Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

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

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect everyday functioning at home, at work, and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for families and marriage can also be beneficial.

Symptoms

It could be that you feel that you're not doing enough to fulfill your full potential if suffer from ADHD symptoms. You may be overwhelmed as an adult with your obligations. You could be working full-time and caring for your children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.

Inability to keep up may cause frustration and embarrassment. You might be feeling hopeless or lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. It's not a problem when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to understand that there are solutions to overcome your difficulties. The first step is to make a diagnosis.

A medical professional can identify ADHD in adults through an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as collecting information about your medical and psychopathological 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 before the age of 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily activities. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in two or more situations, like at work, school as well as in your social relationships.

If your inattention is a major problem, you might skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your obligations. You may have trouble managing your finances and health and may have a difficult working through everyday tasks, like taking medication, or going to the doctor for a checkup.

People with 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 the line. Your impulsivity might result in risky activities, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

According to studies, genetics and environment play a major role in the development ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to run in families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase the chance of developing this condition.

Diagnosis

A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview, a review of medical history, work or school records along with family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialist may also perform a physical exam or laboratory tests to determine if there are other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment to everyday life activities.

People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with chronic difficulties that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems financial or work-related stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.

Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen by others as lazy, unreliable or a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it harder for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their inattentiveness and impulsivity. Or they might use strategies and tools to compensate for their poor time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.

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

For adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms could have changed over time as they grew up. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.

Treatment

People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might struggle to stay organized, stay on top of school or work tasks and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues like depression or anxiety. Hyperactive or impulsive people might appear to be agitated and they may try to do a variety of things at once. They may not be able to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or relationship issues.

ADHD is often not recognized as a child, and a lot of adults with the symptoms aren't aware that they have it. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and daily life. As the demands of adulthood increase however, many who have ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They're not able to 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, and maintaining social and romantic relationships.

A health care professional or mental health professional will assess whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment typically involves conversations with family members, friends and others who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical and mental health history. The person may be asked to complete standard ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to measure executive function and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.

Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD better focus, organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks, and manage impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work slow than stimulants, yet improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants who suffer from certain medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor.

Some adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to get diagnosed with adhd adult to manage their symptoms and to establish healthy school, family and workplace relationships. A few adults with ADHD will also be part of clinical trials. These studies help scientists learn more about the latest methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience treating ADHD in adults typically conducts an extended interview. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the history of your or your child's health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she will also review your past medical records and conduct a physical exam.

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

Adults with ADHD have a tough finding and keeping a job. They also have a difficult time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and struggle to maintain and form romantic relationships.

In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health facilities as children were diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. However the size of the sample was small. A larger sample could provide additional details about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.

Research has revealed that ADHD is a persistent and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative effect on quality of living and lead to other conditions like mood disorders learning disabilities, and the abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who diagnosed adhd are not treated for ADHD are at a greater chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious mental health issues.

It is recommended that all adults with new diagnoses or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and every month after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults suffering from ADHD may require to receive psychotherapy and/or medication for the rest of their lives.