Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed 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 daily functioning, at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can improve communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial.

Signs and symptoms

It could be that you feel that you are not performing to your full potential if have ADHD symptoms. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult by the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You may be working full-time, caring for aging parents or children, or managing household chores.

Your difficulty keeping up can cause embarrassment, anger despair and an eroding of confidence. If you have ADHD It's not your fault. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is to make a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be performed by a medical professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining details on your mental health and medical background. The provider may ask 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 prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in two or more environments, including at school, work as well as in your social interactions.

You could miss appointments, make mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your obligations if lack of attention is a problem. You might be struggling with managing your health and finances, and you might also experience difficulties with everyday tasks like making sure you visit the doctor or take your medication.

For people with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations worse. You might interrupt conversations, answer questions after people have finished or struggle to wait in line. Your impulsivity might result in reckless actions, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to run in families and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase your chance of developing this condition.

Diagnosis

A health care professional who has an expertise in ADHD can assist people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview, reviewing medical records, school or workplace records as well as family medical histories and a mental assessment. A trained professional may also perform a physical exam or tests in the laboratory to identify other conditions that share similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and are causing significant impairments in the daily routine.

People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD may struggle all their lives with persistent issues which could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems financial or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.

Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen by others as lazy, unreliable or a bad employee. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety.

Women are generally better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. They may also use strategies and tools to make up for their poor time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD also might have trouble diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.

It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's merely an alternative way of thinking and behave that may cause problems in certain situations.

In adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because the signs may have changed 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 cause people to struggle to stay organized, complete their work and school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues such as depression or anxiety. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the disorder may seem agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at the same time, but fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people that can cause confusion and relationships issues.

ADHD is often not recognized in childhood and many adults with symptoms aren't aware that they have it. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and daily life. Many people with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms as their obligations increase. They aren't able to handle all the balls at once such as pursuing a career or taking care of family members as well as keeping up with errands and housework, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The assessment typically involves conversations with family members or friends who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric background. The patient could be asked to fill out standard ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to measure executive function and working memory as well as spatial and visual capabilities.

Stimulant medication is the most common treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, manage their lives, and retain important information. They can also control impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants but still aid in the treatment of ADHD. Patients with certain health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor before taking stimulants.

Some adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms, and how to develop healthy school, family and work relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These studies help scientists learn more about new methods to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adult patients typically conducts an lengthy interview. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the background of your your child's health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They will also look over your previous medical records and perform physical examination.

Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other medical or psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression, which must be treated. In fact, it's estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD are also at a greater risk of using drugs.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard finding and keeping jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing other health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to develop poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

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

Research has shown that ADHD is a long-lasting and persistent disorder that affects adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life and can result in a number of comorbid conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People with untreated ADHD are at a greater chance of being in prison or adhd diagnosed in adulthood divorce, as well as having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric problems.

All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy throughout their lives.