Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may offer 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 activities at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.

Symptoms

If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it could appear like you're failing to live up to your potential. As an adult, you may be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel that you can't get a handle on the many responsibilities in front of you. You could be working full time, caring for children or an aging parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.

Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to frustration and embarrassment. You might be feeling hopeless or lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. If you have ADHD It's not your fault. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your issues. The first step to a diagnosis.

A health professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by performing an extensive psychiatric examination. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as collecting details about your medical and mental health background. The doctor may inquire about the background of adhd Diagnosis And coping 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 age 12 and continue to interfere with your daily life. You may also have issues with these behavior in multiple environments, including at work, school as well as in your social relationships.

If your inattention is a serious issue, you may miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. You might have difficulty managing your finances and health and may have a difficult time with simple tasks, such as remembering to take medication or going to the doctor for a checkup.

For those with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even worse. You might disrupt conversations with others and spit out answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in line. Your impulsivity could 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 play a major role in the development ADHD. The symptoms tend to be passed down through families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase the chances of developing this disorder.

Diagnosis

A health care specialist who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate adults with symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview, a review of medical history, school or work records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for six months or more, and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.

People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with chronic difficulties that could have been avoided or treated. This can cause to depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, substance abuse, and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents.

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause confusion among family members, friends and coworkers. They may be perceived as irresponsible, lazy or even simply crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression.

Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it harder for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They might use strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, for example frequent distractions and daydreaming, or use tools to make up for their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women with ADHD also might have trouble identifying their own symptoms as they tend to have symptoms of inattention, not hyperactivity or impulsivity.

It's important to remember that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or capability. It's merely an alternative way of thinking and behaving that can cause challenges in certain situations or environments.

Adults may have 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 and complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. Symptoms also can interfere with everyday functioning and lead to mental issues such as anxiety, depression or changes in mood. People who are hyperactive or impulsive might appear to be agitated and they might try to do many things simultaneously. They may fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people that can cause confusion and problems with relationships.

ADHD is often not recognized as a child, and a lot of adults with symptoms aren't aware that they have it. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, a snob, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and life. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from more severe symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They aren't able to handle all the balls in the air working on a job and caring for their family as well as keeping up with chores at home and errands and maintaining social and romantic relationships.

A health care provider or mental health professional will assess whether a person is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with relatives or friends who know the person well as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric history. The person could also be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological testing may be done to measure working memory, executive function, and visual and spatial skills.

Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD to focus better and organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks and control the impulsive behavior. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants or atomoxetine, may also be used to treat ADHD. They are more slowly than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Patients with certain health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Some adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching, individual therapy group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how can i get diagnosed with adhd to manage their symptoms and to establish healthy school, family and work relationships. Some adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in treating ADHD in adult patients will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your child's or your own health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator could also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical.

Many people with ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, such depression and anxiety, which require treatment. It is estimated that those who suffer from ADHD are six-times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a greater risk of substance abuse.

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

In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health services as children. However, the sample size was very small. An expansion of the sample could have provided more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.

Research has proven ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of living and can lead to other issues like mood disorders learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. If not treated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration, divorce and an economic disadvantage for people with ADHD.

All adults who have uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.