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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

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

Symptoms

You may feel like you are not living up to your full potential if have ADHD symptoms. As an adult, you could feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel you're unable take on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You could be working full-time as well as caring for your elderly parents or children, or managing household chores.

Your inability to keep up may cause embarrassment and frustration. You might also feel hopeless, lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. If you have ADHD it's not your fault. But it's important to know that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is the process of diagnosing.

A thorough psychiatric examination can be utilized by a medical specialist to diagnose ADHD in adults. This may include speaking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering information regarding your medical and mental health history. 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 affecting your life. You must also be having difficulty with these behaviors at the very least in two different situations which include work, school and social relationships.

You could miss appointments, make mistakes at work or home, and fail to fulfill your obligations if your inattention is a problem. You might have trouble managing your health and finances, and you could also be having difficulties with everyday tasks such as remembering to go to the doctor or taking your medication.

People with ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You might interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or have trouble waiting in line. Your impulsiveness could result in risky behavior, such as driving too fast or spending money in a reckless manner.

According to research, genetics and environment play a significant role in the development ADHD. The symptoms tend to run in families and some scientists believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the chances of developing this disorder.

Diagnosis

A health care specialist who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate those who have symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation consists of an interview and a review of medical background, school or work records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical examination and/or lab tests to determine if there are other conditions that may have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cause significant impairment in everyday activities.

Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can lead to long-term problems that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead depression, family issues and financial stress as well as work-related stress, substance abuse, and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents.

Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to misinterpretations by family members, friends and colleagues. They may be perceived as irresponsible, lazy or even simply crazy. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.

Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This can Gp diagnose adhd make it more difficult to get the correct diagnosis. They might use distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. They may also use methods and tools to make up for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty in recognizing their own symptoms since they tend to have symptoms of inattention rather than an impulsive or hyperactivity.

It's important to understand that ADHD isn't an indicator of intelligence or capacity. It's just a different approach to thinking and acting that could cause difficulties in certain situations or environments.

In adults, it may be difficult to identify ADHD because the symptoms may have changed over time as they developed. However, the 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

People with undiagnosed ADHD may struggle to get organized, keep track of work or school tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and can trigger emotional issues such as anxiety or depression. People who suffer from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition may appear restless and try to do several things at once, failing to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may be unable to pay attention to others, which can lead to misunderstandings or relationship issues.

ADHD is often not recognized in the early years and a lot of adults with symptoms aren't aware that they have it. Instead of struggling to keep pace in school and life, they may have been labeled an overachiever or a dreamer. As the demands of adulthood increase, however, many people who have ADHD find their symptoms grow worse. They can't manage all the balls at once such as pursuing a career or taking care of family members as well as keeping up with housework and errands, and maintaining romantic and social relationships.

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

Stimulant medication is the most frequently used treatment for adults with ADHD. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help those with ADHD better focus and organize their lives, recall important information and tasks and control an impulsive behaviour. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants or atomoxetine, may be used to treat ADHD. They perform slower than stimulants, but still improve symptoms. Patients with particular health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes must consult with their doctor prior to taking stimulants.

Some adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior therapy, coaching self-help groups, or vocational counseling. These interventions can teach adults how can i get diagnosed with adhd to manage their ADHD symptoms and to establish healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Some adults with ADHD also will participate in clinical trials. These trials allow scientists to learn more about how to treat, diagnose and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough evaluation of adult ADHD utilizing several assessment inventories can help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis. The process typically involves an extended interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating ADHD in adults. The examiner may also inquire about the background of your or your child's health problems, family dynamics and lifestyle choices. The evaluator might also look over your medical records and conduct a physical examination.

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

Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty to find and keep jobs. They also have a difficult managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of developing other health problems, like obesity, heart disease and smoking. Additionally, they are more likely to have poor eating habits and are more likely to have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, people who had ADHD who were treated in minor mental health services as young children continued to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. The sample size was not large. An enlargement of the sample might have provided more details about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has shown that ADHD is a chronic and persistent disorder that affects adults. It has a negative impact on quality of life and can result in a number of comorbid conditions including mood disorders, learning disabilities as well as alcohol and drug abuse. People who are not treated for ADHD are at a greater risk of being incarcerated, divorce, having a lower socioeconomic status, and more serious psychiatric problems.

It is recommended that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be examined within 30 days, and then every month after that until the symptoms are managed. Adults with ADHD might need to continue receiving pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for the rest of their lives.