Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may have unrecognized ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult may 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 significantly interfere with your daily activities at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem-solving skills. Counseling for family and marriage can be beneficial.

Symptoms

If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it might seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult with the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You might be full-time at work or caring for elderly parents or children, and managing household chores.

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

A thorough psychiatric assessment can be performed by a health care specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptom checklists, and collecting details about your medical and psychiatric background. The provider may also ask you about the history of your family members with 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 occurred before the age of 12 and have continued to impact your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in two or more situations, like at work, school and in your social relationships.

You could miss appointments, make mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your responsibilities if your inattention is a problem. You may have difficulty managing your finances and health, and you may also have difficulties with everyday tasks such as remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication.

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

Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to be passed down through the family, and some researchers believe that problems with your central nervous system at critical developmental stages increase your risk.

Diagnosis

A health care professional who has a specialization in ADHD can help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview, an examination of medical records, school or workplace records as well as family medical histories and a mental health screening. A specialist may also conduct a physical exam and/or tests in the laboratory to identify other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to be get diagnosed with adhd with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and result in significant impairment of daily life functions.

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

Many people who are not get diagnosed with add with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and colleagues. They might be viewed as irresponsible, lazy or a poor employee, or just plain crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis adult adhd. They might use distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. They may also use strategies and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.

It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of intelligence. It's merely an altered behavior and way of thinking that could cause difficulties in certain situations or settings.

Adults may have different symptoms than children. Adults with ADHD still meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.

Treatment

Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay on track, complete their work and school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. The symptoms can also affect everyday functioning and lead to emotional problems such as depression, anxiety or changes in mood. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the disorder may seem agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at once, failing to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people, leading to misunderstandings and relationships issues.

Symptoms of the disorder often go unrecognized in childhood, and many adults with them don't know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and everyday life, they may be viewed as either a dreamer or a slacker. As the demands of adulthood increase however, many who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They are unable to manage all the balls they have to keep in the air--pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, keeping up with chores and household chores, and working on social and romantic relationships.

A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with relatives, friends and others who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and mental health history. The person may be asked to fill out standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to measure executive function and working memory as well as spatial and visual capabilities.

Stimulant medication is the most common treatment for adults with ADHD. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD improve their focus and organize their lives, recall important information and tasks, and manage the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants, but they can aid in the treatment of ADHD. Patients with certain health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor before taking stimulants.

Some adults with ADHD will benefit from behavioral therapy, coaching group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms, and how to establish healthy school, family and work relationships. A few adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical studies. These studies help scientists learn more about new ways to identify, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended discussion with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner will also inquire with you questions about your child’s past health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They will also review your past medical records and conduct a physical exam.

Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which need to be treated. It is estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely to be suffering from mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.

Adults with ADHD often find it difficult to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a harder time managing finances and staying on top of household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health problems, including obesity, heart disease and smoking. Additionally they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and experience difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in a minor mental health clinic as children. The sample size was not large. A larger sample could provide more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.

Research has shown ADHD to be a persistent and persistent problem for adults. It can have a negative effect on quality of living and may lead to other health issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, addiction to alcohol and other drugs. If not treated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated and divorce as well as a lower social economic status for those with ADHD.

All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.