Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult may give options for treatment.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should affect your daily activities, whether at home, at work, and socially. Talk therapy can aid in improving the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Counseling for families and marriage can also be helpful.

Symptoms

If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it may seem that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel like you're unable to manage the many tasks in front of you. You may be working full time and caring for your children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.

Your inability to keep up with the pace can result in embarrassment, frustration despair, and an eroding of confidence. If you have ADHD It's not your fault. It's important to recognize that there are ways to overcome your difficulties. The first step is to make a diagnosis.

A health care professional can detect ADHD in adults by conducting a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as collecting information about your medical and mental health background. The provider may 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 been present before the age of 12 and continue to interfere with your daily life. You must also be having difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different settings, including school, work and social interactions.

If your inattention is a significant issue, you could skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and not be able to meet your responsibilities. You might have trouble managing your health and finances, and you could also be having problems with tasks that are simple like making sure you visit the doctor or take your medication.

People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or have difficulty waiting in line. Your impulsiveness can result in risky behavior, such as driving too fast or spending money in reckless ways.

According to studies that have been conducted, environment and genetics are key factors in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to run in the family, and some scientists believe that issues with your central nervous system during critical developmental stages increase your risk.

Diagnosis

A health professional who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults with symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview, a review of medical history, work or school records along with family medical history and a mental health screening. A trained professional can also conduct a physical examination and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. A diagnosis adhd adults of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more, and are causing significant impairments in daily life.

Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can cause chronic problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause to depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents like motor crashes.

Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen by others as lazy, irresponsible or a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.

Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it harder to get a proper diagnosis. They may employ strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, for example the frequent distractions and daydreaming or rely on tools to compensate for their disorganization and lack of time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.

It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's simply a different way of thinking and behaving that could cause difficulties in certain settings or situations.

In adults, it may be difficult to determine ADHD because the signs may have changed as they developed. However, the symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria set forth 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 diagnosed with adhd in adulthood organized, stay on top of school or work obligations and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues such as depression or anxiety. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition may appear restless and try to do several things at once, and fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to others, leading to misunderstandings and relationships issues.

Symptoms of the disorder often go unrecognized in the early years, and a lot of adults with the disorder don't know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in their studies and daily life they may be viewed as a dreamer or a slacker. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience worsening symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying to keep on top of - pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, juggling housework and errands, 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 assessment typically involves discussions with relatives, friends and others who know the person well and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and mental health history. The person may be asked to complete standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to measure executive function, working memory and spatial and visual skills.

Stimulant medication is the most frequently used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD improve their focus and organize their lives, recall important information and tasks, and control the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slow than stimulants, yet help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants with certain health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to get diagnosed with adhd as a woman to manage their symptoms, and how to establish healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults with ADHD. These trials allow scientists to discover more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults using several assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner will also inquire with you about your or your child’s past health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also review your past medical records and conduct a physical exam.

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

Adults with ADHD have a hard to find and keep a job. They also have a difficult time managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing health issues, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. In addition they are more likely to have 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 minor mental health services as children. However, the sample size was small. A larger sample could have provided more details about the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in patients with other psychiatric disorders.

Research has shown ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of living and may lead to other health issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, and the abuse of alcohol and drugs. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status for those suffering from ADHD.

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