Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can open up treatment options.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should significantly interfere with your daily life at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial.

Symptoms

If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD, it may seem that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel that you can't take on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You could be working full-time as a caregiver for children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.

Your difficulty keeping up can cause embarrassment, anger, hopelessness and a loss of confidence. It's not your problem in the event that you suffer from ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step in the process of diagnosing.

A health professional can diagnose ADHD in adults through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists, and gathering information on your mental and medical background. The doctor might also ask you to provide information 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 the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You must also be having issues with these behavior issues at least in two different situations such as school, work and social interactions.

You may miss appointments, make erroneous mistakes at home or at work and not be able to meet your obligations if your 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 making sure you visit the doctor or take your medication.

In people with ADHD who have ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations more difficult. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or have difficulty waiting in lines. Your impulsivity could lead to risky behaviors, such as driving too fast 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 run in the family, and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system during crucial developmental stages increase the risk of developing.

Diagnosis

A health professional who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview, a review of medical background, school or work records along with family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical examination or lab tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant impairment in everyday life activities.

Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can lead to long-term problems which could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents.

Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to confusion among family members, friends and colleagues. They could be perceived by others as lazy, irresponsible or even a poor employee. In addition, people who have undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression.

Women tend to be better in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to disguise their impulsivity and inattention. They may also use methods and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattention symptoms.

It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's merely a different way to think and behave that can create challenges in certain situations.

In adults, it may be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms may have changed over time as they became older. Adults with ADHD still fit 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 organized and complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. Symptoms also can interfere with everyday functioning and lead to emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, or changes in mood. Hyperactive or impulsive people might appear to be agitated and they may try to do a variety of things at the same time. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to others which can lead to miscommunications and problems with relationships.

The symptoms of the disorder typically remain unnoticed in the early years, and a lot of adults who have them don't know they have ADHD. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker, instead of struggling to keep up in school and daily life. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from increasing symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're unable to handle all the balls they have to keep in the air--pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, juggling chores and household chores, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.

A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a patient has ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the person, a physical examination, and a review a person's medical history. The patient may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to assess executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.

Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant drugs. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD improve their focus and organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks, and control an impulsive behaviour. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or antidepressants. They work more slowly than stimulants but still improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants who suffer from certain medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their physician.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to manage their symptoms, and how to get a diagnosis for adhd to build healthy school, family and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults with ADHD. These studies help scientists learn more about new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended discussion with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the background of your your child's health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she could also review your medical records and perform an examination of your physical.

Many people with ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, that must be treated. In fact, it is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD also have a higher risk of consuming alcohol.

Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulty to get and keep jobs. They also have difficulty managing finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to have poor eating habits and experience difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, those who had ADHD who were treated in mental health services as children were Diagnosed adhd with ADHD in adulthood. However the size of the sample was small. An expansion of the sample would have provided more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.

Research has revealed that ADHD is a chronic, persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and can lead to other issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as the abuse of alcohol and drugs. If left untreated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration or divorce, as well as a lower social economic status for people with ADHD.

All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial 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.