Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could provide treatment options.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must interfere with everyday functioning at home, work and in social settings. Talk therapy can aid in improving the communication and problem-solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.

Signs and symptoms

You might feel that you're not living up to your full potential when you suffer from ADHD symptoms. You may be overwhelmed as an adult by 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.

Your inability to keep up can cause frustration and embarrassment. You may also feel hopeless or lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. If you have ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to recognize that there are solutions to overcome your challenges. The first step is a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric examination can be performed by a medical professional to determine ADHD in adults. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists, and gathering information regarding your medical and psychopathological 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 occurred prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily activities. You may also have issues with these behaviors in multiple environments, including at work, school and in your social relationships.

If your inattention is a serious issue, you may be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a hard to complete simple tasks like making sure you take your medication on time or visiting the doctor for a checkup.

People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You may disrupt conversations with others, blurt out answers to questions before you're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsive behavior could lead to reckless actions, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be inherited from families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase your chance of developing this condition.

Diagnosis

A health professional who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate adults with symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview and review of medical history, school or work records along with family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to identify other conditions that share similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must be present for at least six months and cause significant impairment to daily life functions.

People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with ongoing issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family issues and financial stress, as well as work-related issues as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.

Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen by others as irresponsible, lazy or a poor employee. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression.

Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it harder to get an accurate diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they use methods and tools to compensate for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women suffering from ADHD also might have trouble diagnosing their own symptoms, as they tend to have symptoms of inattention, not hyperactivity or impulsivity.

It's important to keep it in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's simply an alternative approach to thinking and acting that can cause challenges in certain situations or settings.

Adults may exhibit different symptoms as children. However, the signs of ADHD in adults still match the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.

Treatment

People with undiagnosed ADHD may struggle to get adhd diagnosis 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 such as depression or anxiety. Hyperactive or impulsive people may appear restless, and may attempt to accomplish a lot simultaneously. They might not complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and relationship problems.

ADHD is often not recognized in the early years and a lot of adults with the symptoms are not aware of it. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, a snob, slacker or troublemaker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and everyday life. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from increasing symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They aren't able to handle all the balls in the air such as pursuing a career or taking care of family members as well as keeping up with housework and errands, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a person has ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with relatives and friends, as well as other people who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and checklist a review of a person's medical and psychiatric background. The patient may also be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests are used to assess executive and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.

Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant medications. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD improve their focus, organize their lives, recall important information and tasks, and manage their an impulsive behaviour. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slow than stimulants, yet improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure should talk to their doctor.

Some adults suffering from ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to manage their symptoms and to develop healthy family, school and work relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies help scientists learn more about the latest methods to identify, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended conversation with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator will also ask you about your or children's health history as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also go through your past medical records and perform physical examination.

Many people suffering from ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety that need to be treated. It is estimated that those who have ADHD are six-times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also are at a higher risk of using drugs.

Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have difficulty to get and keep jobs. They also have difficulty managing their finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at risk of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and are more likely to have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, individuals who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as young children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. However, the sample size was small. A larger sample could provide more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.

Research has proven ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life and can cause range of comorbidities, including learning disabilities, mood disorders and abuse of alcohol and drugs. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated, divorce and a lower social economic status for people with ADHD.

It is advised that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days, and then every month after that until the symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.