Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults might not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can open up treatment options.

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

Symptoms

You might feel that you are not performing to your full potential if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you could feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel that you can't take on the many responsibilities in front of you. You could be full-time at work, caring for aging parents or children, or taking care of household chores.

Your inability to keep up can cause embarrassment and anger. You might also feel hopeless and lose confidence. You may even feel embarrassed. If you have ADHD, it's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step in a diagnosis.

A medical professional can diagnose ADHD in adults through an extensive psychiatric examination. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining information about your medical and mental health history. The doctor might also ask you about your family 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 before age 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily life. You must also have difficulty with these behaviors in multiple settings, such as at school, work as well as in your social relationships.

You may miss appointments, make mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your responsibilities if your inattention is an issue. You may be struggling with managing your health and finances and may have a difficult to complete simple tasks, such as taking medication, or visiting the doctor for a checkup.

People who suffer from ADHD are prone to making difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions before people are finished or have difficulty waiting in line. Your impulsivity could lead to risky behaviors like driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner.

Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system at critical developmental points increase your risk for this condition.

Diagnosis

A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview as well as reviewing medical documents, school or work records as well as family medical histories and a mental health screening. A trained professional can also conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if 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 lead to chronic issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems financial or work-related stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes.

Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretations by family members, friends, and coworkers. They could be seen as a lazy, irresponsible person or even simply crazy. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more at chance of developing depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for them to receive a proper diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their impulsivity and inattention. Or they might rely on strategies and tools to make up for their poor time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.

It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a metric of intelligence or capacity. It's merely an alternative way of thinking and behave that could cause difficulties in certain situations.

In adults, it may be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms could have changed as they grew up. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.

Treatment

People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, keep track of school or work tasks and maintain healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger depression or anxiety. Hyperactive or impulsive people might appear to be agitated and they might try to accomplish a lot at once. They might not complete tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people that can cause confusion and relationships issues.

The symptoms of the disorder typically are not recognized until childhood, and many adults with the disorder do not know they have ADHD. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker, instead of battling to stay ahead in school and life. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from more severe symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They're not able to handle all the balls they have to keep up-to-date with: pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, juggling household chores and errands, as well as trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.

A health care professional or mental health professional will assess whether a person suffers from ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with family and friends, as well as other people who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric history. The person could be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD check here rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to determine executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial abilities.

Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medications. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD better focus and organize their lives, recall important information and tasks and control the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants but still improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their physician.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to manage their symptoms, and how to develop healthy family, school and work relationships. Some adults with 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 assessment of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended conversation with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your or your child's health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. They will also go through your past medical records and perform physical examination.

Many people suffering from ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders like anxiety and depression, which need to be treated. In fact, it's thought that people with ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than other people. People who suffer from ADHD also are at a higher risk of substance abuse.

Adults who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a tougher managing their finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing other health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to develop bad eating habits and to struggle to maintain and form relationships with their partners.

In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in a minor mental health clinic as children. However, the sample size was small. An expansion of the sample could have provided more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a chronic and persistent problem for adults. It has a negative impact on quality of life and can result in a variety of comorbid conditions, such as mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at an increased risk for incarceration or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status and more serious psychiatric issues.

It is recommended that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and every month after that until their symptoms are managed. Adults suffering from ADHD might require receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest of their lives.