Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult can give treatment options.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must affect everyday functioning at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Marital and family counseling can also be helpful.

Symptoms

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

Your difficulty keeping up can lead to embarrassment, frustration, hopelessness and a loss of confidence. It's not an issue when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to recognize that there are ways to overcome your challenges. The first step is a diagnosis.

A health professional can identify ADHD in adults by performing an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This includes talking with you about symptoms, requiring you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists, and gathering information on your medical and mental health 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 before the age of 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily activities. You must also be having issues with these behaviors at the very least in two different settings which include work, school and social relationships.

You may miss appointments, make mistakes at home or at work and not be able to meet your obligations if your inattention is an issue. You might have trouble managing your health and finances and you may also have problems with tasks that are simple such as remembering to go to the doctor or take your medication.

For people with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations worse. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions before others are done or have difficulty waiting in line. Your impulsiveness could cause risky actions, such as driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner.

Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to be inherited from the family, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system during critical developmental stages increase your risk.

Diagnosis

A health care professional who specializes in adhd diagnosis as an adult can assist in evaluating adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview, a review of medical records, school or workplace records as well as family medical histories and a mental assessment. A specialist may conduct physical examinations or lab tests to rule out other conditions that exhibit 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 difficulties in everyday life.

People who aren't diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with persistent issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents.

Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by friends, relatives and coworkers. They may be viewed by others as irresponsible, lazy or as a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.

Women are more adept in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, for example the frequent distractions and daydreaming or use tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD might also have trouble identifying their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to exhibit inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.

It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capacity. It's merely an alternative behavior and way of thinking that may cause problems in certain situations or environments.

Adults may experience different symptoms as children. Adults who suffer from ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.

Treatment

People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, stay on top of school or work tasks and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning, and cause emotional issues like depression or anxiety. People with hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition may appear restless and try to do several things at once, failing to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people that can cause confusion and problems with relationships.

Symptoms of the disorder often remain unnoticed in childhood, and many adults with them do not know they have ADHD. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker, instead of battling to stay ahead in school and life. Many people suffering from ADHD experience worsening symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're unable to handle all the balls they have to keep up-to-date with: pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, juggling housework and errands, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.

A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if a patient has ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with relatives and friends, as well as other people who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical and mental health history. The patient could be asked to complete the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to determine working memory, executive function and spatial and visual abilities.

Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant medications. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also control impulsive behaviors. Nonstimulant medicines, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They are more slowly than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. Patients with particular health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms and to develop healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults suffering from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about how can i get an adhd diagnosis to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can help improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adult patients will usually conduct an extended interview. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your or your child's health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she could also review your medical records and conduct a physical examination.

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

Adults with ADHD have a hard to find and keep a job. They also have a tougher managing their finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health problems, like obesity, heart disease and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and have difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

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

Research has shown ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative effect on living quality and can lead to other issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, and the abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at an increased risk for incarceration or divorce, as well as having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious mental health issues.

It is advised that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days, and then every month after that until their symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might need receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.