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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult may provide possibilities for treatment.

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 home, work and socially. Talk therapy can enhance the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.

Symptoms

You might feel that you are not performing to your full potential when you have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the responsibilities you have and feel that you can't manage the many tasks in front of you. You might be working full time and caring for your children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.

Your difficulty keeping up can cause embarrassment, anger, hopelessness and an eroding of confidence. If you suffer from ADHD It's not your fault. It's important to understand that there are ways to overcome your challenges. The first step is to make a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be used by a health care specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This involves speaking with you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptom lists, and gathering information on your mental health and medical background. 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 before the age of 12 and have continued to impact your life. You should also be experiencing difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different settings which include work, school and social interactions.

You could miss appointments, make mistakes at work or home, and fail to fulfill your responsibilities if your inattention is an issue. You might have trouble managing your finances and health, and you could also be having difficulties with everyday tasks like making sure you visit the doctor or taking your medication.

People with ADHD are prone to making difficult situations more difficult by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or have difficulty waiting in the line. Your impulsiveness can result in risky behavior like driving too fast or spending money in reckless ways.

According to studies the genetics and the environment play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms are more likely to run in families, and some researchers believe that issues with the central nervous system at key developmental points increase your chances of developing this disorder.

Diagnosis

A health professional who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical assessment includes an interview, reviewing medical records, school or workplace records as well as family medical histories and a mental assessment. A specialist may conduct physical examinations and/or lab tests to rule other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. A diagnosis of adhd in adults diagnostic criteria is only given to an adult or adolescent when symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.

People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with ongoing issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can cause depression, family problems financial or work-related stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.

Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of being misunderstood by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen as irresponsible, lazy or even simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.

Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it harder to get an accurate diagnosis. They may resort to strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, like frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and lack of time management skills. Women suffering from ADHD might also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they are more likely to suffer from inattentive symptoms rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.

It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's simply an alternative behavior and way of thinking that may cause problems in certain situations or environments.

Adults may exhibit different symptoms in comparison to children. However, the symptoms of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria for adhd diagnosis listed in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.

Treatment

Undiagnosed ADHD can cause individuals to have difficulty to stay on track, complete their work or school assignments, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger mental issues such as anxiety, depression or mood swings. People with hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the disorder may seem agitated and attempt to complete multiple things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which could cause confusion or relationship problems.

ADHD is not often recognized in the early years and a lot of adults with the symptoms aren't aware that they have it. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, a snob, slacker or troublemaker instead of struggling to stay on top in school and everyday life. Many people suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms as their obligations increase. They can't manage all the balls that are flying - pursuing a career and caring for their family and juggling with errands and housework, and maintaining social and romantic relationships.

A health care provider or mental health professional will assess whether a person has ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the person as well as a physical exam and a review of a person's medical history. The person could also be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist for symptoms. Psychological tests are used to test executive and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.

Stimulant drugs are the most common treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They can help people suffering from ADHD to focus better and organize their lives, remember important information and tasks and manage their impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants but still aid in the treatment of ADHD. Before taking stimulants who suffer from certain health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult their doctor.

Some adults with ADHD may benefit from behavioral coaching, individual therapy self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how to cope with their symptoms, and how to build healthy family, school and workplace relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults who suffer from ADHD. These trials allow scientists to learn more about how to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of adult ADHD using a variety of assessment tools can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the likelihood of a misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in treating ADHD in adults will often conduct an lengthy interview. The examiner may also inquire about the history of your your child's health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator could also review your medical records and perform a physical examination.

Many people who suffer from ADHD have other psychiatric disorders or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety that require treatment. It is estimated that people who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to suffer from mood disorders. People with ADHD also are at a higher risk of using drugs.

Adults who suffer from ADHD have a hard time finding and keeping jobs. They also have a difficult time managing finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity and smoking. In addition, they are more likely to suffer from poor eating habits and have trouble forming and keeping romantic relationships.

In one study, individuals who had ADHD who diagnosis adhd were treated in mental health services as young children were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. The sample size was small. An expansion of the sample would have provided more information about the pathology of ADHD in adulthood and its relationship to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has proven that ADHD is a chronic and persistent disorder that affects adults. It has a negative effect on the quality of life, and can result in a number of comorbid conditions such as mood disorders, learning disabilities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. People who are not treated for ADHD are at an increased risk for incarceration or divorce, as well as being less socioeconomically stable and more serious psychiatric problems.

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