact your life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in multiple environments, including at school, work, and in your social relationships.

If your inattention is a major issue, you could skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and fail to fulfill your responsibilities. You may be struggling with managing your health and finances and may have a hard to complete simple tasks like remembering to take medication or going to the doctor for checkups.

For people with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations worse. You could interrupt other people's conversations or utter answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness can result in risky behavior like driving too quickly or spending money recklessly.

Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to be inherited from the family, and some scientists believe that problems with your central nervous system during critical developmental phases increase the risk of developing.

Diagnosis

A health specialist who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview, a review of medical history, work or school records, family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and cause significant impairment in daily life functions.

People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with persistent issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, substance abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause confusion among family members, friends and coworkers. They might be viewed as a lazy, irresponsible person or even simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.

Women tend to be better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They may employ strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, such as frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on tools to compensate for their disorganization and lack of time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.

It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's simply a different approach to thinking and acting that can cause challenges in certain situations or environments.

Adults may exhibit different symptoms than children. 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 may have difficulty getting organized, keep track of work or school tasks and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger mental issues such as anxiety, depression or shifts in mood. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition can appear agitated and try to do several things at once, and fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people 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 do not know they have ADHD. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and daily life. Many people with ADHD suffer from more severe symptoms as their obligations increase. They can't manage all the balls that are flying working on a job and caring for their family, while also keeping up with chores at home and errands and maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A health care professional or mental health professional will assess whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members, friends, and others who know the person and a physical examination and a review of the person's medical history. The patient may be asked to complete standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to measure executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual skills.

Stimulant medication is the most common treatment for adults with ADHD. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD to focus better and manage their lives, recall important information and tasks and manage their impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, yet they can still help improve symptoms. read more 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 might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms, and how to build healthy family, school and work relationships. Some adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These studies allow scientists to learn more about the latest methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults using various assessment inventories will improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The examiner may also inquire about the history of your your child's health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator may also review your medical records and perform an examination of your physical.

Many people suffering from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like anxiety and depression, that must be treated. In fact, it's estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than other people. People with ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of consuming alcohol.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a tough to find and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health issues, such as obesity, heart disease and smoking. In addition they are more likely to have poor eating habits and have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.

In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. However the sample size was small. An expansion of the sample might provide more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has shown ADHD to be a chronic and persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and may lead to other health issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as the abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at a higher chance of being in prison and divorce, being less socioeconomically stable and more serious psychiatric problems.

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 their symptoms are managed. Adults with ADHD might need receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.