Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could open up 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 life at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.

Symptoms

If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD, it may seem like you're failing to live up to your potential. As an adult, you might be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel you're unable take on the many responsibilities in front of you. You may be full-time at work or caring for elderly parents or children, as well as managing household chores.

Your difficulty keeping up can result in embarrassment, frustration despair and an eroding of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD It's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your difficulties. The first step in the process of diagnosing.

A health professional can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves speaking with you about symptoms, requiring you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD list of symptoms and obtaining information about your medical and mental health background. The provider may also ask you to provide information 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 been present prior to age 12 and continue to interfere with your daily activities. You should also be experiencing difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different settings, including school, work and social interactions.

If your inattention is a serious problem, you might be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home and fail to fulfill your obligations. You may have trouble managing your finances and health and may have a difficult time with simple tasks like making sure you take your medication on time or visiting the doctor for checkups.

For those with ADHD the tendency to think before acting can make difficult situations more difficult. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions before people are finished or have difficulty waiting in the line. Your impulsivity might result in dangerous activities, like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

According to research that have been conducted, environment and genetics play a significant role in the development ADHD. The symptoms tend to be passed down through families and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase the chance of developing this condition.

Diagnosis

A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment consists of an interview and reviewing medical records, workplace or school records, family medical histories, and a mental assessment. A specialist may also perform a physical exam or laboratory tests to determine if there are other conditions that may 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 impairments in daily life.

People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD may struggle all their lives with chronic difficulties which could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family problems and financial stress, as well as work-related issues, substance abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle crashes.

Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood and criticized by family members, friends and coworkers. They may be viewed by others as lazy, irresponsible or even a poor employee. Additionally, those with undiagnosed ADHD are at greater risk for anxiety and depression.

Women are more adept at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it more difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They might use strategies to hide their inattention or impulsivity, for example frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on tools to compensate for their disorganization and lack of time management skills. Women who suffer from ADHD also might have trouble in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.

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

In adults, it may be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms may have changed over time as they developed. Adults who suffer from ADHD still fit the criteria of the Diagnostic 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. Symptoms can also interfere with the daily routine and trigger anxiety or depression. Hyperactive or impulsive people may appear restless, and they might try to do a variety of things simultaneously. They might not complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which could cause confusion or relationship issues.

ADHD is often not recognized as a child, and a lot of adults with the symptoms aren't aware that they have it. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They're not able to manage all the balls in the air working on a job and caring for family, while also keeping up with chores at home and errands and maintaining social and romantic relationships.

A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if a patient has ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical history. The person may be asked to complete the standardized ADHD ratings scales or a checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests are used to assess executive function and working memory as well as visual and spatial abilities.

Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant medications. These drugs balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD improve their focus, organize their lives, remember important information and tasks, and manage the impulsive behavior. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They work more slowly than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Patients with certain health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should talk to 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 manage their symptoms and to develop healthy school, family and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted with some adults with ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and decrease the risk of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with experience treating ADHD in adults will usually conduct an extended interview. The evaluator may also ask about the background of your your child's health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. He or she will also go through your past medical records and perform physical examination.

Many people suffering from ADHD also have other medical or psychiatric conditions such as anxiety or depression, which must be treated. In fact, it's estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People with ADHD are also at a higher risk of using drugs.

Adults with ADHD have a hard finding and keeping a job. They also have a harder time managing finances and keeping track of household tasks. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing health problems, like obesity, heart disease and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and experience difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, people who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as young children were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. The sample size was not large. An expansion of the sample could have provided here more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has shown ADHD to be a chronic and persistent disorder in adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life and can result in a range of comorbidities, including learning disabilities, mood disorders and abuse of alcohol and drugs. Untreated ADHD increases the risk of incarceration or divorce, as well as a lower socioeconomic status for people with ADHD.

All adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until symptoms are under control. Adults with ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest of their lives.