Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of 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 significantly interfere with your daily activities at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can improve communication and problem solving skills. Family and marital counseling can also be helpful.

Symptoms

If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it could appear like you're failing to live up to your potential. You may be overwhelmed as an adult by your responsibilities. You could be working full-time, caring for children or an elderly parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.

Your inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and anger. You may also feel depressed and lose confidence. You may even be embarrassed. It's not an issue in the event that you suffer from ADHD. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your issues. The first step to the process of diagnosing.

A thorough psychiatric assessment can be used by a health care specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering information about your medical and mental health background. The doctor may also ask you about your family's 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 been present prior to age 12 and have continued to impact your life. You must also be having difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different settings which include work, school and social relationships.

If your inattention is a significant problem, you might skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and fail to follow through on your responsibilities. You may have trouble managing your finances and health and may have a difficult to complete simple tasks, such as making sure you take your medication on time or visiting the doctor for a checkup.

For those with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make difficult situations worse. You might disrupt conversations with others, blurt out answers to questions before you're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsivity could result in risky behavior like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

According to research, genetics and environment play a significant role in the development ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to be passed down through families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the chances of developing this disorder.

Diagnosis

A health care professional with an expertise in ADHD can assist people who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview and reviewing medical records, school or workplace records and family medical histories and a mental assessment. A trained professional may also perform a physical exam or tests in the laboratory to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given where to diagnose adhd an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and are causing significant impairments in daily life.

People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD might struggle throughout their lives with persistent issues which could have been avoided or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.

Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by friends, relatives and coworkers. They might be viewed as lazy, irresponsible or a poor employee, or simply crazy. In addition, people with undiagnosed adhd symptoms for diagnosis are more at risk for anxiety and depression.

Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They may employ strategies to hide their inattentiveness or impulsivity, for example frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on tools to compensate for their disorganization and lack of time management skills. Women with ADHD might also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to exhibit hyperactive or inattentive symptoms.

It's important to remember that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capability. It's merely an altered way of thinking and behave that can create challenges in certain situations.

In adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because the symptoms could have changed over time as they grew up. However, the symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.

Treatment

People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, keep track of school or work obligations and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as depression, anxiety or shifts in mood. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes the disorder may seem agitated and may try to accomplish several things at once, and fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They can have trouble paying attention to other people that can cause confusion and relationships issues.

ADHD is often not recognized as a child, and a lot of adults with the symptoms are unaware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in their studies and daily life, they may have been labelled as an overachiever or a dreamer. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from more severe symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They are unable to manage all the balls they have to keep in the air--pursuing a career, caring for family members, keeping up with housework and errands, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.

A health care professional or mental health professional will determine whether a person suffers 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 psychiatric background. The patient may also be asked to complete standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests can be used to assess executive function and working memory as well as visual and spatial capabilities.

Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant drugs. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives and keep track of important information. They also help control impulse-driven behaviors. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants or atomoxetine, may also be used to treat ADHD. They work more slowly than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Patients with certain health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes, should talk to their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching, individual therapy group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how do you get diagnosed with adhd in adults to cope with their symptoms, and how to build healthy school, family and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults suffering from ADHD. These studies help scientists gain knowledge about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders such as ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in treating ADHD in adults will often conduct an extended interview. The evaluation specialist may also inquire about the background of your child's or your own health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator will also look over your previous medical records and conduct a physical exam.

Many people suffering from ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety, which need to be treated. In fact, it's thought that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders than other people. People with ADHD are also at a higher risk of substance abuse.

Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to get adhd diagnosis and keep jobs. They also have a difficult managing their finances and juggling household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at risk of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to have bad eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in a minor mental health clinic as children. However, the sample size was small. A larger sample size could provide additional information on the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.

Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a chronic and persistent problem for adults. It can have a negative effect on quality of living and may lead to other health issues like mood disorders, learning disabilities, and addiction to alcohol and other drugs. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated or divorce, as well as a lower social economic status for those with ADHD.

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