Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult could provide possibilities for treatment.

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

Symptoms

You may feel like you are not performing to your full potential if suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you could feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel like you're unable to take on the many tasks in front of you. You could be full-time at work as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, as well as taking care of household chores.

Inability to keep up can cause embarrassment and frustration. You might also feel depressed and lose confidence. You may even feel embarrassed. It's not a problem if you have ADHD. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is to make a diagnosis.

A health professional can detect ADHD in adults by performing an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This includes talking with you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining information about your medical and mental health background. The doctor may also ask you about your family's history of 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 prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily life. You may also have issues with these behavior in multiple situations, like at school, work and in your social relationships.

If your inattention is a major issue, you could skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home and fail to fulfill your responsibilities. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances, and you might also experience difficulties with everyday tasks such as remembering to go to the doctor or take your medication.

People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or have difficulty waiting in the line. Your impulsivity might result in reckless actions, like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

According to studies the genetics and the environment are key factors in the development ADHD. The symptoms tend to be inherited from families and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase your risk for this condition.

Diagnosis

A health care specialist who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview as well as a review of medical records, school or workplace records, family medical histories, and a mental health screening. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical exam and/or tests in the laboratory to rule out other conditions that may have 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 daily life.

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

Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretations by family members, friends, and coworkers. They may be perceived as lazy, irresponsible, a bad employee or just plain crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it harder for them to receive the correct diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they use tools and techniques to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women suffering from ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they tend to have symptoms of inattention, not hyperactivity or impulsivity.

It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or ability. It's simply an alternative way of thinking and behave that can create challenges in certain situations.

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

People with undiagnosed ADHD may struggle to get organized, keep track of work or school tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger mental issues such as depression, anxiety, or shifts in mood. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition may appear restless and try to do several things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to others, leading to misunderstandings and relationship problems.

Symptoms of the disorder often go unrecognized in the early years, and a lot of adults with the disorder do not know they have ADHD. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, goof-off, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and life. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood, however, many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They're not able to manage all the balls at once such as pursuing a career or taking care of family members as well as keeping up with chores at home and errands as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A health care professional or mental health professional will assess whether a person has ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members as well as friends and family members who are familiar with the person, a physical examination, and a review a person's medical history. The person could be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to measure executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial skills.

Stimulant medication is the most commonly used treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD better focus and organize their lives, recall important information and tasks and control impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and antidepressants. They work more slow than stimulants, yet improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with certain health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor before taking stimulants.

Some adults with ADHD may benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as build healthy relationships at home, in school, and at work. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These studies help scientists discover more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience treating ADHD in adult patients typically conducts an extended interview. The evaluator may also ask about the background of your child's or your own check here health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your physical.

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

Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty to find and keep jobs. They also have a tougher time managing finances and keeping track of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing health issues, such as obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.

In one study, individuals who had ADHD who were treated in mental health facilities as children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. However, the sample size was small. A larger sample could have provided additional information about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.

Research has revealed that ADHD is a long-lasting, persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life and can cause range of comorbidities, like learning disabilities, mood disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. Untreated ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated, divorce and an economic disadvantage for those with ADHD.

It is recommended that all adults who have a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days, and then every month thereafter until their symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to receive psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives.