Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Some adults may not be aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult can provide treatment options.

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

Signs and symptoms

If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it may seem as if you're not living up to your potential. As an adult, you could feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel that you can't take on the many responsibilities in front of you. You could be working full-time and caring for your children or an elderly parent and trying to handle household chores and finances.

Your difficulty keeping up can lead to embarrassment, frustration despair, and an eroding of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to understand that there are solutions to overcome your challenges. The first step is an assessment.

A health professional can diagnose ADHD in adults through an exhaustive psychiatric assessment. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, requiring you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining details on your mental health and medical history. The doctor might inquire about the history 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 occurred prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily life. You must also be having difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different situations such as school, work and social relationships.

You could miss appointments, make erroneous mistakes at work or at home and not be able to meet your responsibilities if your inattention is an issue. You might have difficulty managing your health and finances and may have a difficult working through everyday tasks, like making sure you take your medication on time or visiting the doctor for checkups.

For people with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations even more difficult. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions before others are done or have difficulty waiting in lines. Your impulsiveness can result in risky behavior like driving too fast or spending money in reckless ways.

According to studies, genetics and environment play a significant role in the development ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to be inherited from the family, and some researchers believe that problems with your central nervous system during critical developmental phases increase the risk of developing.

Diagnosis

A health care professional who has a specialization in ADHD can assist those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview as well as reviewing medical records, workplace or school records, family medical histories, and a mental assessment. A specialized professional may also conduct a physical examination or lab tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or teenager if symptoms have been present for six months or more and cause significant difficulties in everyday life.

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

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause misinterpretations by family members, friends and coworkers. They could be seen as a lazy, irresponsible person or a poor employee, or simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.

Women tend to be better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they depend on tools and techniques to compensate for their poor time management and disorganization. Women with ADHD might also have trouble diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to experience hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.

It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's merely an altered way of thinking and behave that can create difficulties in certain situations.

In adults, it may be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as people developed. However, the signs of ADHD in adults still match the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.

Treatment

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay organized and complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. Symptoms also can interfere with everyday functioning and lead to mental issues such as depression, anxiety, or shifts in mood. Hyperactive or impulsive people may appear restless, and they might try to do many things at once. They might not finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention click here to others, which could cause confusion or problems with relationships.

ADHD is not often recognized in childhood and many adults with symptoms aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and life they might be viewed as either a dreamer or a slacker. As responsibilities increase in adulthood However, many people who have ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They're not able to handle all the balls they're trying 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 healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with family and friends, as well as other people who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and mental health history. The patient may also be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests can be used to assess executive and working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.

Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also control the impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants, but they can aid in the treatment of ADHD. Before taking stimulants with certain health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to cope with their symptoms, and how to establish healthy family, school and work relationships. Certain adults suffering from ADHD will also be part of clinical studies. These studies allow scientists to gain knowledge about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of a misdiagnosis. The process usually involves an extended interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the history of your child's or your own health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also review your past medical records and perform an examination of your body.

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

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a tough finding and keeping jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are more at risk of developing other health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to have poor eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.

In one study, people who had ADHD who were treated in 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 clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has shown ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative effect on quality of living and can lead to other issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, and alcohol and drugs abuse. If left untreated, ADHD increases the chance of incarceration, divorce and an economic disadvantage for people with ADHD.

It is recommended that all adults with a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days, and then every month thereafter until their symptoms are controlled. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest their lives.