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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult could open up treatment options.

To be being diagnosed with adhd as an adult with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must interfere with daily functioning, at home, work and in social settings. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem-solve. Marital and family counseling can also be beneficial.

Symptoms

If you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD it could appear as if you're not living up to your potential. You may be overwhelmed as an adult due to your obligations. You might be working full time and caring for your children or an elderly parent and trying to manage household chores and finances.

Your difficulty keeping up can lead to embarrassment, frustration despair, and a loss of confidence. If you have ADHD, it's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are ways to overcome your challenges. The first step is the process of diagnosing.

A thorough psychiatric assessment can be performed by a health professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, as well as gathering information regarding your medical and psychiatric background. The provider may ask 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 occurred prior to age 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily activities. You must also be having issues with these behavior issues at least in two different situations, including school, work and social interactions.

If your inattention is a major issue, you may skip appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your responsibilities. You might have trouble managing your health and finances and you may also have difficulty with simple tasks such as remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication.

For those with ADHD, the tendency to think before acting can make stressful situations worse. You may interrupt other people's conversations, blurt out answers to questions before you're completed, or struggle to wait your turn in a line. Your impulsivity could cause risky actions like driving too quickly or spending money in reckless ways.

Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to be passed down through the family, and some researchers believe that problems with your central nervous system at crucial developmental stages increase your risk.

Diagnosis

A health care professional who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate those who have symptoms of the disorder. An evaluation typically includes an interview and a review of medical background, school or work records, family medical history and a mental health screening. A specialist may conduct physical examinations and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for six months or more, and are causing significant difficulties in everyday life.

Undiagnosed or not treated ADHD can lead to chronic issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family problems, work-related or financial stress as well as substance abuse, and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.

Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretations by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen by others as lazy, unreliable or even a bad employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety.

Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult to get the correct diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to disguise their impulsivity and inattention. They may also use methods and tools to compensate for their poor time management and disorganization. Women suffering from ADHD also might have trouble in recognizing their own symptoms since they tend to have symptoms of inattention, not an impulsive or hyperactivity.

It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capability. It's merely a different behavior and way of thinking that can cause challenges in certain settings or situations.

In adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms may have changed as they developed. However, 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

Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay organized, complete their work and school assignments and maintain healthy relationships with others. Symptoms can also interfere with the daily routine and trigger depression or anxiety. People with hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition can appear agitated and may try to accomplish several things at once, and fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or relationship problems.

ADHD is usually not acknowledged in the early years and a lot of adults suffering from the disorder are unaware that they have it. They might have been viewed as a dreamer, a snob or a slacker, instead of battling to stay ahead in school and everyday life. Many people with ADHD suffer from increasing symptoms as their responsibilities increase. They can't manage all the balls in the air working on a job and caring for family and juggling with housework and errands, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider will determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members, friends, and others who are familiar with the individual as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical history. The person could also be asked to complete standardized ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to test executive function and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual capabilities.

Adults with ADHD are usually treated by stimulant medications. These drugs 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 impulsive behaviors. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine, can also be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, but nevertheless, they can improve symptoms. Before taking stimulants, those with certain health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their physician.

Some adults with ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching, individual therapy group, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms and establish healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults with ADHD. These studies allow scientists to discover more about how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults using several assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and minimize misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended discussion with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner will also inquire with you about your or the child's previous health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They will also look over your previous medical records and perform an examination of your body.

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

Adults with ADHD have a hard finding and keeping a job. They also have a tougher managing their finances and keeping track of household tasks. Adults with ADHD have an increased chance of developing other health problems, like obesity, heart disease, and smoking. They are also more likely to have bad eating habits and to have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.

In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after being diagnosed with adhd as an Adult treated in a minor mental health clinic as children. However the sample size was very small. A larger sample size would have provided more information on the clinical course and relationship of ADHD in adults with other psychiatric conditions.

Research has revealed that ADHD is a long-lasting and persistent disorder that affects adults. It has a negative effect on quality of life and can cause number of comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as alcohol and drug abuse. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of incarceration or divorce, as well as an economic disadvantage for those with ADHD.

Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or an initial ADHD diagnosis should be examined within 30 to 60 days, and after that every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults suffering from ADHD may need to continue receiving psychotherapy or therapy with pharmacotherapy for the remainder of their lives.