Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult can provide 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 your daily activities, whether at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can also be helpful.

Symptoms

It could be that you feel that you are not performing to your full potential if have ADHD symptoms. You might be overwhelmed as an adult by your responsibilities. You could be full-time at work as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, and managing household chores.

Your inability to keep up can cause embarrassment and anger. You may also feel depressed or lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD it's not your fault. It's important to understand that there are ways to overcome your difficulties. The first step in an assessment.

A health care professional can detect ADHD in adults through an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves talking to you about symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining details on your mental health and medical background. The provider may ask 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 occurred before the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You must also be experiencing difficulty with these behaviors at the very least in two different settings such as school, work and social interactions.

If your inattention is a major problem, you might be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home, and not be able to meet your responsibilities. You may be struggling with managing your finances and health and may have a hard working through everyday tasks, like remembering to take medication or visiting the doctor for a checkup.

For people with ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations even worse. You may disrupt conversations with others or utter answers to questions before they're finished or have trouble waiting your turn in line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to run in the family, and some researchers believe that problems with your central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase the risk of developing.

Diagnosis

A health care professional with an expertise in ADHD can assist those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview, a review of medical records, school or workplace records as well as family medical histories and a mental health screening. A specialized professional may conduct physical examinations or lab tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and result in significant impairment of daily life functions.

People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with ongoing issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, 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 and criticized by family members, friends and coworkers. They may be viewed by others as lazy, unreliable or a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, for example the frequent distractions and daydreaming or use tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.

It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's just a different behavior and way of thinking that can cause challenges in certain situations or environments.

Adults may exhibit different symptoms as children. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.

Treatment

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay organized, complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. The symptoms can also affect everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues such as anxiety or depression. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition may appear restless and try to do several things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which can cause confusion or relationship issues.

ADHD is usually not acknowledged in the early years and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder are unaware that they have it. They may have been described as a goof-off, dreamer, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and life. Many people with ADHD suffer from more severe symptoms more info as their responsibilities increase. They aren't able to handle all the balls at once working on a job and caring for their family as well as keeping up with chores at home and errands as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A health care provider or mental health professional will assess whether a person suffers from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members or friends who know the person, a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical history. The person may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to test executive and working memory as well as visual and spatial capabilities.

Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD better focus, organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks, and control impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants but still improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with particular health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms and to develop healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults suffering from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about the latest methods to identify, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in treating ADHD in adult patients typically conducts an extended interview. The examiner will also inquire with you about your the child's previous health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They will also look over your previous medical records and perform an examination of your body.

Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety that must be treated. It is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six-times more likely to experience mood disorders. People with ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of using drugs.

Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulty to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a harder managing finances and keeping track of household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health issues, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

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

Research has proven ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent problem for adults. It has a negative impact on the quality of life and can cause number of comorbid conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities and alcohol and drug abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a higher risk for incarceration and divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric issues.

All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest their lives.