Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult may provide options for treatment.

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 socially. Talk therapy can enhance the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.

Signs and symptoms

It could be that you feel that you are not performing to your full potential if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you may feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel like you're unable to get a handle on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You may be working full-time or caring for elderly parents or children, as well as managing household chores.

Your difficulty in keeping up may result in embarrassment, frustration despair and the loss of confidence. It's not an issue in the event that you suffer from ADHD. It's important to recognize that there are ways to overcome your issues. The first step is a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric assessment can be used by a health specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as collecting information regarding your medical and mental health background. The provider may 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 occurred prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your life. You should also be struggling with these behaviors in two or more environments, including at school, work and in your social interactions.

You may miss appointments, make mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your obligations if your inattention is a problem. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances, and you might also experience difficulty with simple 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 may interrupt conversations, respond to questions after people have finished or have difficulty waiting in lines. Your impulsiveness could lead to dangerous activities, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

According to studies the genetics and the environment play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to be passed down through the family, and some scientists believe that problems with your central nervous system at critical developmental phases increase the risk of developing.

Diagnosis

A health specialist who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview, a review of medical history, work or school records along with family medical history and a mental health screening. A trained professional can also conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to rule other conditions with similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for six months or more, and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.

Undiagnosed or neglected ADHD can lead to chronic issues which could have been prevented or treated. This can lead depression, family issues, financial stress or work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents.

Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretation by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen as irresponsible, lazy or a poor employee, or just plain crazy. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression.

Women are more adept in securing their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult for them to get a proper diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, like frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on devices to compensate for their disorganization and ineffective time management. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.

It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's simply an altered way of thinking and behave that may cause problems in certain situations.

In adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms could have changed as they grew up. 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 individuals to have difficulty to stay on track, complete their work and school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. The symptoms can also affect daily functioning, and cause emotional issues like depression or anxiety. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the disorder may seem agitated and may try to accomplish several things at once, failing to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to others which can lead to miscommunications and relationship problems.

ADHD is often not recognized as a child, and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life they might be viewed as a dreamer or a slacker. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They can't manage all the balls at once working on a job and taking care of family members and juggling with housework and errands, and maintaining social and romantic relationships.

A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person suffers from ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members or friends who know the person, a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical history. The patient may be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests are used to measure working memory and executive function as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.

Stimulant medication is the most frequently used treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD improve their focus and manage their lives, remember important information and tasks and manage impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can get more info also be used to treat ADHD. They perform slower than stimulants, yet they can still help improve symptoms. Patients with certain health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.

Some adults with ADHD may benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms, and how to establish healthy school, family and workplace relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are also enrolled in clinical studies. These trials allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating ADHD in adult patients will often conduct an extended interview. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your child's or your own health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also review your past medical records and conduct physical examination.

Many people who suffer from ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, such depression and anxiety that require treatment. In fact, it is believed that those with ADHD are six times more likely to have mood disorders than others. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a greater risk of substance abuse.

Adults who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time to find and keep jobs. They also have difficulty managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing health problems, like heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to have bad eating habits and to have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.

In one study, those with ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as children were diagnosed with ADHD into adulthood. However, the size of the sample was small. An expansion of the sample might provide more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its connection with other psychiatric disorders.

Research has proven that ADHD is a long-lasting permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of life and can result in a range of comorbidities, such as mood disorders, learning disabilities and alcohol and drug abuse. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated or divorce, as well as a lower social economic status for those with ADHD.

Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial 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 receiving psychotherapy or medication for the rest of their lives.