Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may have unrecognized 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 affect daily functioning, at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication and problem-solving abilities. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.

Symptoms

If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD, it may seem that you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel you're unable manage the numerous tasks ahead of you. You may be working full-time, caring for children or an aging parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.

Your inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and anger. You may also feel depressed and lose confidence. You may even be embarrassed. It's not an issue when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to realize that there are ways to overcome your difficulties. The first step in a diagnosis.

A medical professional can identify ADHD in adults by performing an extensive psychiatric examination. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as collecting details about your medical and psychiatric background. The doctor might also ask you to provide information 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 been present prior to the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You must also be having difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different situations such as school, work and social interactions.

If your inattention is a significant problem, you might skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and not be able to meet your obligations. You may have difficulty managing your finances and health, and you might also experience difficulties with everyday tasks such as remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication.

For people with ADHD, the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations even more difficult. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or have difficulty waiting in the line. Your impulsivity could result in risky behavior, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

According to studies the genetics and the environment play a significant role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the chance of developing this condition.

Diagnosis

A health care specialist who is specialized in ADHD can help evaluate adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview as well as reviewing medical documents, school or work records and family medical histories and a mental assessment. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical exam and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment to everyday life activities.

People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with persistent issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems financial or work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes.

Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by friends, relatives and coworkers. They may be perceived as irresponsible, lazy or even simply crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed Adhd diagnosis adults are at greater risk for anxiety and depression.

Women are generally better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their impulsivity and inattention. Or they might rely on tools and techniques to help them overcome their lack of time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they tend to have symptoms of inattention, not hyperactivity or impulsivity.

It's important to understand that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capability. It's just an altered way of thinking and behave that could cause problems in certain situations.

Adults may experience different symptoms as 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 cause people to struggle to stay organized and complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. These symptoms can affect daily functioning, and cause emotional issues like anxiety or depression. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the condition may appear restless and try to do several things at the same time, but fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, leading to misunderstandings and relationship problems.

diagnosing adhd in adults is often not recognized as a child, and a lot of adults with the symptoms are unaware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in their studies and daily life they may be viewed as an overachiever or a dreamer. As responsibilities increase in adulthood however, many who have ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. 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, keeping up with housework and errands, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.

A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. The assessment usually involves discussions with relatives or friends who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, 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 tests are used to test executive function and working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.

Stimulant drugs are the most commonly used treatment for adults with ADHD. They boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD focus better, manage their lives, and retain important information. They can also control impulsive behaviors. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work slowly than stimulants, but they can help improve the symptoms of ADHD. Before taking stimulants, those who suffer from certain health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults to manage their ADHD symptoms as well as develop healthy relationships at home, at school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults who suffer from ADHD. These trials allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults using several assessment tools will increase the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize the chance of misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in treating ADHD in adult patients typically conducts an lengthy interview. The examiner will also inquire with you about your or your child’s past health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They might also look over your medical records and conduct a physical examination.

Many people with ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety, which need to be treated. In fact, it's believed that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to have mood disorders than others. People with ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of consuming alcohol.

Adults who suffer from ADHD often find it difficult to find and keep jobs. They also have a tougher managing finances and juggling household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing other health issues, including heart disease, obesity and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to have poor eating habits and experience difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, individuals with ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as children were diagnosed with ADHD as they grew older. However, the sample size was small. A larger sample size could have provided more details about the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.

Research has revealed that ADHD is a long-lasting and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative effect on the quality of life and can lead to other issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, addiction to alcohol and other drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a higher risk of being incarcerated and divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric problems.

It is recommended that all adults who have a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days and monthly after that until their symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.