Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may provide treatment options.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must affect your daily activities, whether at work, home and in social settings. Talk therapy can improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial.

Symptoms

If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it may seem that you're not living up to your potential. You might be overwhelmed as an adult by the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You might be working full time and caring for your children or an aging parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.

Your inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and frustration. You may be feeling hopeless or lose confidence, or even be 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 a diagnosis.

A health care professional can detect ADHD in adults through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists, and collecting information regarding your medical and psychiatric history. The provider may ask about the background 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 multiple situations, like at work, school and in your social interactions.

You may be late for appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or home and not be able to meet your obligations if your lack of attention is a problem. You might have trouble managing your health and finances and you might also experience difficulties with everyday tasks such as making sure you visit the doctor or taking your medication.

In people with ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make stressful situations more difficult. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions before others are done or struggle to wait in the line. Your impulsiveness could cause risky actions like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

According to studies that have been conducted, environment and genetics are key factors in the development ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD typically run in the family, and some scientists believe that problems with your central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase the risk of developing.

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 as well as reviewing medical records, school or workplace records, family medical histories, and a mental screening. A trained professional can also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months and result in significant impairment of everyday activities.

Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues, work-related or financial stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.

Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by friends, relatives and coworkers. They may be viewed by others as lazy, unreliable or even a bad employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater chance of developing depression and anxiety.

Women are generally better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to get a proper diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to disguise their inattentiveness and impulsivity. They may also use methods and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to experience symptoms of inattention, not an impulsive or hyperactivity.

It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capability. It's simply an alternative way of thinking and behaving that could cause difficulties in certain situations or settings.

Adults may experience different symptoms than 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 people to struggle to stay organized, complete their work and school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. Symptoms also can interfere with daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or shifts in mood. People with hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the disorder may seem agitated and may try to accomplish several things at the same time, but fail to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people that can cause confusion and relationships issues.

Symptoms of the disorder often are not recognized until childhood, and many adults with them do not know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and everyday life they might have been labeled either a dreamer or a slacker. Many people with ADHD have worsening symptoms as their obligations increase. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying keep in the air--pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, keeping up with household chores and errands, as well as working on social and romantic relationships.

A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person has ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with relatives or friends who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric history. The patient may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological testing can be used to determine executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial skills.

Stimulant drugs are the most frequently used treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD better focus and manage their lives, remember important information and tasks and manage impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants but still help improve the symptoms of ADHD. People who have certain health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Some adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to get diagnosed with adhd adults to manage their symptoms and to develop healthy family, school and work relationships. Some adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to learn more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults using several assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with experience in treating ADHD in adults typically conducts an extended interview. The evaluation will also ask you questions about children's health history, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she will also review your past medical records and conduct an examination of your body.

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

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard time finding and keeping jobs. They also have a tougher managing their finances and keeping track of household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health services when they were children. However the sample size was very small. An enlargement of the sample would provide more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative effect on quality of living and may lead to other health issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, as well as addiction to alcohol and other drugs. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of incarceration and divorce as well as a lower social economic status for those with ADHD.

Adults with uncontrolled adhd in Adults diagnostic criteria symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be evaluated within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest of their lives.