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 must be a major hindrance with daily functioning at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve communication and problem solving skills. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.

Signs and symptoms

If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it could appear 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 get a handle on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You might be full-time at work, caring for aging parents or children, and taking care of household chores.

Your difficulty in keeping up may cause embarrassment, anger despair, and the loss of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD it's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your issues. The first step is to make a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric assessment can be used by a health professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and collecting details about your medical and mental health history. The doctor may 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 the age of 12 and continue to affect your life. You should also be struggling with these behaviors in multiple environments, including at school, work and in your social relationships.

If your inattention is a major issue, you may be late for appointments, make impulsive mistakes at work or at home and fail to fulfill your obligations. You may have trouble managing your health and finances and may have a hard time with simple tasks like remembering to take medication or going to the doctor for checkups.

People with ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You could interrupt other people's conversations or utter answers to questions before they're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in line. Your impulsivity could result in risky behavior like driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

According to studies the genetics and the environment play a significant role in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to run in families and some scientists believe that issues with the central nervous system at crucial developmental points increase your risk for this condition.

Diagnosis

A health care professional who has a specialization in ADHD can help those who are suffering from symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview, a review of medical background, school or work records along with family medical history and an assessment of mental health. A trained professional may also perform a physical exam or laboratory tests to determine if there are other conditions that share 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.

Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can lead to chronic issues which could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, drug abuse and even serious accidents like motor vehicle accidents.

Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretation by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be perceived by others as irresponsible, lazy or a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept in hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their impulsivity and inattention. Or they might rely on strategies and tools to compensate for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women suffering from ADHD might also have difficulty identifying their own symptoms as they are more likely to suffer from symptoms of inattention, not hyperactivity or impulsivity.

It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence. It's just a different way of thinking and behaving that may cause problems in certain settings or situations.

For adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms could 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 make it difficult for people to stay organized and complete their work or school assignments and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. Symptoms also can interfere with daily functioning and cause emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, or changes in mood. People who are hyperactive or impulsive can appear agitated, and they may try to do a variety of things at once. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to others which can lead to miscommunications and relationships issues.

ADHD is usually not acknowledged in the early years and a lot of adults with the symptoms are not aware of it. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker instead of battling to stay ahead in school and everyday life. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience increasing symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying to keep up-to-date with: pursuing a career, caring for family members, juggling chores and household chores, and trying to improve their romantic and social relationships.

A health care provider or mental health professional will determine whether a person has ADHD. The assessment typically involves conversations with family members, friends and others who are familiar with the person, a physical exam, and a review of a person's medical and psychiatric history. The person could also be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests are used to measure executive function and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual capabilities.

Stimulant medications are the most commonly used treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD focus better, organize their lives and keep track of important information. They can also control impulse-driven behaviors. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine, can be used to treat ADHD. They work slower than stimulants, yet nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants with certain health conditions such as diabetes here or high blood pressure, should consult their doctor.

Certain adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms and establish healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies help scientists learn more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD using various assessment inventories can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating ADHD in adult patients will usually conduct an extended interview. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your child's or your own health issues, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. He or she will also go through your past medical records and perform a physical exam.

Many people suffering from ADHD also have other medical or psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it's estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely suffer from mood disorders than the rest of us. People with ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of consuming alcohol.

Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to find and keep jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing other health issues, such as obesity, heart disease and smoking. They are also more likely to have bad eating habits and to struggle to maintain and form relationships with their partners.

In one study, people were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health services when they were children. However the sample size was small. A larger sample size would have provided additional information about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.

Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative effect on the quality of life and lead to other conditions such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, and addiction to alcohol and other drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at a higher chance of being in prison or divorce, as well as having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric issues.

It is advised that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days and every month after that until their symptoms are controlled. Adults with ADHD might need to receive psychotherapy and/or medication for the rest of their lives.