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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

There are adults who may not be aware of ADHD symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms as an adult may give 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 activities at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the ability to communicate and problem solve. Counseling for families and marriage can be beneficial.

Symptoms

If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD it could appear that you're not living up to your potential. You might be overwhelmed as an adult by your responsibilities. You may be working full time, caring for children or an aging parent, and trying to manage household chores and finances.

Your difficulty keeping up can result in embarrassment, frustration despair and an eroding of confidence. It's not your problem when you suffer from ADHD. It's important to realize that there are solutions to overcome your challenges. The first step is a diagnosis.

A health professional can diagnose ADHD in adults through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, having you complete standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering details about your medical and psychiatric history. The doctor may 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 prior to age 12 and continue affecting your life. You may also have issues with these behaviors in two or more situations, like at work, school, and in your 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 follow through on your responsibilities. You might have trouble managing your finances and health, and you might also experience problems with tasks that are simple like remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication.

In people with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make stressful situations more difficult. You may interrupt conversations, answer questions before people are finished or struggle to wait in line. Your impulsiveness can lead to risky behaviors, such as driving too quickly or spending money in a reckless manner.

According to studies the genetics and the environment play a major role in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD tend to run in the family, and some researchers believe that issues with your central nervous system during critical developmental phases increase your risk.

Diagnosis

A health professional who specializes in ADHD can assist in evaluating adults with symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and review of medical history, school or work records along with family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to identify other conditions that share similar symptoms. For an adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment to daily life functions.

diagnose adhd with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with chronic difficulties which could have been avoided or treated. This can cause depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents such as motor crashes.

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

Women are generally better at hiding their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. They might use strategies to disguise their inattention or impulsivity, such as frequent distractions and daydreaming, or rely on tools to help them cope with their lack of organization and poor time management skills. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to suffer from hyperactive or inattention symptoms.

It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not an indicator of intelligence. It's merely an altered approach to thinking and acting that could cause difficulties in certain situations or environments.

Adults may experience different symptoms as children. However, the symptoms of ADHD in adults still match the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.





Treatment

People with undiagnosed ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, keep track of work or school tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect the daily routine and trigger emotional issues like depression or anxiety. People who are impulsive or hyperactive can appear agitated, and they might try to do a variety of things simultaneously. They may not be able to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may have difficulty paying attention to others, which could cause confusion or relationship problems.

ADHD is not often recognized in childhood and many adults with the symptoms aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life they may have been labeled an overachiever or a dreamer. As the responsibilities grow in adulthood, however, many people who have ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They can't manage all the balls that are flying such as pursuing a career or caring for family as well as keeping up with housework and errands, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.

A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person suffers from ADHD. The evaluation involves a discussion with family members as well as friends and family members who are familiar with the individual, a physical examination, and a review a person's medical history. The person could be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales or an assessment checklist of symptoms. Psychological tests can be used to assess executive function and working memory as well as visual and spatial capabilities.

Stimulant medication is the most frequently used treatment for adults with ADHD. These medications balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD improve their focus and organize their lives, keep track of important information and tasks and manage their impulsive behavior. Other treatments for ADHD include non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and antidepressants, which work more slowly than stimulants but still improve the symptoms of ADHD. Patients with particular health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.

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

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. The process often includes an extended interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in treating ADHD in adults. The evaluator may also ask about the background of your your child's health problems as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They might also look over your medical records and perform an examination of your physical.

Many people with ADHD also have other mental or physical disorders like anxiety and depression, that need to be treated. In fact, it is believed that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to have mood disorders than others. People with ADHD are also at a higher-than-average risk of substance abuse.

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

In one study, adults who were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health services when they were children. However, the sample size was very small. A larger sample size could have provided more information on the clinical course and the relationship of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.

Research has proven ADHD to be a long-lasting and persistent disorder among adults. It can have a negative impact on the quality of life, and can lead to a range of comorbidities, like mood disorders, learning disabilities and alcohol and drug abuse. If left untreated, ADHD increases the risk of being incarcerated and divorce as well as a lower social economic status for people with ADHD.

It is recommended that all adults who have a new diagnosis or uncontrolled symptoms of ADHD be seen within 30 days and every month thereafter until their symptoms are controlled. Adults with ADHD might need to continue receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy for the rest of their lives.