Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could provide treatment options.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be a major hindrance with your daily activities at work, home and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial.

Signs and symptoms

It could be that you feel that you are not living up to your full potential if suffer from ADHD symptoms. You might be overwhelmed as an adult with your obligations. 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 can cause frustration and embarrassment. You might also feel depressed and lose confidence. You may even feel embarrassed. If you have ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are ways to overcome your issues. The first step is a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be utilized by a health care professional to determine ADHD in adults. This involves talking to you about symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom lists and obtaining information about your medical and mental health history. The doctor might inquire about the background 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 been present prior to age 12 and continue to interfere with your daily life. You must also be having difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different settings which include work, school and social relationships.

You could miss appointments, make erroneous mistakes at home or at work, and fail to fulfill your obligations if your lack of attention is an issue. You might have trouble managing your health and finances, and you might also experience difficulty with simple tasks such as making sure you visit the doctor or take your medication.

For people with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations even worse. You may interrupt conversations with other people or utter answers to questions before you're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in a line. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior like driving too quickly or spending money in reckless ways.

According to studies, genetics and environment are key factors in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be inherited from families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase the risk for this condition.

Diagnosis

A health care professional who has an expertise in ADHD can help those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview, a review of medical background, school or work records along with family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialized professional also may perform a physical exam or tests in the laboratory to identify other conditions that share similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for six months or more and are causing significant impairments in daily life.

Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can cause chronic problems which could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family issues financial or work-related stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents.

Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and colleagues. They may be viewed by others as lazy, irresponsible or a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.

Women tend to be better in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming in order to hide their inattentiveness and impulsivity. They may also use strategies and tools to help them overcome their lack of time management and lack of organization. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty diagnosing their own symptoms, as they are more likely to suffer from inattentive symptoms rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.

It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's just a different approach to thinking and acting that could cause difficulties in certain settings or situations.

Adults may exhibit different symptoms in comparison to children. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria of the add diagnostic criteria adults and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.

Treatment

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle to stay organized, complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy relationships with others. The symptoms can also affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like anxiety or depression. People who are hyperactive or impulsive may appear restless, and may attempt to do many things simultaneously. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to others that can cause confusion and relationships issues.

ADHD is often not recognized in the early years and a lot of adults with symptoms aren't aware that they have it. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and daily life. As responsibilities increase in adulthood however, many who have ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying to keep in the air--pursuing an occupation, caring for family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and working on social and romantic relationships.

A mental health professional or health care provider will determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with family and friends, as well as other people who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and a review of the person's medical and psychiatric history. The patient could be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological testing may be done to assess executive function, working memory and spatial and visual skills.

Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD focus better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also manage the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may also be used to treat ADHD. They work more slowly than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, people who suffer from certain health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their physician.

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

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an lengthy interview. The evaluation will also ask you about your the child's previous health issues, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also go through your past medical records and perform physical examination.

Many people suffering from ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it is estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of consuming alcohol.

Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a harder managing finances and staying on top of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at chance of developing health issues, such as heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and experience difficulties forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in a minor mental health clinic when they were children. However the sample size was small. An enlargement of the sample would have provided more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has revealed that ADHD is a chronic, persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative impact on quality of life and can lead to a variety of comorbid conditions, like learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a greater risk of being incarcerated and divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious mental health issues.

Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or a new ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.