Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

There are adults who may not be aware of 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 interfere with everyday functioning at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Family and marital counseling can be beneficial as well.

Symptoms

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

Inability to keep up with the pace can lead to embarrassment and anger. You might also feel hopeless, lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. It's not an issue if you have ADHD. It's important to recognize that there are ways to overcome your challenges. The first step is to make a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric assessment can be used by a medical specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as collecting information about your medical and psychopathological background. The provider may ask 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 been present prior to the what age diagnose adhd of 12 and continue affecting your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in two or more situations, like at school, work and in your social relationships.

You could miss appointments, make mistakes at home or at work and not be able to meet your obligations if inattention is a problem. You might have difficulty managing your finances and health and may have a hard working through everyday tasks, such as remembering to take medication or going to the doctor for a checkup.

People with 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 trouble waiting in line. Your impulsivity could lead to risky behaviors, such as driving too quickly or spending money in reckless ways.

Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to be passed down through the family, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system during critical developmental phases increase your risk.

Diagnosis

A health professional with an expertise in ADHD can help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview as well as reviewing medical records, school or workplace records as well as family medical histories and a mental screening. A trained professional can also conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that have 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 cause significant difficulties in everyday life.

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

Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretations by family members, friends and colleagues. They may be viewed by others as irresponsible, lazy or a poor employee. In addition, people with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression.

Women are generally better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which may make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. They might use strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, such as frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on tools to compensate for their disorganization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD might also have trouble diagnosing adhd in adults uk their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to experience hyperactive or inattention symptoms.

It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's simply an altered way of thinking and behave that could cause challenges in certain situations.

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

Treatment

People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may struggle to get organized, keep track of school or work obligations and maintain healthy relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like depression, anxiety or changes in mood. Hyperactive or impulsive people might appear to be agitated and may attempt to do many things at the same time. They may fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which can result in miscommunications or relationship issues.

The symptoms of the disorder usually are not recognized until childhood, and many adults who have them do not know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life they might have been labeled a dreamer or a slacker. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood, however, many people who suffer from ADHD experience their symptoms becoming worse. They aren't able to handle all the balls at once working on a job and caring for their family as well as keeping up with errands and housework, as well as maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a patient is suffering from ADHD. The assessment typically involves discussions with relatives, friends and others who are familiar with the person and a physical examination, and a review of a person's medical and mental health background. The person could be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to test executive and working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.

Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant drugs. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD focus better, organize their lives and remember important information. They can also control impulse-driven behaviors. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, yet they can still help improve symptoms. People who have certain health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Certain adults suffering from adhd diagnosis and other conditions might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can teach adults how to manage their symptoms, and how to diagnose adhd in adults to establish healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults suffering from ADHD. These studies help scientists learn more about new methods to identify, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the likelihood of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an extended interview. The examiner will also inquire with you about your children's health history, 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, like anxiety and depression, that require treatment. In fact, it is thought that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD also have a higher risk of substance abuse.

Adults who suffer from ADHD often find it difficult to secure and maintain jobs. They also have a tougher managing their finances and juggling household tasks. Adults with ADHD have an increased risk of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity, and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to be prone to poor eating habits and experience trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.

In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities when they were children. The sample size was not large. An enlargement of the sample might have provided more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has revealed that ADHD is a long-lasting permanent disorder that is seen in adults. It can have a negative impact on living quality and can lead to other issues such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, addiction to alcohol and other drugs. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of incarceration, divorce and an economic disadvantage for those suffering from ADHD.

It is recommended that all adults who have a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days, and then every month thereafter until their symptoms are controlled. Adults who suffer from ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy throughout their lives.